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Deploy the Rainbow Outlook Add-in via XML Manifest (Admin)

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Quentin Grabenstaetter
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This guide explains how a Microsoft 365 administrator can deploy the Rainbow Outlook Add-in centrally using the XML manifest.

Prerequisites

  • A Microsoft 365 admin role with rights to deploy apps (for example: Global Administrator, Exchange Administrator, or an equivalent role allowed by your tenant policy).
  • A validated Rainbow Outlook XML manifest file: manifest-outlook-addin-prod-1.0.0.xml.
  • Deployment target defined (pilot group, specific groups, or all users).

Step 1: Access Microsoft 365 Admin Center

  1. Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center with admin credentials.
  2. Open Show all > Settings > Integrated apps.
  3. If needed, use the direct URL: https://admin.microsoft.com/#/Settings/IntegratedApps.

Step 2: Upload the Office Add-in Manifest

  1. In Integrated apps, click Add-ins.
  2. Select Deploy Add-in.
  3. Choose Upload custom apps.
  4. Set app type to Office Add-In.
  5. Download the XML manifest if needed: manifest-outlook-addin-prod-1.0.0.xml.
  6. Upload the Rainbow XML manifest file.

Step 3: Configure Assignment

  • Confirm name and description from the manifest.
  • Assign to Specific users/groups (recommended for pilot) or Entire organization.
  • Choose deployment behavior (auto-available, removable, or enforced).

Step 4: Deploy and Validate

  1. Review settings.
  2. Click Deploy.
  3. Wait for propagation across Outlook clients (web/desktop/mobile).
  4. Validate with a pilot user account.

If Integrated apps Is Not Visible

  • Confirm your account has sufficient admin rights in the Microsoft tenant.
  • Check whether app deployment is restricted by tenant policy.
  • In some environments, the UI can differ and the menu may be unavailable; use your tenant-approved Exchange or admin deployment path.
  • If your organization restricts app deployments, contact your Microsoft tenant administrators.

Important Notes

  • Propagation can take several hours.
  • If required, grant admin consent in Azure AD enterprise applications.
  • Any manifest update requires re-upload and redeploy.
  • For hybrid or on-prem Exchange, deployment may need Exchange Admin Center flow.
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