presentation not working in powerpoint

This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

How to troubleshoot a damaged presentation in PowerPoint

• 5 contributors
• Applies to: PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007

You may experience unexpected behavior when you work with a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. This behavior may occur because the presentation is damaged. This article contains step-by-step methods that may help you partly or fully restore your presentation.

This article is intended for a beginning to intermediate computer user. You may find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.

When you try to open or change a presentation that is damaged, you may experience the following symptoms:

When you try to open a presentation, you receive one of the following error messages:

This is not a PowerPoint Presentation

PowerPoint cannot open the type of file represented by <file_name>.ppt

Part of the file is missing.

You receive the following kinds of error messages:

General Protection Fault

Illegal Instruction

Invalid Page Fault

Low system resources

Out of memory

More Information

How to determine whether you have a damaged presentation.

There are several ways to determine whether you have a damaged presentation. You can try to open the file on another computer that has PowerPoint installed to see whether the unexpected behavior occurs on the other computer. You can try to create a new file in PowerPoint and see whether the unexpected behavior occurs with the new file. This section describes how to use existing presentations and how to create a new file in PowerPoint to determine whether the presentations have the same behavior.

Method 1: Open an existing presentation

• In PowerPoint 2007 select the Microsoft Office Button .
• Select a different presentation, and then select Open.

If this presentation opens and seems to be undamaged, go to Method 3 in this section. Otherwise, go to Method 2 to create a new presentation.

Method 2: Create a new presentation

Step 1: create the presentation.

• In PowerPoint 2007, select Installed Templates , and then select Introducing PowerPoint 2007 .
• Select Create . This process creates a presentation that is based on the template.
• In PowerPoint 2007 select the Microsoft Office Button , and then select Save .
• Type a name for the presentation, and then select Save .
• Exit PowerPoint.

Step 2: Open the new presentation

• In PowerPoint 2007 select the Microsoft Office Button , and then select Open .
• Select the new presentation, and then select Open .

If you cannot open or save the new presentation, go to Method 3.

If you cannot create a new presentation, PowerPoint may be damaged and a repair should be initiated. (See Method 3, Part 2 below.)

Method 3: General troubleshooting

Windows 10, windows 8.1, windows 8, and windows 7.

This procedure allows your computer to restart without startup add-ons. For a clean restart, follow these steps:

Sign in to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights.

Select Start, type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press Enter to start the System Configuration utility.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, you should type the password or provide confirmation.

On the General tab, select the Selective startup option, and then clear the Load startup items check box. (The Use Original Boot.ini check box is unavailable.)

On the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then select Disable all.

This step lets Microsoft services continue to run. After you do a clean restart, you should check Office performance and then resume usual startup.

This procedure will cause the Office program to check for issues and repair itself.

Select the Start button and type Control Panel.

Open the Control Panel, go to Uninstall or change a program (or Add or Remove Programs ).

Scroll through the list of programs and find your version of Microsoft Office. Right-select and then select Change .

We suggest that you do the online repair option.

Methods to try if you cannot open a presentation

Method 1: drag the presentation to the powerpoint program file icon, windows 10, windows 8.1, and windows 8.

Right-click the Windows icon on the Taskbar, and then select Run.

Type one of the following depending on your version of PowerPoint:

Select the Enter key.

Locate the Powerpnt.exe icon in Windows Explorer.

Drag the damaged presentation icon from one window to the Powerpnt.exe icon in the other window.

PowerPoint will try to open the presentation. If PowerPoint does not open the presentation, go to Method 2.

Select Start, and then select Documents. Or select Start and then search for Windows Explorer.

If you have the MSI version of PowerPoint 2013 installed, type %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\office15 (PowerPoint 2013 64 bit) or %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Office\office15 (PowerPoint 2013 32 bit), and then press Enter.

If you have PowerPoint 2013 Select-to-Run installed, type C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15 (PowerPoint 2013 64 bit) or C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15 (PowerPoint 2013 32 bit), and then press Enter.

If you have the MSI version of PowerPoint 2016 installed, type %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Office\office16, and then press Enter.

If you have PowerPoint 2016 Select-to-Run installed, type %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (PowerPoint 2016 64 bit) or %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Office\root\Office16 (PowerPoint 2016 32 bit), and then press Enter.

Method 2: Try to insert slides into a blank presentation

Step 1: create a blank presentation.

• In PowerPoint 2007, click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click New .
• Select Blank Presentation, and then select Create.

This process creates a blank title slide. You can delete this slide later after you re-create the presentation.

Step 2: Insert the damaged presentation as slides

• On the Home tab, select the arrow next to New slides in the Slides group, and then select Reuse Slides.
• In the Reuse Slides task pane, select Browse. Select the damaged presentation, and then select Open.
• Select Insert Slide for each slide in the damaged presentation.
• In PowerPoint 2007 click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Save .
• Type a new name for the presentation, and then select Save.

Step 3: Apply the damaged presentation as a template

If the presentation does not look the way that you expect after you try these steps, try to apply the damaged presentation as a template. To do this, follow these steps:

On the File menu, select Save as.

• In PowerPoint 2007 click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Save as .

This will make a backup copy of the restored presentation that you can use in case the damaged presentation damages this new presentation.

On the Design tab, select More in the Themes group, and then select Browse for Themes.

Select the damaged presentation, and then select Apply. The slide master of the damaged presentation replaces the new slide master.

If you start to experience unexpected behavior after you follow these steps, the template may have damaged the presentation. In this case, use the backup copy to re-create the master slide.

If the backup copy of the new presentation exhibits the same damage or strange behavior as the original presentation, go to Method 3.

Method 3: Try to open the temporary file version of the presentation

When you edit a presentation, PowerPoint creates a temporary copy of the file. This temporary file is named PPT ####.tmp.

The placeholder #### represents a random four-digit number.

This temporary file may be located in the same folder as the location to which the presentation is saved. Or it may be located in the temporary file folder.

Rename the file, and then try to open the file in PowerPoint

Right-select the file, and then select Rename.

Change the old file-name extension from .tmp to .pptx so that the file name resembles the following file name:

PPT ####.pptx

Start PowerPoint.

On the File menu, select Open.

Browse to the folder that contains the renamed file.

Try to open the file in PowerPoint.

More than one file may correspond to the temporary file that was created the last time that you saved the presentation. In this case, you may have to open each file to see whether one is the temporary copy of the presentation.

If there are no temporary files, or if the temporary files display the same kind of damage or strange behavior, go to Method 4.

Method 4: Make a copy of the damaged presentation

• Right-select the presentation, and then select Copy.
• In the Windows Explorer window, right-select in a blank space, and then select Paste.

If you cannot copy the file, the file may be damaged, or the file may reside on a damaged part of the computer's hard disk. In this case, go to Method 5.

If you can copy the file, try to open the copy of the damaged presentation in PowerPoint. If you cannot open the copy of the damaged presentation, try to repeat Method 1 through Method 5 in the "Methods to try if you cannot open a presentation" section below by using the copy of the damaged presentation.

Method 5: Run Error Checking on the hard disk drive

• Exit all open programs.
• Right-click the Start menu and select File Explorer .
• Right-select the hard disk drive that contains the damaged presentation.
• Select Properties, and then select the Tools tab.
• In Error-checking, select Check Now.
• Select the check box Automatically fix file system errors.
• Select the check box Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
• Select Start.
• Select Start, and then select Computer.
• Right-click the hard disk drive that contains the damaged presentation.
• Select to select the Automatically fix file system errors check box.
• Select to select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box.

Error checking may verify that the presentation is cross-linked and attempt to repair the presentation. However, this is not a guarantee that PowerPoint will be able to read the presentation.

Methods to try if you can open a damaged presentation

Method 1: try to apply the damaged presentation as a template.

• In PowerPoint 2007, select the Microsoft Office Button , and then select New .
• Select Blank Presentation , and then select Create . This process creates a blank title slide. (You can delete this slide after you re-create the presentation.)

Step 2: Insert the damaged presentation into the blank presentation

• On the Home tab, select the arrow next to New slides in the Slides group, and then select Reuse Slides .
• In the Reuse Slides task pane, select Browse .
• Select the damaged presentation, and then select Open .
• Select the Microsoft Office button, and then select Save .

If the presentation does not look the way that you expect it to look after you try follow these steps, try to apply the damaged presentation as a template. To do this, follow these steps:

• On the File menu, select Save as .
• In PowerPoint 2007, select the Microsoft Office Button , and then select Save as .

Type a new name for the presentation, and then select Save .

On the Design tab, select More in the Themes group, and then select Browse for Themes .

Select the damaged presentation, and then select Apply . The slide master of the damaged presentation replaces the new slide master.

If the backup copy of the new presentation still displays damage or strange behavior, go to Method 2.

Method 2: Transfer the slides from the damaged presentation to a blank presentation

• In PowerPoint 2007, select the Microsoft Office Button , and then select Open .
• Locate the damaged presentation, and then select Open .
• Select Blank Presentation , and then select Create . This process creates a blank title slide.

Step 2: Copy slides from the damaged presentation to the new presentation

On the View tab, select Slide Sorter . If you receive error messages when you switch views, try to use Outline view.

Select a slide that you want to copy. On the Home tab, select Copy .

If you want to copy more than one slide at a time, hold down the Shift key, and then select each slide that you want to copy.

Switch to the new presentation. To do this, on the Window tab, select Switch Window in the View group, and then select the new presentation that you created in step 1.

On the View tab, select Slide Sorter .

On the Home tab, select Paste .

Repeat steps 2a through 2f until the whole presentation is transferred.

In some cases, one damaged slide may cause a problem for the whole presentation. If you notice unexpected behavior in the new presentation after you copy a slide to the presentation, that slide is likely to be damaged. Re-create the slide, or copy sections of the slide to a new slide.

If the new presentation shows damage or strange behavior, go to method 3.

Method 3: Save the presentation as a Rich Text Format (RTF) file

If there is damage throughout the presentation, the only option to recover the presentation may be to save the presentation as a Rich Text Format (RTF) file. If this method is successful, it recovers only the text that appears in Outline view.

Step 1: Save the presentation in the RTF file format

• Open the presentation.
• In PowerPoint 2007, select the Microsoft Office Button , select Save As , and then select Other Formats .
• In the Save as type list, select Outline/RTF(*.rtf) .
• In the File Name box, type the name that you want to use, select a location in which to save the presentation, and then select Save .
• Close the presentation.

Any graphics, tables, or other text in the original presentation will not be saved in the .rtf file.

Step 2: Open the .rtf file in PowerPoint

• On the File menu, select Open .
• In the Files of type list, select All Outlines or All Files .
• Select the .rtf file that you saved in step 1d, and then select Open .

This procedure will re-create the presentation based on the original presentation's outline view.

Was this page helpful?

Additional resources

Error: Can't read file, or Presentation cannot be opened

If you've arrived at this article because you got an error message that PowerPoint can't read a file or that the presentation cannot be opened, it's likely that Microsoft 365 has blocked the file for security reasons. You can unblock the file so it can be opened:

Open Windows File Explorer (Open Start in Windows and type File Explorer .)

Locate the problematic file on your computer.

Right-click the file and select Properties .

In the Properties dialog box, look for an Unblock button near the bottom right. If it exists, click Unblock , then click Apply , and then click OK to dismiss the dialog box.

Now, attempt to open the presentation again. Right-click the file in File Explorer and select Open .

Still having trouble?

If you're having a problem with PowerPoint that's not resolved here, please contact us for technical support.

For a discussion about why Microsoft 365 blocks files, read Block or unblock external content in Microsoft 365 documents .

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

Connecting you to the latest training, service information and IT updates for SMU.

What to Do when PowerPoint’s Presenter View Won’t Play Nice

The Presenter View option allows PowerPoint users to show the audience the slide show while giving the presenter a view of upcoming slides, a timer, notes to yourself, and other handy tools. (If you haven’t yet, be sure to give it a try.)

The problem is that every now and then Presenter View doesn’t happen, and the laptop screen only shows the slides. Most people don’t memorize where these controls are, so in this situation, users are often forced to press on without the use of Presenter View. Since this little headache pops up from time to time, it pays to know how to set this option.

Mac users may also need to be sure that their laptop is not set to mirror the displays. To do this, click on the Apple icon in the top-left of the desktop, then click on System and choose Display. Click on the Arrangement tab at the top of that screen and be sure that the check box next to Mirror Displays is un checked.

Of course, Classroom Support is always available to help with this. Call us at 214-768-8888, and we’ll be glad to set it up for you.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Published by

BF-ITS(ACS) View all posts by Adam Jones

How to Fix PowerPoint Not Responding? (10 Easy Solutions)

Trish Dixon

When Microsoft  PowerPoint  becomes unresponsive, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when working on a crucial presentation. This guide will walk you through various methods to fix the  “PowerPoint Not Responding”  issue, ensuring that you can return to work quickly.

Understanding the Issue: Why Does PowerPoint Stop Responding?

Before jumping into the fixes, it’s essential to understand why  PowerPoint  might stop responding. Some common reasons include:

• Corrupted PowerPoint files
• Incompatible add-ins
• Outdated software
• Large or complex presentations
• Insufficient system resources

Knowing these causes can help you identify the most appropriate solution to your problem.

Fixing PowerPoint Not Responding: Step-by-Step Solutions

1. update microsoft office.

Outdated software can often lead to performance issues, including the  “PowerPoint Not Responding”  problem. Follow these steps to update your Microsoft Office suite:

Steps to Update Microsoft Office

• Open Microsoft Office : Launch any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
• Go to File > Account : Navigate to the ‘Account’ section from the File menu.
• Click on Update Options > Update Now : Under Product Information, select ‘Update Options,’ then click ‘Update Now.’
• Wait for the Update to Complete : The update process may take a few minutes.

2. Disable Add-ins

Add-ins can enhance functionality but might cause PowerPoint to stop responding if they are incompatible or corrupted. Disabling these add-ins can resolve the issue.

Steps to Disable Add-ins

• Open PowerPoint in Safe Mode : Hold the Ctrl key and launch PowerPoint. Select ‘Yes’ when prompted to start in Safe Mode.
• Go to File > Options > Add-ins : Navigate to the ‘Options’ section and click on ‘Add-ins.’
• Manage Add-ins : At the bottom of the window, select ‘COM Add-ins’ from the drop-down menu and click ‘Go.’
• Uncheck All Add-ins : Uncheck all add-ins to disable them.
• Restart PowerPoint : Close and reopen PowerPoint to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Repair Office Installation

If updating and disabling add-ins doesn’t solve the problem, repairing your Office installation might help.

Steps to Repair Office Installation

• Open Control Panel : Go to your system’s Control Panel.
• Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features : Select ‘Programs and Features.’
• Select Microsoft Office : Right-click on Microsoft Office and choose ‘Change.’
• Select Repair : Choose ‘Quick Repair’ or ‘Online Repair’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart Your Computer : After the repair process completes, restart your computer.

4. Check for Corrupted Files

A corrupted PowerPoint file can cause the application to become unresponsive. Use the following methods to identify and fix corrupted files:

Steps to Check and Fix Corrupted Files

• Open PowerPoint : Launch PowerPoint without opening the problematic file.
• Open a Blank Presentation : Start with a new, blank presentation.
• Go to ‘Insert’ > ‘Slides from File.’
• Select the corrupted file and choose to insert the slides into the blank presentation.
• Save the New Presentation : Save the new presentation and check if PowerPoint is responsive.

5. Optimize the Presentation

Large or complex presentations can strain system resources, causing PowerPoint to freeze. Optimizing the presentation can alleviate this issue.

Tips for Optimizing Your Presentation

• Reduce Image Size : Compress images to reduce the overall file size.
• Limit Animations : Use fewer animations or transitions.
• Break Down the Presentation : Split large presentations into smaller sections.

6. Increase System Resources

Insufficient system resources can also cause PowerPoint to stop responding. Here’s how to ensure your system is running optimally:

Ways to Increase System Resources

• Close Unnecessary Applications : Free up memory by closing applications that are not in use.
• Go to ‘System Properties’ > ‘Advanced System Settings.’
• Under ‘Performance,’ click ‘Settings’ and adjust virtual memory.
• Upgrade Hardware : Consider upgrading your RAM or processor if you frequently work with large PowerPoint files.

7. Run PowerPoint as an Administrator

Running PowerPoint with administrative privileges can sometimes resolve issues related to permissions and access.

Steps to Run PowerPoint as Administrator

• Right-click on PowerPoint Icon : Find the PowerPoint icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.
• Select ‘Run as Administrator’ : Choose ‘Run as Administrator’ from the context menu.

8. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can lead to PowerPoint performance issues. Keeping your drivers updated can prevent these problems.

Steps to Update Graphics Drivers

• Open Device Manager : Go to ‘Device Manager’ from the Start menu.
• Find Display Adapters : Expand the ‘Display Adapters’ section.
• Update Drivers : Right-click on your graphics card and select ‘Update driver.’

9. Use the PowerPoint Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers built-in troubleshooters to help identify and fix issues with their software.

Steps to Use the PowerPoint Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot : Navigate to the ‘Troubleshoot’ section.
• Select PowerPoint : Look for PowerPoint in the list of available troubleshooters.
• Run the Troubleshooter : Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

10. Reinstall Microsoft Office

As a last resort, if all else fails, reinstalling Microsoft Office can resolve persistent issues.

Steps to Reinstall Microsoft Office

• Open ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Programs and Features.’
• Right-click on Microsoft Office and choose ‘Uninstall.’
• Download Office : Visit the official Microsoft website to download the latest version of Office.
• Install Office : Follow the installation instructions.

Common PowerPoint Errors and How to Address Them

Sometimes, the  “PowerPoint Not Responding”  issue might be accompanied by specific error messages. Below are some common errors and how to address them:

1. “PowerPoint found a problem with the content”

This error usually indicates a corrupted file. Use the steps outlined in the  Check for Corrupted Files  section to resolve this issue.

2. “Not enough memory to complete the operation”

This error suggests that your system is low on resources. Closing unnecessary applications, increasing virtual memory, or upgrading your hardware can help.

3. “PowerPoint can’t read”

This error can occur if the file is in an unsupported format or is corrupted. Try opening the file in a different version of PowerPoint or converting it to a different format.

Preventing PowerPoint from Not Responding in the Future

To avoid encountering the  “PowerPoint Not Responding”  issue in the future, follow these best practices:

1. Regularly Update PowerPoint

Keeping your software up to date ensures that you have the latest features and security updates, reducing the chances of encountering bugs and glitches.

2. Limit Add-ins

Only use essential add-ins and regularly check for updates or conflicts to prevent them from causing issues.

3. Manage File Size

Be mindful of the file size of your presentations. Regularly compress images, limit multimedia elements, and break large presentations into smaller sections.

4. Backup Important Files

Always back up your PowerPoint presentations to prevent data loss in case of corruption or system failures.

5. Monitor System Performance

Keep an eye on your system’s performance when working with PowerPoint. Close any unnecessary applications and maintain adequate system resources to ensure smooth operation.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing  PowerPoint Not Responding  can be a major hindrance, but with the right steps, you can quickly resolve the issue and get back to creating your presentations. Whether it’s updating your software, managing add-ins, or optimizing your system resources, each method outlined above targets the root causes of this common problem. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your PowerPoint remains responsive and reliable.

Why does PowerPoint stop responding?

PowerPoint may stop responding due to corrupted files, incompatible add-ins, outdated software, large or complex presentations, or insufficient system resources.

How can I fix PowerPoint not responding?

You can fix PowerPoint not responding by updating Microsoft Office, disabling add-ins, repairing the Office installation, checking for corrupted files, optimizing your presentation, and increasing system resources.

How do I disable add-ins in PowerPoint?

To disable add-ins in PowerPoint, open PowerPoint in Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-ins, manage COM Add-ins, and uncheck all add-ins to disable them.

What should I do if my PowerPoint file is corrupted?

If your PowerPoint file is corrupted, open a blank presentation and insert slides from the corrupted file. Save the new presentation to see if it resolves the issue.

Can updating graphics drivers fix PowerPoint not responding?

Yes, updating outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can help resolve performance issues in PowerPoint, including the “PowerPoint Not Responding” problem.

Is reinstalling Microsoft Office a good solution?

Reinstalling Microsoft Office is a last-resort solution that can resolve persistent issues with PowerPoint not responding, especially if other methods have failed.

• Recent Posts

• How to Extract an Image from a PowerPoint Template? – October 19, 2024
• How to Fill Text with an Image in PowerPoint: Expert Guide – October 18, 2024
• How to Fix Codec Unavailable in PowerPoint: 9 Easy Fixes! – October 17, 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Latest Posts

How to extract an image from a powerpoint template.

Learn how to easily extract images from PowerPoint templates using various methods like Save as Picture, HTML, and Zip methods while preserving image quality.

How to Fill Text with an Image in PowerPoint: Expert Guide

Learn how to fill text with an image in PowerPoint with our detailed guide. Enhance your presentation with creative, image-filled text in just a few steps.

How to Fix Codec Unavailable in PowerPoint: 9 Easy Fixes!

Fix the “codec unavailable” error in PowerPoint with simple steps like converting media formats, installing codecs, and optimizing compatibility.

Top 6 Ways to Fix Microsoft PowerPoint Not Responding on Windows 11

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he's a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

Microsoft PowerPoint is a popular application for creating visually appealing slideshows business meetings, educational presentations, or conferences. While loaded numerous useful features, it is prone to occasional instability, rendering the app unusable. One such instance is when Microsoft PowerPoint stops responding or crashes on your Windows 11 PC .

Encountering such problems with PowerPoint can significantly disrupt your experience, particularly when in the middle of a critical presentation. We’ve compiled solutions to get PowerPoint running smoothly on your Windows PC.

1. Close and Reopen PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint app processes may experience problems while running on your PC. When this happens, PowerPoint may misbehave or stop responding on Windows. In most cases, simply closing and reopening the PowerPoint app can help restore normalcy.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, select Microsoft PowerPoint and click the End task option.

Open Microsoft PowerPoint again and see if it works fine.

2. Open PowerPoint in Safe Mode

One of your add-ins may be conflicting with PowerPoint and causing it to freeze or hang. To check that, you can open PowerPoint in safe mode. For that, press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box. Type powerpnt /safe in the Open field and press Enter.

Try using PowerPoint in safe mode for some time and check if the issue occurs again. If it doesn’t, it means one of the installed add-ins is responsible for the problem. To identify the one causing the problem, you will need to disable all add-ins and then re-enable them individually. Here’s how you can go about it.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and click the File menu at the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select Options from the left pane.

Step 3: In the PowerPoint Options window, switch to the Add-ins tab. Click the drop-down menu next to Manage and select COM Add-ins. Then, click the Go button next to it.

Step 4: Uncheck all the boxes to disable your add-ins and click OK.

Restart the app after this and enable your add-ins one at a time. You will need to observe PowerPoint’s performance after enabling each add-in. Once you find the problematic add-in, it’s best to remove it to avoid such issues in the future.

3. Repair Your PowerPoint File

Does PowerPoint only become unresponsive when you try to edit or save a particular file? If so, there may be an issue with the file itself. You can try repairing it by following the steps below and see if it works.

Step 1: Open Microsoft PowerPoint and click the File menu at the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select Open from the left sidebar and click the Browse option.

Step 3: Browse and select your file. Click the downward arrow next to Open to select Open and Repair.

PowerPoint will attempt to repair your file and then open it. Following that, check if the issue still occurs.

4. Change the Default Printer

Another reason why Office apps like PowerPoint may not open or stop responding on Windows is due to incorrect default printer settings. Here’s what you can do to fix it.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app. Navigate to the Bluetooth & devices tab and click on Printers & scanners.

Step 2: Select your preferred device from the list.

Step 3: Click the Set as default option.

5. Update the App

Using an outdated version of PowerPoint can also cause such anomalies. Hence, it’s a good idea to install any pending Office updates on your PC .

Step 1: Open PowerPoint on your PC and click the File menu at the top.

Step 2: Switch to the Account tab, click on Update Options, and select Update Now.

Wait for Microsoft Office to check for and install any available updates. Following this, PowerPoint should work smoothly on your PC.

6. Run the Office Repair Tool

If PowerPoint continues to be unresponsive or crashes despite installing the latest updates, there may be an issue with its installation on your Windows PC. In that case, your best option is to run the Office repair tool to fix PowerPoint. This tool can automatically find and fix issues with all the Office apps on your PC. Here’s how to run it.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.

Step 2: Locate the Microsoft Office suite on the list. Click the three horizontal dots menu icon next to it and select Modify.

Step 3: Select the Quick Repair option and click Repair.

If PowerPoint doesn’t work properly even after this, repeat the above steps and opt for an Online Repair instead. This process may take longer, but it’s most likely to fix the problem.

Power Up Your Presentations

You are in for a chaotic experience when PowerPoint stops responding or repeatedly crashes on your Windows 11 PC. Fortunately, you don’t have to accept this as the norm, as fixing issues with PowerPoint with the tips mentioned above is possible.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 29 June, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

DID YOU KNOW

Pankil Shah

More in windows.

4 Fixes for Events Not Showing in Outlook Calendar on Windows 11

How to Unpause Windows Updates and What to Do if You Can’t

Join the newsletter.

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.