Software
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 download lets you launch meetings straight from Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint without ever leaving your document.
If you’ve ever wasted time switching between apps to join a meeting, this tool saves you minutes every day. Below, I’ll walk you through the official download process, system checks, and a step-by-step install—so you can get back to work faster.
Where to download the official Lync meeting add-in for Office 2013
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 is a critical tool for seamless integration between your Office suite and Lync meetings. However, finding the official download link can be tricky, especially since Microsoft has since rebranded Lync to Microsoft Teams.
I’ll guide you through the correct sources to avoid outdated or malicious versions.
Microsoft no longer hosts direct downloads for older Office add-ins like this one, but you can still access it through Microsoft’s archive or trusted third-party repositories. Always verify the file hash and source authenticity before installing.
Below, I’ve outlined the safest methods to obtain the official Lync Meeting Add-In for Office 2013, including compatibility checks for 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
✅ Official Download Sources
- 📂 Microsoft Download Center Archive: Search for "Lync 2013 Meeting Add-in for Office 2013" in the Wayback Machine (archive.org). This preserves older Microsoft downloads.
- 🔗 Office 2013 Installation Media: If you have the original Office 2013 disc or digital install files, check the "Add-ins" folder for the Lync add-in package.
- 💾 Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC): If your organization uses Volume Licensing, log in to VLSC and navigate to "Downloads" for legacy Office add-ins.
⚠️ Avoid These Risks
- 🚫 Third-party download sites: Sites like Softonic or CNET often host outdated or bundled versions with adware.
- 🚫 Random .exe files: Never download the Lync add-in as a standalone .exe from untrusted sources. Always use the official installer from Microsoft.
- 🚫 Fake "update" prompts: Pop-ups claiming "Your Lync is outdated!" are scams. Microsoft never pushes updates via browser pop-ups.
🔍 Verify File Integrity
- 📋 Check the file name: The official installer should be named "LyncMeetingAddinx64.msi" or "LyncMeetingAddinx86.msi" for 64-bit or 32-bit, respectively.
- 🔐 Use Microsoft’s hash tool: Download the File Checksum Integrity Verifier (FCIV) from Microsoft to verify the SHA-1 hash of the file.
- 🖥️ Run as Administrator: Even after downloading, install the add-in with Administrator privileges to avoid permission errors.
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Office 2013 is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the suite, but you must download the correct architecture-specific installer. If you’re unsure whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit, check the Control Panel > System under "System type."
Once you’ve downloaded the correct file, ensure your Office 2013 is fully updated. Outdated Office versions may fail to recognize the add-in. Navigate to File > Account > Update Options in any Office application to check for updates before installing the add-in.
If you encounter issues during installation, such as "This add-in could not be installed" or "Missing dependencies," ensure you have Lync 2013 installed on your machine. The add-in requires Lync Client to function, so download it from the same official sources if missing.
For organizations using Microsoft Teams today, note that the Lync Meeting Add-In is no longer supported. If you’re migrating to Teams, consider using the Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-In for Office instead, which integrates with Office 365 and modern Teams.
Always prioritize official Microsoft sources to avoid security risks. Bookmark this guide for future reference, and double-check the file hash before proceeding with the installation.
Step-by-step installation guide for Office 2013 (with troubleshooting tips)
Before installing the Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. You’ll need Windows 7/8/10, Office 2013 (32-bit or 64-bit), and an active Lync Online or Skype for Business account.
If your Office version isn’t activated, the add-in won’t function properly. Double-check your Office installation path (e.g., C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15) to confirm compatibility.
Start by downloading the official installer from Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center or your organization’s admin portal. Avoid third-party sites—they often distribute malware-laced versions. Once downloaded, right-click the .exe file and select Run as Administrator to bypass potential permission errors.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to proceed.
⚠️ CRITICAL STEP: Disable conflicting add-ins before installation. Open Outlook, go to File > Options > Add-ins, and remove any third-party meeting plugins. This prevents conflict errors during installation. Restart your PC afterward to clear temporary files that might block the process.
Installation Steps
- Launch the installer and follow prompts to accept the license agreement.
- Select Custom Installation to choose components. Ensure Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint are checked.
- Click Install and wait for completion (takes 2-5 minutes depending on your PC).
- After installation, restart your computer to apply changes.
- Verify installation by opening Outlook and checking the Meetings tab in the ribbon.
If the add-in fails to appear, run the Microsoft Office Repair Tool from Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Select Microsoft Office 2013, then click Change > Quick Repair.
This fixes corrupted registry entries that may prevent the add-in from loading. For permission issues, take ownership of the Office installation folder via Properties > Security.
To enable the add-in in Word or PowerPoint, open the app, go to File > Options > Add-ins, and ensure COM Add-ins displays the Lync Meeting Add-In. If missing, click Go and check the box.
Save your document and restart the app. The Meetings tab should now appear in the ribbon, allowing you to start or join Lync meetings directly from your file.
For connection errors, verify your Lync server URL in Outlook > File > Options > Lync Options. If using a proxy server, configure it in Internet Explorer settings under Connections > LAN Settings.
Test connectivity by signing into Lync manually before relying on the add-in. If issues persist, contact your IT admin to check firewall or network policies blocking the add-in.