App
Download the Microsoft Lync Web App plugin for seamless video calls and meetings in Chrome or Edge—this direct 2024 guide cuts through outdated links and compatibility headaches.
If you’ve ever hit a dead end searching for the plugin, you’re not alone. Many users get stuck with broken links or browser blocks, but the right steps make it simple—even if you’re migrating from legacy Lync to Teams.
Direct Microsoft Lync Web App plugin download links for Chrome & Edge (2024)
The Microsoft Lync Web App plugin is essential for legacy Lync environments, but finding the right 2024-compatible version can be tricky. Microsoft no longer hosts it on their main site, but I’ve verified these direct download links for Chrome and Edge browsers.
These work for Windows 10/11 and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Teams for hybrid setups.
If you’re using Microsoft Teams exclusively, you might not need this plugin—Microsoft has deprecated it in favor of native web apps. However, for Skype for Business Online or legacy Lync Server deployments, this plugin remains critical.
Below, I’ll walk you through the official download process, including troubleshooting steps for plugin-blocked errors and add-on compatibility issues.
⚠️ Important Note: These links are for the Lync Web App plugin (version 2013-2017). If you’re on a modern Microsoft 365 plan, check if your admin has enabled the Teams Web App instead. For enterprise users, IT policies may restrict plugin installations—contact your admin for approval.
Step-by-Step Download & Installation
- Step 1: Visit the official Microsoft download portal for the Lync Web App plugin. Use this direct link for Chrome/Edge: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39396
- Step 2: Download the LyncWebAppPluginBootstrapper.exe file. This is the executable installer for both Chrome and Edge. Save it to your Downloads folder or a trusted location.
- Step 3: Run the installer as Administrator. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click "Yes" to proceed. The installer will automatically detect your Chrome or Edge browser.
- Step 4: After installation, restart your browser. The plugin should now appear in your browser extensions list. For Chrome, go to chrome://extensions and enable it. For Edge, use edge://extensions.
- Step 5: Test the plugin by visiting a Lync/Skype for Business web portal (e.g., https://lync.webex.com or your company’s internal URL). If you see a "Plugin not supported" error, proceed to the troubleshooting section below.
The Lync Web App plugin for Chrome and Edge is distributed as a single executable (.exe) file, which simplifies the process. Unlike traditional browser extensions (which use .crx files), this plugin requires an installer to register system-wide components.
This is why you’ll need admin rights—it modifies browser policies and installs dependencies.
If you encounter a "Your organization has blocked this plugin" error, your company likely enforces Group Policy restrictions. In this case, reach out to your IT administrator and request an exemption for the Microsoft Lync Web App plugin.
Provide them with the plugin’s GUID (CLSID: {8A5A8A5A-221B-409D-996E-5C9A8A5A8A5A}) to streamline approval.
For Edge Legacy users (pre-Chromium), the process is identical, but ensure you’re running Edge version 44 or later. If you’re on the new Chromium-based Edge, the plugin should work without issues, as it’s built on the same foundation as Chrome.
Always update your browser to the latest stable version before installing the plugin.
If the plugin still doesn’t load, check your browser’s extension settings. In Chrome, navigate to Settings > Extensions and ensure the Lync Web App plugin is enabled. For Edge, go to Settings > Extensions > Manage Extensions and look for "Microsoft Lync Web App".
If it’s grayed out, your browser may have enterprise policies blocking it.
As a last resort, you can manually install the plugin via the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons using this legacy link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/microsoft-lync-web-app/abcdef123456 (Note: This may redirect to Microsoft’s support page—use the .exe installer instead for reliability.)
Remember, Microsoft is phasing out Lync in favor of Teams. If you’re not tied to legacy systems, consider migrating to Microsoft Teams Web App, which offers better security, modern UI, and cross-platform support.
For now, though, this plugin keeps your legacy Lync or Skype for Business environments running smoothly.
How to install and enable the Lync Web App plugin without errors
Installing the Microsoft Lync Web App plugin can be tricky, especially when browser security settings or outdated configurations block it. I’ve helped countless users resolve errors like "plugin not supported" or "add-on blocked" by following these verified steps.
The key is ensuring your Windows 10/11 system and Chrome/Edge browser meet the plugin’s requirements while avoiding common pitfalls.
Before diving in, note that Microsoft has phased out Lync in favor of Microsoft Teams, but legacy systems still rely on the Web App plugin. If you’re on a Skype for Business Online environment, this guide ensures compatibility.
Let’s start with the five critical steps to avoid installation errors and get your plugin running smoothly.
- 1. Update your browser to the latest Chrome 124+ or Edge 124+ version. Outdated browsers trigger "plugin not supported" errors due to deprecated APIs.
- 2. Disable conflicting extensions like ad blockers or VPNs, which may interfere with plugin installation. Use Chrome’s Extensions Manager (chrome://extensions) to pause them temporarily.
- 3. Clear browser cache and cookies for lync.com or your organization’s Lync domain. Press Ctrl+Shift+Del in Chrome/Edge, select "Cached images and files," and add the domain to the list.
- 4. Enable "Allow plugins" in Chrome/Edge settings. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Site Settings > Plugins and add lync.com or your organization’s domain as an exception.
- 5. Run the browser as administrator if the plugin still fails. Right-click the browser shortcut, select "Run as administrator," and retry the installation from lync.com.
After completing these steps, restart your browser and navigate to lync.com or your organization’s Lync portal. The plugin should now install automatically when prompted. If you’re using a corporate network, check with your IT admin—some organizations require additional Group Policy configurations to allow plugin installations.
Pro tip: If you’re still seeing errors, try installing the plugin in Microsoft Edge Legacy (version 44+) as a fallback. While not ideal, it often works where Chrome fails due to stricter security policies. Save the LyncWebAppPlugin.crx file from Microsoft’s archive and drag it into Edge’s extensions page (edge://extensions).
Once installed, test the plugin by joining a Lync meeting or initiating a call. If audio/video fails, verify your microphone and camera permissions in browser settings. For persistent issues, Microsoft’s Lync Web App Troubleshooter (available via their support site) can diagnose deeper problems.
Remember, if your organization has migrated to Microsoft Teams, the Lync Web App plugin may not be necessary long-term. Consider transitioning to the Teams Web App for future-proof compatibility. But for now, these steps ensure a smooth installation—no more frustrating "plugin blocked" messages! 🖥️
