Why can't I deploy an Office add-in from the Microsoft 365 admin centre?
Fixing "We are unable to initiate the deployment" in Integrated apps
Centrally deploying an Office add-in from Settings → Integrated apps can fail with "We are unable to initiate the deployment". There are three common causes. Check them in this order.
1. You used "Get apps" for a SaaS-category app
Error: "…To deploy the app, go to the website where it is hosted."
Microsoft's known limitation: some AppSource apps can't be deployed through Integrated apps → Get apps.
Fix: go to Integrated apps → Add-ins (the link at the top of the page) → Deploy Add-in, then choose the Store or Upload custom apps using the vendor's manifest XML file.
2. Your admin role is PIM-eligible, not active
The Integrated apps page doesn't recognise roles activated through Entra Privileged Identity Management.
Fix: deploy from an account with Global Admin (or Exchange Admin) permanently assigned. Also sign in directly to the customer's tenant rather than through partner (GDAP) access.
3. There is no Exchange Online in the tenant
Centralised deployment stores add-ins through Exchange Online. Both the admin deploying and the users receiving the add-in need Exchange Online mailboxes.
- Business Basic / Standard / Premium, E3/E5: Exchange is included, so this should work. Your email can still be hosted elsewhere, such as Google Workspace. Mailboxes exist without changing your MX records.
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business / Enterprise: no Exchange, so centralised deployment isn't possible.
Fix for Apps-only tenants: tick "Let users access the Office Store" in Org settings → User owned apps and services, and have users install the add-in themselves from Home → Add-ins. Alternatively, add Exchange Online licences to the users who need it.
Quick decision table
| Situation | Do this |
|---|---|
| Error mentions "website where it is hosted" | Use Integrated apps → Add-ins, not Get apps |
| Admin role via PIM or partner access | Use an admin account in the customer's tenant with the role permanently assigned |
| Apps for Business/Enterprise only | Users install it themselves, or add Exchange Online |