Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013: Direct Download & Installation Steps

The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 download streamlines scheduling and joining meetings straight from Word, Excel, or PowerPoint—but only with the correct version installed.

Struggling to integrate Lync meetings into your documents? This add-in saves you from switching apps, but Office 2013’s older architecture means you’ll need to verify compatibility and download from Microsoft’s official sources to avoid errors.

Below, I’ll walk you through the direct download, installation steps, and troubleshooting tips to get it working smoothly.

Where to download the Lync meeting add-in for Microsoft Office 2013 (official sources only)

The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 was designed to streamline meeting scheduling directly from Word, Excel, or PowerPoint—but finding the correct download can be tricky. Microsoft no longer hosts direct links for legacy versions, so you’ll need to use official Microsoft archives or verified third-party sources.

Always verify the SHA-256 hash or digital signature to avoid malware or corrupted files.

This guide covers three official sources for the add-in, including system requirements and compatibility notes for Office 2013. I’ve also included a comparison table to help you identify the correct version based on your Office edition (Retail, Volume License, or OEM).

⚠️ Important Note: If you’re using Office 2016 or later, Microsoft recommends using the Skype for Business or Microsoft Teams add-ins instead. The Lync add-in for Office 2013 is deprecated and may not work with modern security updates.

Here’s a quick comparison table to help you determine which download matches your setup:

For most users, the Microsoft Update Catalog is the safest bet, as it hosts directly signed files from Microsoft’s servers. If you’re unsure whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit, press Win + Pause/Break and check under System Type.

The LyncMeetingAddin-x64.msi is for 64-bit systems, while LyncMeetingAddin-x86.msi is for 32-bit.

If you’re using a Volume License version of Office 2013, the VLSC portal is your best option. You’ll need to log in with your organization’s credentials to access the KB2889822 patch, which includes the add-in. This method is highly secure but requires admin approval in many corporate environments.

Once you’ve downloaded the correct file, verify its integrity before installing. Right-click the .msi file, select Properties, and check the Digital Signatures tab. The signature should list Microsoft Corporation as the signer. If it’s missing or invalid, do not proceed—this could indicate a malware risk.

After verifying, double-click the .msi file to begin installation. You’ll need administrator rights to complete the process. The installer will automatically detect your Office 2013 applications and prompt you to enable the add-in in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

If you encounter errors, ensure your Office updates are current (check via File > Account > Update Options).

Pro tip: If the add-in fails to load after installation, try repairing Office 2013 via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Select Microsoft Office 2013 and click Change > Quick Repair. This often resolves add-in compatibility issues without reinstalling the entire suite.

Remember, this add-in is legacy software and may not work with modern security policies or Windows 10/11 updates. If possible, consider migrating to Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business, which offer updated add-ins for Office 2016 and later. For now, though,

Step-by-step installation guide: Lync add-in for Office 2013 (with troubleshooting tips)

Before installing the Lync Meeting Add-In, verify your system meets the minimum requirements. You’ll need Office 2013 (32-bit or 64-bit), Windows 7/8/10, and Lync 2013 or Skype for Business installed.

If you’re using Office 365, this add-in won’t work—Microsoft replaced it with Teams integration in later versions. Always download from Microsoft’s official site to avoid corrupted files or malware.

Start by closing all Microsoft Office applications to prevent conflicts. Right-click the downloaded LyncAddIn.exe file and select "Run as administrator". If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click "Yes" to grant installation permissions.

This step is critical—skipping it may cause permission errors later. The installer will guide you through the process, but manual steps are often needed for full functionality.

If the Lync Meeting Add-In fails to load, start by repairing your Office 2013 installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select Microsoft Office 2013, and click "Repair".

This fixes corrupted files that may block the add-in. Another common issue is conflicting add-ins—disable other add-ins temporarily by unchecking them in File > Options > Add-Ins.

For 64-bit Office users, the add-in may not appear at all. Microsoft never fully supported it for 64-bit Office 2013, so your only workaround is to use the 32-bit version of Office alongside your existing installation.

If that’s not an option, consider upgrading to Skype for Business or Teams, which offer modern alternatives with better compatibility.

Once installed, test the add-in by creating a new document and clicking "Meet Now" on the Review tab. If it opens a Lync/Skype for Business window, the installation succeeded. If not, revisit the COM Add-Ins settings and ensure "Lync Meeting Add-In" is checked.

For persistent issues, check Event Viewer (Win + X > Event Viewer) for error codes related to the add-in.

Remember, this add-in is legacy software—Microsoft no longer updates it. If you’re using Office 2016 or later, the Teams integration is your best bet for seamless meeting scheduling. For Office 2013 users, though, the Lync Add-In remains a useful tool when configured correctly. 💻