Why did my Endnote or citation plugin suddenly stop working?

Common causes include: Office updates disabling the add-in, corrupted add-in installation, insufficient permissions, or conflicting add-ins. Check if the add-in appears in File > Options > Add-ins as 'Disabled' and re-enable it.

Can I use Word's built-in citations if my plugin won't load?

Yes. Go to References > Manage Sources to use Word's native citation and bibliography features. While not as powerful as Endnote or Mendeley, Word's built-in tools handle basic citations. You can switch back to plugins once they're working.

Will uninstalling and reinstalling the plugin delete my library?

No. Your citation library is stored separately from the plugin software. Uninstalling the Word plugin won't affect your Endnote database or Mendeley library. Just reinstall the plugin to reconnect to your existing library.

Fix: Endnote or Reference Plugin Not Loading in Word

The Problem

Your citation management plugin (Endnote, Mendeley, Zotero, etc.) isn’t appearing in Word or isn’t responding. The plugin tab is missing from the ribbon, or buttons don’t work. You need to restore access to your citation library.

Quick Fix

Re-enable the plugin:

Go to File > Options
Click “Add-ins”
In “Manage:” dropdown (bottom), select “COM Add-ins”
Click “Go”
Look for your plugin (Endnote, Mendeley, etc.)
If it’s there but unchecked, check the box
Click OK
Restart Word

Step-by-Step Solution

Method 1: Check If Plugin Is Disabled

Citation plugins often disable automatically after Office updates.

Step 1: Open Word.

Step 2: Go to File in the ribbon.

Step 3: Click “Options” at the bottom.

Step 4: The Word Options dialog opens.

Step 5: Click “Add-ins” in the left menu.

Step 6: You’re now viewing Add-ins settings.

Step 7: At the bottom, there’s a dropdown labeled “Manage:” (or “Add-in Manager:”).

Step 8: This dropdown shows different add-in categories. By default it might show “Recommended.”

Step 9: Click the dropdown and select “COM Add-ins.”

Step 10: This shows all COM add-ins including citation tools.

Step 11: Click “Go” next to the dropdown.

Step 12: A dialog appears listing all COM add-ins.

Step 13: Look for your citation plugin (Endnote, Mendeley, Zotero, etc.).

Step 14: If the plugin is listed but unchecked, it’s disabled.

Step 15: Check the box next to it to re-enable it.

Step 16: Click OK.

Step 17: Restart Word.

Step 18: The plugin should now appear in your ribbon.

Method 2: Reinstall the Citation Plugin

If the plugin is missing entirely from the add-ins list, reinstall it.

Step 1: First, uninstall the plugin completely. Open Control Panel (Windows).

Step 2: Click “Programs and Features.”

Step 3: Look for your citation software (Endnote, Mendeley, Zotero, etc.) in the list.

Step 4: Click it to select it.

Step 5: Click “Uninstall” at the top.

Step 6: Follow the uninstall prompts.

Step 7: Restart your computer.

Step 8: Download the latest version of the citation software from the official website:

Endnote: endnote.com
Mendeley: mendeley.com
Zotero: zotero.org

Step 9: Run the installer.

Step 10: During installation, make sure to select “Install Word plugin” or similar option.

Step 11: Complete the installation.

Step 12: Restart your computer.

Step 13: Open Word and check if the plugin now appears.

Method 3: Update Office

Office updates sometimes break older add-ins. Updating can fix compatibility.

Step 1: Open Word.

Step 2: Go to File > Account.

Step 3: Look for “Update Options” or “Office Updates.”

Step 4: Click “Update Options” > “Update Now.”

Step 5: Word checks for and installs available updates.

Step 6: Restart Word after updates complete.

Step 7: Check if the citation plugin now works.

Method 4: Repair Office Installation

If plugins aren’t loading for multiple applications, Office installation is corrupted.

Step 1: Close Word and all Office applications.

Step 2: Open Control Panel.

Step 3: Click “Programs and Features.”

Step 4: Find “Microsoft Office” in the list.

Step 5: Click it to select it.

Step 6: Click “Change” at the top.

Step 7: Select “Quick Repair.”

Step 8: Click Repair.

Step 9: Wait for Quick Repair to complete.

Step 10: If it doesn’t help, repeat steps 1-6 but select “Online Repair.”

Step 11: Online Repair is slower but fixes deeper corruption.

Step 12: Restart your computer after repair.

Step 13: Reinstall your citation plugin (Method 2).

Method 5: Check Add-In Security and Trust Center

Strict security settings can prevent add-ins from loading.

Step 1: Go to File > Options > Trust Center.

Step 2: Click “Trust Center Settings.”

Step 3: Click “Trusted Add-in Catalogs” on the left.

Step 4: Make sure trusted catalogs are listed.

Step 5: Go back and click “Trusted Publishers.”

Step 6: Your citation plugin publisher should be listed.

Step 7: If not, you may need to add it. Check the plugin’s documentation.

Step 8: Also check “Macro Settings” — ensure they’re not set to “Disable all macros.”

Step 9: Set to “Disable all macros except digitally signed macros” or higher.

Step 10: Click OK to apply.

Method 6: Use Word’s Built-In Citations Temporarily

While you’re fixing the plugin, use Word’s native citation tools.

Step 1: Go to References tab in the ribbon.

Step 2: Click “Manage Sources” or “Citation and Bibliography.”

Step 3: Word’s built-in citation manager opens.

Step 4: You can add and manage sources here.

Step 5: Click “Create Source” to add a new citation.

Step 6: After creating sources, click “Bibliography” to insert citations.

Step 7: While not as full-featured as plugins, this maintains your workflow while the plugin is being fixed.

Why This Happens

Office updates: Microsoft updates sometimes disable non-Microsoft add-ins for security.

Compatibility issues: Older plugins aren’t compatible with newer Office versions.

Corrupted installation: Plugin installation becomes corrupted.

Insufficient permissions: User account lacks permissions to enable add-ins.

Conflicting add-ins: Another add-in interferes with citation plugins.

Accidental disabling: Users sometimes accidentally disable add-ins without realizing it.

How to Prevent It

Keep software updated: Regularly update both Office and your citation software.

Use compatible versions: Check your citation software website for Office version compatibility.

Run as administrator: Install plugins with administrator privileges to avoid permission issues.

Regular backups: Backup your citation library regularly in case you need to reinstall.

Check add-ins periodically: Monthly, check File > Options > Add-ins to ensure your plugins are enabled.

Still Not Working?

Check plugin documentation: Visit the citation software’s support site for troubleshooting specific to your plugin version.

Disable conflicting add-ins: Go to File > Options > Add-ins and temporarily disable other add-ins to test if one conflicts with your citation plugin.

Reinstall with compatibility mode: Right-click the plugin installer, select Properties > Compatibility > Run this program in compatibility mode for (older Windows version).

Contact plugin support: If nothing works, contact Endnote, Mendeley, or Zotero support with your Office version details.

Check library connection: Once the plugin is installed, ensure you’re logged into your citation library account. The plugin needs to connect to your library.