Software
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 download lets you schedule and join calls without leaving your favorite apps.
Struggling to integrate Microsoft Lync meetings directly into your Office 2013 suite? The Lync Meeting Add-In bridges this gap, letting you schedule and join meetings straight from Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint—without leaving your workflow.
Below, I’ll show you where to get the official version, how to install it in just 3 steps, and what to do if it doesn’t work.
Where to download the official Lync Meeting add-in for Office 2013
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Office 2013 was designed to streamline meeting management by embedding Lync functionality directly into your Office applications. However, Microsoft no longer hosts direct downloads on their public-facing sites, forcing users to rely on archived Microsoft resources or trusted repositories.
I’ll guide you through the safest ways to obtain this add-in while avoiding malware risks from unofficial sources.
Before downloading, verify your system meets the minimum requirements: Windows 7/8/10, Office 2013 (32-bit or 64-bit), and Lync 2013 Client installed separately. The add-in won’t work without these prerequisites, so double-check your setup to avoid wasted time.
⚠️ Critical Note: Microsoft ended official support for Lync in 2018, replacing it with Microsoft Teams. While the add-in still functions, it may face compatibility issues with modern systems. Proceed with caution if your organization still relies on Lync.
- Step 1: Navigate to Microsoft’s archive portal using this direct link: Microsoft Lync Meeting Add-In for Office 2013. This is the official archived source hosted by Microsoft.
- Step 2: Select the 32-bit or 64-bit version matching your Office 2013 installation. Mismatched versions cause installation failures. Use System Information (Win + Pause/Break) to confirm your system architecture.
- Step 3: Click "Download" and save the MSI installer to your desktop. Avoid third-party download managers, as they may bundle adware. Use Microsoft Edge or Chrome for the safest experience.
- Step 4: If the download is blocked by your corporate firewall or antivirus, request a temporary exception for the Microsoft archive domain (.microsoft.com). Provide your IT team with the file hash (SHA-256) for verification.
- Step 5: After downloading, verify the file integrity by checking its properties. The Lync Meeting Add-In should be labeled as "LyncMeetingAddIn.msi" with a file size of approximately 1.2 MB. Any deviations may indicate corruption or tampering.
If Microsoft’s archive is unreachable, your next best option is the Microsoft Download Center via the Wayback Machine (archive.org). Search for "Lync Meeting Add-In Office 2013" to locate cached versions.
However, I do not recommend third-party sites like Softpedia or CNET, as they often repack the installer with bundled software.
For users in regulated environments (e.g., government or healthcare), ensure the download aligns with your organization’s software approval policies. Some enterprises require add-ins to be pre-approved by IT before installation. Check with your security team to avoid compliance violations.
Once downloaded, you’ll need to install the Lync 2013 Client separately if not already present. The add-in relies on this client for core functionality. Download it from Microsoft’s official Lync 2013 page—this is another archived resource.
If you encounter installation errors like "This action is only valid for products that are currently installed", it means the add-in detects an unsupported Office version. Uninstall any Office 2016/2019/365 updates that might conflict, or use a clean boot to isolate the issue.
Pro tip: Bookmark these official links for future reference, as Microsoft’s archives can disappear without notice. I’ve tested these sources myself in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood tech hub, where legacy software like Lync is still in use by small businesses.
How to install and enable the add-in in Office 2013 applications
Once you’ve downloaded the Lync Meeting Add-In for Office 2013, installation is straightforward—but enabling it in each application requires a few extra steps. Start by running the MSI installer you downloaded.
The process defaults to installing the add-in for all Office 2013 applications, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. After installation, you’ll need to manually enable it in each app’s Trust Center settings to avoid security prompts.
Open Outlook 2013 first. Navigate to the File tab, then select Options. In the left-hand menu, click Trust Center and choose Trust Center Settings. Under the Add-ins tab, locate COM Add-ins and click Go.
A new window will appear—here, you’ll see the Lync Meeting Add-In listed. Check the box next to it and click OK twice to save. Repeat this process for Word and PowerPoint using the same path.
⚠️
If the add-in fails to appear in the Trust Center or throws an error 0x80070005, your system may need registry adjustments. Backup your registry first via File > Export in regedit. Then, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook\Addins and ensure the LyncAddin key exists. If missing, create it manually and set the LoadBehavior value to 3 (enabled). Proceed with caution—incorrect registry edits can destabilize Office.
After enabling the add-in, restart each Office 2013 application to ensure the changes take effect. Once reopened, you should see the Lync Meeting button in the ribbon of Outlook (under the Home tab) and in Word/PowerPoint (under the Insert tab).
Clicking this button will let you schedule or join meetings without leaving the document or email.
To verify functionality, create a new Outlook meeting and check if the Lync Meeting option appears in the meeting window. In Word or PowerPoint, open a blank document and click the Insert tab—you should see the Lync Meeting button.
If it’s missing, revisit the Trust Center settings or run a repair install of Office 2013 via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
For users on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements: .NET Framework 4.5 and Lync 2013 installed. If the add-in still doesn’t load, try disabling other COM add-ins temporarily to rule out conflicts.
Most issues stem from permission errors or outdated Office 2013 updates—always keep your suite updated via Windows Update.
With the add-in enabled, you’ll streamline collaboration by embedding meetings directly into your workflow. No more switching between apps—just click, schedule, and join from within Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint.
For advanced users, you can even customize the ribbon layout to prioritize the Lync Meeting button for faster access. 🖥️