Software
Microsoft Office 2013 users can download the Lync Meeting Add-In to seamlessly connect calls with Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint—no extra tabs needed.
Stuck toggling between apps during meetings? This add-in lets you start or join Lync calls directly from your document, saving 5 minutes per meeting. Below, I’ll show you where to get it and install it in under five steps.
Where to download the Lync Meeting add-in for Microsoft Office 2013
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 lets you schedule and join meetings directly from Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint—no browser tab needed. But finding the right download link can be tricky, especially since Microsoft retired Lync in favor of Microsoft Teams. Below, I’ll guide you to the official sources and share compatibility specs to avoid installation headaches.The add-in is no longer hosted on Microsoft’s main download center, but you can still access it through Microsoft Update Catalog or legacy Lync admin portals. Always verify the file hash (SHA-256) to ensure you’re downloading a clean, unmodified version.
For Office 2013 32-bit or 64-bit, the requirements differ slightly, so double-check before proceeding.
For the direct download link, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for "Lync Meeting Add-in for Office 2013". Filter by your Office 2013 architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) to grab the correct executable.
If you’re unsure, check your Office installation under File > Account > About—look for the 32-bit or 64-bit label. Pro tip: Bookmark the catalog page for future updates.
If you’re managing an enterprise deployment, use the Office Customization Tool (OCT) to bundle the add-in with your Office 2013 installation. This ensures all users get the add-in during setup, saving time on manual installs. Just add the LyncMeetingAddinx64.exe or LyncMeetingAddinx86.exe to your OCT configuration file.
One common pitfall is downloading the wrong bitness version. Installing the 64-bit add-in on a 32-bit Office (or vice versa) will fail silently. Always match the Office architecture to the add-in. If you’re still stuck, Microsoft’s Lync/Skype for Business admin center may offer legacy download links for IT admins.
After downloading, save the file to a secure location—preferably your Downloads folder or a dedicated Office add-ins directory. Avoid extracting the file unless instructed; the installer handles dependencies automatically. If you encounter trusted publisher warnings during installation, check Microsoft’s signing certificate to confirm legitimacy.
For users on Windows 10, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Lync/Skype for Business clients. Older Windows versions (like Windows 7) may need KB2916628 or later updates. If you’re using Office 2013 RT (ARM version for Surface RT), the add-in isn’t supported—stick to the full desktop version.
If the add-in fails to install, check for conflicting add-ins in Outlook (File > Options > Add-ins). Disable third-party add-ins temporarily, then retry. Also, ensure your Office 2013 updates are current—some add-ins require Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later.
Once installed, the add-in appears as a Lync Meeting tab in Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. Test it by scheduling a meeting from Outlook—you should see the Join Lync Meeting option. If it’s missing, restart Office or run repair from the Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Remember, this add-in is legacy software—Microsoft no longer supports it, but it still works for organizations using Lync Server 2013 or Skype for Business Server 2015. For newer setups, consider migrating to Microsoft Teams, which integrates natively with Office 365.
🖥️Step-by-step installation guide for Office 2013 users
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 integrates seamlessly with Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint, letting you schedule or join meetings directly from your documents.
Before installing, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements: Windows 7/8, Office 2013 (32-bit or 64-bit), and an active Lync Online or Skype for Business account. Let’s walk through the installation process step by step.
Start by downloading the add-in from Microsoft’s official site. Navigate to the Microsoft Download Center and search for "Lync Meeting Add-In for Office 2013."
Verify the file is named LyncMeetingAddIn.exe—this ensures you’re downloading the correct version. Once downloaded, right-click the file and select Run as administrator to avoid permission issues.
- Double-click the LyncMeetingAddIn.exe file to begin installation.
- If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant permissions.
- Read the End User License Agreement (EULA) and select I accept to proceed.
- Choose Install for all users if deploying in a workgroup or Install just for me for personal use.
- Wait for the installer to copy files—this may take 1-2 minutes depending on your system.
- Click Finish when prompted to close the installer.
- Error: "Add-in blocked" → Open Trust Center in Office 2013 (File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Add-ins) and enable the Lync Meeting Add-In.
- Missing dependencies → Ensure Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 is installed from Windows Update.
After installation, verify the add-in is active in your Office apps. Open Outlook 2013 and look for the Meetings tab in the ribbon. If it’s missing, restart Outlook or repair Office via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
For Word or PowerPoint, check the Insert tab—you should see a Meeting option to embed links.
If the add-in still doesn’t appear, manually enable it: In any Office app, go to File > Options > Add-ins. Under Manage, select COM Add-ins, click Go, and check the box for Lync Meeting Add-In.
Click OK to save changes. This should resolve visibility issues in 30 seconds or less.
Once enabled, you’re ready to schedule or join meetings directly from your documents. For example, in Outlook, click New Meeting under the Meetings tab to launch Lync.
In Word or PowerPoint, use the Insert > Meeting option to embed a meeting link into your presentation or report. This keeps everything collaborative and streamlined.