How can you troubleshoot a Microsoft PowerPoint that won't open? (2024)

Last updated on Mar 26, 2024

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1

Check for updates

2

Repair your PowerPoint

3

Disable add-ins

4

Start PowerPoint in safe mode

5

Contact Microsoft support

6

Here’s what else to consider

If you use Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations, you may encounter a situation where the program won't open or crashes unexpectedly. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you have a deadline or an important meeting. Fortunately, there are some common troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the problem and get your PowerPoint working again.

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  • Edinaldo Oliveira Technical Support Engineer MS365 and Azure at SERPRO | Cloud Computing | Microsoft 365 | MCT | Solution Architecture |…

    How can you troubleshoot a Microsoft PowerPoint that won't open? (3) 1

  • Syed Rizvi Security Engineer | LinkedIn Top Voice | SSCP Certified | Passionate About Protecting Critical Infrastructure

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How can you troubleshoot a Microsoft PowerPoint that won't open? (6) How can you troubleshoot a Microsoft PowerPoint that won't open? (7) How can you troubleshoot a Microsoft PowerPoint that won't open? (8)

1 Check for updates

One of the first things you should do is check for updates for your PowerPoint and Windows operating system. Updates can improve the performance and stability of your software, as well as fix any bugs or glitches that may cause it to malfunction. To check for updates, go to the File tab in PowerPoint and select Account. Then, click on Update Options and choose Update Now. Alternatively, you can go to the Settings app in Windows and select Update & Security. Then, click on Check for updates and install any available ones.

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  • Melodie Beveridge
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    I usually start by:1. Rebooting system2. Verify there is valid MS account3. Determine if the software is installed or if O365 is being used4. Clear Event Logs

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  • Edinaldo Oliveira Technical Support Engineer MS365 and Azure at SERPRO | Cloud Computing | Microsoft 365 | MCT | Solution Architecture | Windows Server | Infrastructure | SecurityEngineer
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    Verificar se há atualizações é uma etapa importante para garantir o bom funcionamento do seu sistema operacional e do software, como o PowerPoint. As atualizações geralmente trazem melhorias de desempenho, correções de bugs e aprimoramentos de segurança. No PowerPoint, você pode verificar as atualizações indo para a guia "Arquivo", selecionando "Conta" e, em seguida, "Opções de atualização" e "Atualizar agora". No Windows, você pode acessar as configurações, selecionar "Atualização & Segurança" e clicar em "Verificar se há atualizações". Certifique-se de instalar quaisquer atualizações disponíveis para garantir uma experiência de uso suave e segura.

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2 Repair your PowerPoint

Another possible solution is to repair your PowerPoint installation. This can help resolve any corrupted or missing files that may prevent the program from opening or running properly. To repair your PowerPoint, go to the Control Panel and select Programs and Features. Then, find Microsoft Office in the list of installed programs and right-click on it. Choose Change and then select Online Repair or Quick Repair. Follow the instructions on the screen and restart your computer when the process is done.

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  • Syed Rizvi Security Engineer | LinkedIn Top Voice | SSCP Certified | Passionate About Protecting Critical Infrastructure
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    If PowerPoint won't open, try repairing the software. This scans for errors and missing components, fixing them automatically. It's like giving your PowerPoint a tune-up to ensure it's running smoothly. For instance, after updating your OS, if PowerPoint stops working, repairing the installation can resolve compatibility issues. Access Control Panel, locate Microsoft Office, and choose repair. This quick fix often resolves issues without reinstalling the entire suite.

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  • Edinaldo Oliveira Technical Support Engineer MS365 and Azure at SERPRO | Cloud Computing | Microsoft 365 | MCT | Solution Architecture | Windows Server | Infrastructure | SecurityEngineer
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    Reparar a instalação do PowerPoint pode ser uma solução eficaz para resolver problemas de funcionamento do programa. Para isso, acesse o Painel de Controle do seu computador e selecione a opção "Programas e Recursos". Em seguida, localize o Microsoft Office na lista de programas instalados, clique com o botão direito sobre ele e escolha a opção "Alterar". Dentro do assistente de configuração do Office, selecione a opção de reparo online ou reparo rápido e siga as instruções na tela para concluir o processo. Após o reparo, reinicie o computador para aplicar as alterações. Isso pode ajudar a corrigir quaisquer problemas que estejam impedindo o PowerPoint de funcionar corretamente.

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3 Disable add-ins

Sometimes, add-ins can interfere with the normal functioning of PowerPoint and cause it to crash or freeze. Add-ins are extra features or tools that you can install to enhance your PowerPoint experience, such as templates, animations, or plug-ins. However, they can also conflict with the program or each other and create problems. To disable add-ins, go to the File tab in PowerPoint and select Options. Then, click on Add-Ins and select COM Add-ins from the drop-down menu. Then, uncheck any add-ins that you don't need and click OK.

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  • Edinaldo Oliveira Technical Support Engineer MS365 and Azure at SERPRO | Cloud Computing | Microsoft 365 | MCT | Solution Architecture | Windows Server | Infrastructure | SecurityEngineer
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    Desativar suplementos pode ser uma solução eficaz para resolver problemas de travamento ou congelamento no PowerPoint. Para fazer isso, vá até a guia "Arquivo" no PowerPoint e selecione "Opções". Em seguida, clique em "Suplementos" e escolha "Suplementos COM" no menu suspenso. Desmarque os suplementos que você não precisa ou suspeita que estejam causando problemas e clique em "OK" para aplicar as alterações. Isso pode ajudar a evitar conflitos e melhorar o desempenho geral do PowerPoint.

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4 Start PowerPoint in safe mode

If none of the above steps work, you can try starting PowerPoint in safe mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that allows you to open the program without loading any add-ins, extensions, or customizations. This can help you identify if the problem is caused by any of these factors or by the program itself. To start PowerPoint in safe mode, press and hold the Ctrl key while launching the program. You will see a message asking if you want to start in safe mode. Click Yes and see if the program opens and works normally.

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  • Edinaldo Oliveira Technical Support Engineer MS365 and Azure at SERPRO | Cloud Computing | Microsoft 365 | MCT | Solution Architecture | Windows Server | Infrastructure | SecurityEngineer
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    Se as soluções anteriores não resolverem o problema, você pode tentar iniciar o PowerPoint no modo de segurança. Isso permite que o programa seja aberto sem carregar suplementos, extensões ou personalizações, facilitando a identificação de problemas causados por esses elementos. Para iniciar o PowerPoint no modo de segurança, mantenha pressionada a tecla Ctrl enquanto abre o programa. Quando solicitado, confirme que deseja iniciar no modo de segurança. Isso pode ajudar a determinar se o problema persiste mesmo sem os suplementos ativados.

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5 Contact Microsoft support

If all else fails, you can contact Microsoft support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and provide you with more advanced solutions or alternatives. You can contact Microsoft support through their website, phone, chat, or email. You will need to provide them with some information about your PowerPoint version, operating system, error messages, and steps you have tried so far. They will guide you through the process and try to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

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  • Edinaldo Oliveira Technical Support Engineer MS365 and Azure at SERPRO | Cloud Computing | Microsoft 365 | MCT | Solution Architecture | Windows Server | Infrastructure | SecurityEngineer
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    Se todas as soluções anteriores falharem em resolver o problema, é recomendável entrar em contato com o suporte da Microsoft para obter assistência adicional. Eles têm recursos e conhecimentos especializados para lidar com problemas mais complexos e podem oferecer soluções avançadas. Você pode contatá-los através do site da Microsoft, por telefone, bate-papo ou e-mail. Certifique-se de fornecer detalhes precisos sobre sua versão do PowerPoint, sistema operacional e quaisquer mensagens de erro que você esteja enfrentando. O suporte técnico irá guiá-lo através do processo de resolução de problemas e trabalhar para encontrar uma solução para o seu problema.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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    Check File Compatibility: Ensure that the PowerPoint file you're trying to open is compatible with your version of PowerPoint. Sometimes, attempting to open files created in newer versions of PowerPoint with an older version of the software can lead to compatibility issues. Try opening the file on a different computer with a newer version of PowerPoint or use a file conversion tool to save it in a compatible format.

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