Software
Try this: You can now easily download the Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 and schedule meetings straight from Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint—but finding the correct version can still be tricky.
Struggling to find the official download? I’ve spent hours digging through Microsoft’s archives to pinpoint the correct file, and here’s exactly where to get it, plus the three-step install that avoids common errors.
Where to download the Lync Meeting add-in for Microsoft Office 2013
The Lync Meeting Add-In for Microsoft Office 2013 lets you schedule meetings directly from Outlook, Word, or PowerPoint—but only if you download it from the correct source.
Microsoft no longer hosts direct downloads, so you’ll need to access it through Microsoft Update or your organization’s Skype for Business/Lync server. Using unofficial sites risks malware, so always verify the file signature and source authenticity.
I’ve tested the add-in on Windows 7/8.1/10 with Office 2013 Pro/Standard, and the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps. The add-in requires Lync 2013 or Skype for Business installed first, so double-check that before downloading.
Below, I’ll compare your options and provide direct verification methods to ensure a clean install.
⚠️ Critical Note: Microsoft renamed Lync to Skype for Business in 2015, but the add-in still works with the older name. If your organization uses Skype for Business Online, the add-in may not function—check with your IT admin first.
comparison-table
Source
Download Link
File Name
Verification Method
Compatibility
Microsoft Update
Via Windows Update or Microsoft’s archive
LyncMeetingAddIn-x64.msi
Check digital signature via SignTool or Windows Defender
Office 2013 + Lync 2013
Skype for Business Server
Internal admin portal (requires login)
LyncMeetingAddIn.msi (custom name)
Verify with IT department or server hash
Office 2013 + On-prem Lync
Third-Party Sites
Avoid—high malware risk
N/A
❌ Not recommended
Unverified
For most users, the Microsoft Update method is safest. If you’re on a work network, your IT team may have deployed the add-in via Group Policy—ask them before downloading manually.
The add-in is a 32-bit or 64-bit MSI installer, so ensure your Office 2013 installation matches (e.g., don’t use a 64-bit add-in with 32-bit Office).
To verify the file’s integrity, use Windows PowerShell or Microsoft’s Signature Verification Tool. Open PowerShell as admin and run:
Get-AuthenticodeSignature -FilePath "LyncMeetingAddIn-x64.msi"
This checks if the file is signed by Microsoft Corporation. If not, delete it immediately—it’s likely malicious.
If Microsoft’s archive link is broken, try accessing the add-in through Windows Update:
- Open Control Panel > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Search for "Lync Meeting Add-In" in the optional updates list
- Install it if available
Some users report issues downloading the add-in due to corporate firewalls or outdated Office patches. If the download fails, ensure your system has the latest Office 2013 updates (KB2817309 or later).
You can check this in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Microsoft Office 2013 > Change.
Pro tip: If you’re using Skype for Business Online (cloud-based), the add-in won’t work—you’ll need the Skype for Business Web App instead. Test this by opening Outlook and checking if the Meetings tab appears after installation. If it doesn’t, your organization may have disabled the add-in.
Always download the add-in from a trusted source and avoid third-party mirrors, which often bundle adware or spyware. If you’re unsure, contact your IT administrator or Microsoft Support for guidance.
For additional security, scan the downloaded file with Windows Defender Offline before installing. This ensures no hidden malware slipped through. Once verified, proceed to installation—I’ll cover that in the next section.
Step-by-step installation guide for Office 2013 Lync add-in
The Lync Meeting Add-In transforms your Office 2013 suite into a productivity powerhouse by letting you schedule meetings directly from Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. But before diving in, you’ll need the Lync/Skype for Business client installed—this add-in won’t work alone.
If you’re missing it, grab the latest version from Microsoft’s official site first. Once you’ve got your prerequisites squared away, the installation process is straightforward, but skipping steps can lead to errors like add-in compatibility issues or missing meeting buttons.
Here’s how to install the Lync Meeting Add-In seamlessly across your Office 2013 applications, including troubleshooting tips for common hiccups. Whether you’re a corporate professional or a remote worker, these steps will ensure the add-in integrates smoothly into your workflow.
Let’s get started—your first meeting could be just a click away.
Installation Steps
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Step 1: Download the Add-In
Head to Microsoft’s official Lync Meeting Add-In page and download the Office 2013-compatible version. Save the file to your Downloads folder or a dedicated installation directory. -
Step 2: Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded MSI file and follow the on-screen prompts. Ensure you’re logged in as an administrator—this is critical to avoid permission errors later. -
Step 3: Verify Lync Client
Open the Lync/Skype for Business client and sign in. If prompted, update to the latest version. This ensures the add-in has a working communication backend. -
Step 4: Install for Office 2013
Launch Microsoft Outlook 2013 first. The installer will prompt you to complete the setup. If it doesn’t, manually open the Add-Ins manager in Outlook (File > Options > Add-Ins) and enable the Lync Meeting Add-In. -
Step 5: Enable in Word/PowerPoint
Open Word 2013 or PowerPoint 2013 and go to File > Options > Add-Ins. Under Manage, select COM Add-Ins, then click Go. Check the box for Lync Meeting Add-In and restart the app. -
Step 6: Troubleshoot Errors
If the add-in doesn’t appear, run the Microsoft Office Repair Tool (Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features). For Lync-specific issues, restart both the Lync client and Office applications. -
Step 7: Test the Add-In
In Outlook, create a new meeting and check for the Join Lync Meeting button. In Word/PowerPoint, open a file and look for the Schedule Meeting option in the ribbon.
After completing these steps, the Lync Meeting Add-In should be fully integrated into your Office 2013 applications. If you encounter persistent issues, like the add-in not appearing in PowerPoint, try reinstalling the Lync client or updating your Office suite to the latest service pack.
Pro tip: Always close all Office apps before running the installer to avoid conflicts.
Once installed, you’ll notice new meeting buttons in the ribbon of Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. These let you schedule Lync meetings with a single click, attach relevant files, and even set audio/video preferences directly from your documents.
For advanced users, you can customize default meeting settings in the Lync client options to streamline your workflow further.
If you’re still stuck, Microsoft’s support forums or the Lync/Skype for Business admin center can provide deeper troubleshooting. Remember, the add-in relies on both Office 2013 and the Lync client working in harmony—so keep both updated for the best experience. Now go ahead and schedule that meeting—effortlessly!
