Install and connect Showpad for Outlook (Legacy)

Note: This add-in is deprecated and will be retired on August 1, 2026. We recommend installing the Showpad for Outlook 365 add-in, which works across Outlook for Windows, Mac, and the web.
This article remains available for organizations that still use the legacy Outlook add-in during the transition period.

Showpad for Outlook allows you to send content from Microsoft Outlook. This saves time by sharing your content from your preferred email platform. 

The following information describes the legacy Outlook desktop add-in, which was distributed in two installer formats: EXE and MSI, both compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit Outlook clients.

These installers are no longer actively maintained and are provided only for organizations that still need the legacy add-in while transitioning to the Outlook 365 add-in.

Tip: To learn more about the differences between the legacy and Outlook 365 add-ins, see this comparison guide.

Download the final legacy version below:

• Download the EXE file: Use it to install the add-in on your device. You may need Administrator privileges. 
• Download the MSI package: If you're a domain administrator, you can use the MSI file to deploy the add-in across multiple devices using your preferred remote deployment tools. Find out how to deploy on your domain in this step by step guide.

See how it works

You need this to succeed

• The Showpad for Outlook installation file
• Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 
• WebView2 Runtime
• Microsoft Outlook 2010, 2013, or 2016
• If you have an Office 365 license, download and install the native Outlook app.
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 and Visual Studio 2010 Tools For Office Runtime. The EXE file will install them automatically. However, you must have Administrator rights on your device.
• Have at least 1 email account connected in Outlook.
• Have the connection details ready if you use a proxy server for internet access
• If using a virtual machine or environment, Microsoft VBA for Outlook Add-in may be required

The quick way

1. Start the installation file and wait until the installation is finished.
2. Configure the add-in with your Showpad account.
3. Updates are distributed regularly to ensure you have the best customer experience.
4. In case you need to uninstall the add-in, simply uninstall from the Programs and Features in the Control Panel. You can use the installation file as well if you want to uninstall.

Do this step by step

1. Install

It is possible you encounter a problem when some conditions on your device are not met. In that case, contact your Administrator or IT Helpdesk to verify the prerequisites mentioned above.
As a user, you can use the .exe file to install the addon.
If you work in an environment controlled by an administrator, the .msi file can be used to deploy the add-in on multiple devices using your remote deployment tools of choice. You can also use it to install the add-in for one user on the device, or all users

EXE installation:

1. Make sure Microsoft Outlook is closed.
2. Run the .exe installation file and follow the instructions on your screen.
3. Click Install.
   
4. The installation process starts and will install any additional components, like the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 and Visual Studio 2010 Tools For Office Runtime. The EXE file will install them automatically, however, Administrator rights on your device are required.
5. After installing, select New Email to use the plugin.
6. You will find the add-in button in the ribbon of the Outlook Message tab. It's also available when using reply, reply all, and forward.
   

MSI Installation:

1. When double-clicking the MSI file, the following Installation Scope screen is shown. Install the add-in just for you, or install it for all users on the device.
   
2. Follow the wizard and complete the installation.
3. You can also install the add-in with the command line. Open a command prompt and run the following command:
   msiexec /i "ShowpadOutlookAddin-<version_number>.msi" /qn ALLUSERS=1 REBOOT=ReallySupress /L*v "c:\logFileLocationPath\logFileName.log"

Note: Language is automatically selected based on your system. It looks at the language setting of your Outlook, then the OS language, then the defined language in the OP, and defaults to English if no other option is available.

2. Configure

1. Click the Log In button when composing or replying to an email.
   
2. Sign in with your organization name and your login details.
   
   
3. You will be notified to check your connection settings if the add-in has no connection. Click Network Settings in the add-in to configure the proxy server if your company uses one for internet access.
   
4. In the Network Settings, you see three options:
   • Don't use a proxy: This option is used when you don't use a proxy.
   • Use system default proxy: Use the configuration of Internet Explorer 11 or Edge.
   • Use manual proxy configuration: Enter server address, username, and password.
5. You can always review your connection details by clicking the Settings icon.
   
6. You can sign in with your Showpad account details if the connection is successful. (Email address and password.)
7. You can log in by using your Salesforce account if your organization has activated the Showpad and Salesforce integration.
8. You can log in with your Okta account if your organization has configured this SSO option.
9. You can now start sharing your content right from your Outlook inbox.
10. The settings are saved and you don't need to log in to Showpad again after you close Outlook or reboot your device.

3. Update

To improve the add-in, we provide updates regularly. If you have installed the add-in via the EXE package, you will be notified when major updates are available. To update the add-in, get the newer version by clicking the download arrow in the banner. Administrator privileges are not required and Outlook should be closed during the update. It's not necessary to uninstall the previous version before updating.
Start the installation process again to have the latest version of the add-in.

You can also check for updates manually. This is useful for minor releases that you may not have received a banner notification for.

1. Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Check for Updates.
2. If you are already using the most current version, you will receive a message letting you know you're up to date. Click Done. If you aren't using the latest version, you will have the option to click Download. This will trigger the installation process for the new version.

4. Uninstall

1. To uninstall the Showpad for Outlook add-in, go to the Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
   
2. As a second option, click the installation file again and select to uninstall the add-in if you still have the installation file on your device.