Microsoft Office Live Add-in: Should I Remove It?

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Microsoft Office is a widely used suite of productivity applications that includes popular programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Over the years, Microsoft has introduced various add-ins to enhance the functionality of Office applications. One such add-in is the Microsoft Office Live Add-in. In this article, we will explore what the Microsoft Office Live Add-in is, its purpose, and whether you should consider removing it from your system.

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What is the Microsoft Office Live Add-in?

The Microsoft Office Live Add-in is an extension for Microsoft Office applications that allows users to access and interact with documents stored on Microsoft Office Live Workspace. Microsoft Office Live Workspace was a cloud-based file storage and collaboration service that was discontinued in 2011. The add-in provided users with the ability to open, save, and edit documents directly from within Office applications.

The add-in was primarily designed to enhance collaboration and productivity by providing seamless integration between Office applications and the online storage service. It allowed users to work on their documents from any computer with an internet connection, making it easier to access and share files with colleagues or clients.

Should I Remove the Microsoft Office Live Add-in?

Now that we understand what the Microsoft Office Live Add-in is, let’s discuss whether you should consider removing it from your system. The answer to this question depends on a few factors:

1. Discontinued Service

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Office Live Workspace, the cloud-based file storage service that the add-in was designed for, was discontinued in 2011. This means that the add-in no longer serves its original purpose and may be unnecessary for most users. If you no longer use or rely on Microsoft Office Live Workspace, removing the add-in can help declutter your Office applications and improve performance.

2. Compatibility and Stability

While the Microsoft Office Live Add-in may no longer be actively supported or updated, it is generally considered stable and compatible with newer versions of Office applications. However, there have been reports of compatibility issues and occasional crashes related to the add-in. If you experience any stability or compatibility issues with your Office applications, removing the add-in might be worth considering as a troubleshooting step.

3. Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision to remove the Microsoft Office Live Add-in comes down to personal preference. If you find that the add-in is not useful to you or if you prefer a streamlined Office experience without unnecessary extensions, removing it can help simplify your workflow.

How to Remove the Microsoft Office Live Add-in

If you have decided to remove the Microsoft Office Live Add-in from your system, here are the steps to do so:

  1. Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
  2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner of the application.
  3. Select “Options” from the dropdown menu.
  4. In the Options window, click on “Add-Ins” in the left sidebar.
  5. Under the “Manage” dropdown menu at the bottom of the window, select “COM Add-ins” and click on the “Go” button.
  6. In the COM Add-Ins window, locate the “Microsoft Office Live Add-in” and uncheck the box next to it.
  7. Click on the “OK” button to save the changes.
  8. Restart your Office application for the changes to take effect.

After following these steps, the Microsoft Office Live Add-in should be successfully removed from your system.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Office Live Add-in was designed to enhance collaboration and productivity by integrating Office applications with the now-discontinued Microsoft Office Live Workspace. However, since the service has been discontinued, the add-in may no longer serve its original purpose for most users. Removing the add-in can help declutter your Office applications and improve performance, especially if you no longer use or rely on Microsoft Office Live Workspace. Additionally, if you experience any compatibility or stability issues with your Office applications, removing the add-in might be worth considering as a troubleshooting step. Ultimately, the decision to remove the Microsoft Office Live Add-in comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your workflow.

Remember, if you decide to remove the add-in or any other software from your system, it is always a good practice to scan your computer for malware using a reliable antivirus program like Malwarebytes Free. This will help ensure that your system remains secure and free from any potential threats.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

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    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

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    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

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    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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