> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.askplane.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install the Askplane Add-In for PowerPoint Desktop

> Install the Askplane PowerPoint add-in from the Office Add-ins store or sideload the manifest file for IT-managed environments. Step-by-step guide.

There are two ways to install the Askplane add-in for PowerPoint. In standard environments, the quickest path is the **Office Add-ins store**, which installs directly from within PowerPoint in a few clicks. In locked-down or IT-managed environments where store access is restricted, you can **sideload the manifest file** instead. Both methods result in the same Askplane task pane appearing inside PowerPoint: the experience after installation is identical regardless of which path you take.

<Warning>
  The Askplane add-in requires PowerPoint for Windows or macOS (desktop). It is not available in PowerPoint for the web or PowerPoint Live in Microsoft Teams.
</Warning>

## Install from the Office Add-ins store

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open PowerPoint on Windows or macOS">
    Launch the PowerPoint desktop application on your Windows or macOS machine.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Add-ins">
    Go to **Insert → Add-ins**. In some versions of Office the entry point is under **Home → Add-ins** instead: check both tabs if you do not see it immediately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search for Askplane">
    In the Office Add-ins dialog, type **Askplane** into the search box and press Enter.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Add">
    Locate the Askplane add-in in the search results and click **Add**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Askplane task pane">
    The Askplane task pane opens automatically and a button is added to your ribbon. You are ready to connect.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Sideload the manifest (IT-managed environments)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the manifest file">
    Obtain the Askplane manifest by navigating to the URL below in your browser and saving the file:

    ```text theme={null}
    https://www.askplane.com/addin/manifest.xml
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Upload My Add-in dialog">
    In PowerPoint, go to **Insert → Add-ins → My Add-ins**, then open the dropdown and choose **Manage My Add-ins → Upload My Add-in**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select and upload the manifest">
    Browse to the **manifest.xml** file you downloaded and click **Upload**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the task pane loads">
    The Askplane task pane loads automatically once the manifest is accepted. Your add-in is now installed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Sideloading requires your IT admin to allow Office add-in sideloading via Group Policy or the Microsoft 365 admin center.
</Note>

## After installation

The add-in persists across PowerPoint sessions: you do not need to reinstall it each time you open a new presentation. To reopen the Askplane task pane at any time, go to the **Add-ins** section in your ribbon and click **Askplane**.

<Tip>
  Once installed, see [Host from PowerPoint](/addin/hosting-from-powerpoint) to connect your event and go live.
</Tip>