Ability to Restrict Office Add-ins to Desktop Platforms Only (Exclude Mac & Web)

[rahul-chanana]

Add-in Should Be Desktop Only – Wrong Platform Listing Causes Validation Failure

Description

We have an Office Add-in that is meant only for Windows desktop. However, in Partner Center, it is listed as supported for Mac and web, which is wrong.

This wrong listing is confusing and is causing our add-in to fail the validation process. Users on unsupported platforms may try to install it, leading to errors.

Current Problem

• Partner Center shows the add-in works on Windows, Mac, and web.
• On Mac and web, the add-in does not work.
• Validation fails because the platform information is not correct.

What We Need

• A way to exclude Mac and web so the add-in is only for Windows desktop.
• This could be done through manifest settings or Partner Center platform options.

Why This Matters

• Fixes the validation issue.
• Prevents user confusion.
• Shows correct platform support in Partner Center.

Additional Info

• Add-in Type: Task Pane
• Manifest version: 1.1

We request urgent guidance from Microsoft to resolve this issue as soon as possible so that our add-in can pass validation.

[github-actions]

Regression Analysis Needs Your Input

Our automated system analyzed this issue but couldn't determine with confidence if this is a regression bug.

A regression bug is when functionality that previously worked properly no longer works after a recent change.

If you believe this is a regression issue, please confirm below:

• Yes, confirm this is a regression issue

Note: Once confirmed, the issue will be labeled as regression.
After selecting the option, your choice will be automatically processed.

---

[github-actions]

Here are some similar issues that might help you. Please check if they can solve your problem.

• How can I restrict or declare that my Excel Add-In only works with windows and desktop and exclude any other platform like web or mac? #6267
• How to set add-in works only in Windows Desktop. #288
• Limiting platforms in the manifest.xml of an outlook addin #4194
• [Onsend Addin] Unable to provide option in manifest to load Outlook Web addin only on macos platform #1882

---

Possible solution (Extracted from existing issue, might be incorrect; please verify carefully)

Solution 1:

There is no way of targeting a specific platform with the manifest. What you can do is to show an error in those platforms that your add-in is not supported. You can use office.context.diagnostics.platform to find out what platform you are on and then potentially provide a page with information on the platforms you don't support.

Reference:

• How to set add-in works only in Windows Desktop. #288 (comment)

Solution 2:

Currently, there is no option to restrict add-ins from getting loaded on specific platforms as part of the product. If the manifest has DesktopFormFactor, the add-in will load on Win32, Mac, and OWA. You can alternatively check for the platform within your add-in and provide an appropriate message to the user in the add-in frame. For example, you can use Office.context.mailbox.diagnostics.hostName and Office.context.mailbox.diagnostics.hostVersion to detect that the add-in is running on an unsupported platform.

Reference:

• Limiting platforms in the manifest.xml of an outlook addin #4194 (comment)
• [Onsend Addin] Unable to provide option in manifest to load Outlook Web addin only on macos platform #1882 (comment)

Powered by issue-sentinel

[rahul-chanana]

We would be very thankful if someone from support team could answer the issue and not a chat bot!

[hielkehoeve]

Not a Microsoft employee, but did click some links for you (...):
#6267 (comment)

[rahul-chanana]

This is the same link provided by the chatbot. I need an official confirmation from a Microsoft employee stating that this is not possible, so we can forward this information to the validation team.

[nbaliga18]

Hi thanks for raising this.

Routing to @Rick-Kirkham for further investigation.

[Rick-Kirkham]

@rahul-chanana The answer depends on why your add-in doesn't work on Mac or on the web. Could you please explain?