Virtru offers multiple email encryption solutions to Microsoft users. In this article, we will walk you through the differences between the products so you can determine which solution is best for you and your organization. We will start with a high-level overview of Virtru's two Microsoft products before getting into a more granular feature by feature breakdown

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Virtru Microsoft Add-in vs Microsoft Extension
Feature Breakdown

Virtru Microsoft Add-in vs Microsoft Extension

Virtru offers users two Microsoft email encryption solutions. The primary difference between the two options is the Microsoft Outlook versions they are compatible with. There is some overlap, but in most cases, the version of Outlook you are using and the environment you use it in will guide which Virtru solution you should leverage:

• Virtru's Outlook 365 Add-in (for Web, Desktop, Mobile) is compatible with Outlook Desktop 2016+ on both Windows 10+ and Mac machines, as well as Outlook on the Web (both on desktop and mobile browsers). 
• Virtru's Desktop Extension (Desktop Only) is compatible with Desktop Outlook 2016+ on Windows 10+.

This means that if you use Outlook on the Web or a Mac machine, that you will need to use the Outlook 365 Add-in. If you are using Outlook Desktop on a Windows machine, you will likely be able to choose between the two options (depending on your Windows and Outlook Desktop versions).

At a high-level, both the Outlook 365 Add-in and the Outlook Desktop-Only Extension provide the same core Virtru functionality. They both give users the ability to send and read encrypted messages and files, as well as the ability to add additional security controls to them. With that said, there are some differences including the user interfaces and some of the features they support.  

Feature Breakdown

In this section, you will find a more granular breakdown of the features and functionalities supported by Virtru's Extension and Add-in. 

*For more information on compatible configurations for the Outlook 365 Add-in: What are the baseline requirements for Outlook 365 Add-in to work when installed?

If you have additional questions about which Virtru product is right for you, contact our Customer Support team for additional assistance.