ADDIN File Extension

What is ADDIN file?

Full format name of files that use ADDIN extension is Visual Studio Add-in Definition Format. Microsoft defined the Visual Studio Add-in Definition Format format standard. ADDIN file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. Files with ADDIN extension are categorized as Developer Files files. The Developer Files subset comprises 1205 various file formats. Microsoft Visual Studio is by far the most used program for working with ADDIN files. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Visual Studio software, but also about ADDIN and other supported file formats.

Programs which support ADDIN file extension

The following listing features ADDIN-compatible programs. ADDIN files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with ADDIN extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening ADDIN files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with ADDIN files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ADDIN files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Visual Studio

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ADDIN files is that no program that can handle ADDIN files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Microsoft Visual Studio. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Visual Studio installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio

If the problems with opening ADDIN files still occur even after installing Microsoft Visual Studio, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed, it may not support ADDIN format. The latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ADDIN files to Microsoft Visual Studio

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ADDIN on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the ADDIN with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Visual Studio is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ADDIN files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with ADDIN extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Visual Studio and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ADDIN extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the ADDIN for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ADDIN file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the ADDIN file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the ADDIN is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the ADDIN file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the ADDIN file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic ADDIN file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with ADDIN extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Visual Studio Add-in Definition Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Visual Studio

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ADDIN extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Visual Studio Add-in Definition Format files. It may be the case that the ADDIN files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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