---
title: "❓ Outlook Add-In (classic): Does not start despite activation (Disabled items)"
url: "https://support.ftapi.com/en/article/add-in-startet-nicht-trotz-aktivierung-in-outlook"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-06-22T07:11:13.308Z"
---

# ❓ Outlook Add-In (classic): Does not start despite activation (Disabled items)

This article explains the difference between an inactive and a disabled Outlook Add-In and provides administrators with instructions for permanent reactivation using Outlook options and registry entries.

## The problem: Outlook Add-In does not start despite activation

It can happen that the FTAPI Outlook Add-In does not start, even though it has been correctly marked for activation in the Outlook options. 

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/c379250d-f864-44bf-a7e2-3149c7b9922f)

If an administrator or user checks the box for activation, but it is unchecked again after restarting Outlook, the cause is often a specific protection function in Outlook.

This behavior indicates that Outlook has not only classified the Add-In as "inactive" but has placed it on an internal blocklist to ensure application stability.

## Cause: The difference between "inactive" and "disabled"

-   **Inactive Add-Ins:** An Add-In is "inactive" if it has not been selected by Outlook to start. This can happen due to the user or an administrative setting (e.g., via the registry value `LoadBehavior = 0`). In this case, the Add-In can be easily reactivated by checking the box in the COM Add-In options.
-   **Disabled Add-Ins:** An Add-In is "disabled" by Outlook if it is classified as problematic (e.g., due to long loading times). In this case, it is placed on a separate blocklist. **Simply checking the box in the options is not enough here**, as Outlook specifically blocks the activation.

## Solution 1: Reactivate a disabled Add-In in Outlook

If an Add-In has been blocked by Outlook, it must first be removed from the list of disabled items. This is the first and most important step for troubleshooting.

> **Note: Perform these steps before making changes to the registry or group policies.**

1.  In Outlook, open the path: `File` > `Options` > `Add-Ins`.
2.  At the bottom of the dialog, select **"Disabled Items"** from the "Manage" drop-down menu and click "Go...".
3.  Search for the "FTAPI Outlook Add-In" in the displayed list.
4.  Select the entry and click **"Enable"**.
5.  Close all dialogs and restart Outlook. The Add-In should now be functional again or at least be able to be activated normally via the COM Add-In list.

## Solution 2: Prevent future blocking via GPO

To prevent Outlook from automatically blocking the Add-In again in the future, administrators can create a Group Policy (GPO) that sets a specific registry entry.

This entry instructs Outlook never to place the FTAPI Outlook Add-In on the blocklist, even if it slows down the startup process.

-   **Path:** `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\[Your Office Version]\Outlook\Resiliency\DoNotDisableAddinList`
-   **Name:** `FTAPI Outlook Add-In`
-   **Type:** `REG_DWORD`
-   **Value:** `1`

This registry entry can be distributed manually, via script, or centrally via a GPO. It corresponds to the effect of the installation parameter `SETADDINALWAYSENABLED="Y"`.