EndNote 2025.2 no longer working with latest Word update

Question

Since the Word update in Jan 2026 (Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2512 Build 16.0.19530.20038) 64-bit), the EndNote add-in has stopped working -- see error below. Any suggestions? I've done all the usual uninstall-reinstall-repair steps. Thanks!

Answer 1

Dear @Indi Trehan, 

Good day! Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum! 

Based on your description, I understand that after updating to the latest version of Microsoft Word (Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO Version 2512 Build 16.0.19530.20038, 64-bit) in January 2026, the EndNote 2025.2 add-in has stopped working and is showing the following error: ‘Word is running into problems with the ‘endnote.wordaddin.connect’ add-in. If this keeps happening, disable this add-in and check for available updates. Do you want to disable it now?’. You’ve already tried the usual steps like uninstalling, reinstalling, and repairing, but the issue persists.

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this issue. Also, thank you for doing the troubleshooting steps.

Regarding this situation, it’s possible that the latest Word update is no longer fully compatible with the EndNote add-in, which could be causing this error.

To confirm compatibility and get the most accurate resolution, I recommend contacting EndNote Support as they can verify whether an update or patch is needed and guide you through the next steps.

Note: Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. The sites are not controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any suggestions from the above link.

Kindly let me know when there are updates or if you need further assistance. Any updates you’re able to share would be really helpful.

Thank you for your time and patience.

---

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". 

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Answer 2

Generally when I get this message about a trusted add-in, I answer "No."

If I need the Add-In in this session, I restart my computer and then try again. Most often there are no problems then. Otherwise, I use Word without the Add-In and eventually restart Word. Sometimes it works after a simple restart of Word. Otherwise, eventually there will be a computer restart.

With a commercial Add-In like Endnote, your solution may have to come from the producer of the Add-In. It is their job to keep up with changes to Office.