Word Error: Add-In Cannot Be Loaded — Disable Steps

You see a dialog box in Word that states an add-in cannot be loaded. This error stops the add-in from working and may cause Word to show repeated warnings or crash during startup. The cause is a corrupted, incompatible, or incorrectly installed add-in that Word cannot initialize. This article explains why this error occurs and provides the exact steps to disable the problematic add-in.

Why Word Displays the Add-In Cannot Be Loaded Error

Word loads add-ins during startup or when you open a document that requires them. An add-in is a separate program or template that extends Word’s features. Common examples include grammar checkers, citation managers, and PDF converters.

The error appears when Word tries to load the add-in but fails. The root causes include:

Corrupted Add-In Files

The add-in file (such as a .dll, .dotm, or .wll) may be partially downloaded, damaged by a disk error, or modified by another program. Word cannot read the file’s code correctly and refuses to load it.

Incompatible Add-In Version

An add-in built for an older version of Word (such as Word 2010) may not work in Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. The add-in’s code uses functions or interfaces that no longer exist, causing Word to fail when it tries to call those functions.

Missing Dependencies

Some add-ins rely on other software, like a specific version of the .NET Framework, Visual C++ Redistributable, or a companion application. If that dependency is missing or outdated, the add-in cannot initialize.

Permission Issues

Word may not have permission to read the add-in file from its installation folder. This occurs when the add-in is installed for one user account but Word runs under a different account, or when antivirus software blocks the file.

Steps to Disable the Add-In That Cannot Be Loaded

Use one of the following methods to disable the add-in. Start with Method 1 because it covers the most common add-in type.

Method 1: Disable a COM Add-In

1. Open Word Options
   Click File on the ribbon, then click Options at the bottom of the left pane.
2. Go to the Add-Ins section
   In the Word Options dialog, click Add-Ins in the left navigation list.
3. Select COM Add-Ins in the Manage list
   At the bottom of the Add-Ins page, locate the Manage dropdown. Click it and select COM Add-Ins. Then click the Go button next to the dropdown.
4. Uncheck the faulty add-in
   In the COM Add-Ins dialog, you see a list of installed COM add-ins. Clear the checkbox next to the add-in that shows the cannot be loaded error. If you are unsure which one is faulty, uncheck all add-ins to confirm.
5. Click OK and restart Word
   Click OK to close the COM Add-Ins dialog. Close and reopen Word. The error should no longer appear.

Method 2: Disable a Word Add-In (Template or WLL)

1. Open Word Options
   Click File > Options.
2. Go to Add-Ins
   Click Add-Ins in the left pane.
3. Select Word Add-Ins in the Manage list
   In the Manage dropdown, select Word Add-Ins. Click Go.
4. Clear the checkbox for the add-in
   In the Templates and Add-Ins dialog, uncheck the add-in that shows the error. Word add-ins usually have a .dotm or .wll extension.
5. Click OK and restart Word
   Click OK to save changes. Restart Word to verify the error is gone.

Method 3: Use Safe Mode to Confirm the Add-In Is the Cause

1. Start Word in Safe Mode
   Press and hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard. While holding Ctrl, double-click the Word icon. A dialog asks if you want to start Word in Safe Mode. Click Yes.
2. Check if the error appears
   In Safe Mode, Word loads without any add-ins. If the error does not appear, an add-in is definitely the cause.
3. Exit Safe Mode and disable add-ins
   Close Word normally. Then follow Method 1 or Method 2 to disable the specific add-in.

If Word Still Has Issues After Disabling the Add-In

The Add-In Reappears After Restarting Word

Some add-ins are forced to reload by registry settings or startup scripts. Open the COM Add-Ins dialog again and see if the add-in is checked again. If it is, the add-in may be installed by a Group Policy or a corporate management tool. Contact your IT administrator to remove the add-in centrally.

Word Crashes When You Open the Add-Ins Dialog

If Word crashes before you can reach the Add-Ins options, delete the add-in registry key manually. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\Addins (or 15.0 for Office 2013). Right-click the subkey for the faulty add-in and select Delete. Restart Word.

The Error Points to a Specific Add-In That Is Part of Office

Some built-in Office add-ins like Power Map or Power View can also fail. Go to File > Options > Add-Ins. In the Manage list, select Disabled Items and click Go. If the add-in appears in the disabled list, select it and click Enable. Then restart Word.

COM Add-Ins vs Word Add-Ins vs Disabled Items

Item	COM Add-In	Word Add-In (Template/WLL)	Disabled Items
Description	A compiled .dll or .exe that extends Word features	A .dotm template or .wll file that adds macros and toolbars	Add-ins that Word automatically disabled after a crash
Manage location	File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage COM Add-Ins > Go	File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage Word Add-Ins > Go	File > Options > Add-Ins > Manage Disabled Items > Go
Common file extensions	.dll, .exe	.dotm, .wll	None (registry-based)
Removal effect	Removes the feature permanently until re-enabled	Removes macros and custom templates	Restores the add-in to working state

You can now disable any add-in that triggers the cannot be loaded error in Word. Start with the COM Add-Ins dialog because most third-party add-ins use that format. If the error persists, use Safe Mode to isolate the add-in, then disable it from the correct management dialog. For add-ins that re-enable themselves automatically, check the registry or contact your IT department.