Getting started with Outlook plugin and add-in

Zoom offers two variations of an Outlook integration: the Zoom Outlook plugin and Zoom add-in. Both integrations allow customers to add a Zoom meeting to their Outlook calendar event. The plugin is an application installation and the add-in is a native integration in Microsoft Office AppSource.

To ensure our users are getting the best experience while adhering to policies and guidelines set by Apple and Microsoft, Zoom is highly recommending the migration of your users to Zoom’s Outlook add-in. The add-in provides customers with an easier deployment and more robust admin management solutions, is actively being supported by Microsoft, and better meets the recently enhanced security requirements of vendors like Apple.

Note: Microsoft has announced that they are removing support for injection-based native plugins with Outlook for Mac. At this time, Zoom will also stop the development and support of the Mac Outlook plugin. Initially planned for June 2020, this timeline was postponed, however, Microsoft is still working with Apple to block certain plugins. Due to this, it is still recommended that organizations migrate their users from the plugin to the Zoom Outlook add-in. 

Zoom will support Windows OS Outlook plugin (including new enhancements, technical support, and bug/patch fixes). We recommend consolidating to the add-in for an easier deployment process and standardized user experience.

Given this context, we recommend the following deployments:

• Office 365 - Mac and Windows environment: Deploy the Zoom Outlook add-in for both platforms.
• Office 365 - Windows only: Deploy the Zoom Outlook add-in since it provides a better user experience and simplifies admin management. However, using the Zoom Outlook plugin will still work.
• On Premise Office - Mac and Windows: If using Exchange 2016 or 2019, deploy the add-in. If using an older version of On Premise Office, deploy the plugin and keep Mac OS to Mojave or below, as Mac OS Catalina does not support plugins. 
• On Premise Office - Windows only: If using Exchange 2016 or 2019, deploy the add-in. If using an older version of On Premise Office, deploy the plugin.

We recommend beginning to migrate to Zoom’s Outlook add-in. Learn more about the Zoom Outlook add-in experience. If you have any questions on the migration, submit a request to Zoom Support.