powerpoint presentation won't open repair

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Can't repair a PowerPoint presentation? Try this...

This only applies if your PowerPoint file is saved under Onedrive.

This applies if you get the following message, and clicking "Repair" results in a corrupted presentation.

Try using the browser-based Repair, like this:

1. In File Explorer, right-click on the .pptx file

2. Select "View online". This should open a browser-based version of PowerPoint.

3. Click on the file name in the orange ribbon. You should see the following pop-up.

4. Click on Version History. You will see a list of previous versions of the file.

If you are lucky, the previous version will not be damaged.

But if you are unlucky, ALL the previous versions could be damaged.

The main point is that the online repair works better than the Windows-based repair.

5. Select each previous version of your file and repair each one (if it is damaged)

until you have recovered the most number of slides possible.

6. You can open a new presentation (File / New) in your browser, and copy individual slides into it from previous versions in order to create a new file of undamaged slides. When you save this file, it will automatically be downloaded to your desktop.

7. From the top ribbon, select Editing / Open in Desktop App in order to test

whether your new file is working in your normal desktop version of PowerPoint.

This worked for me, and saved me hundreds of hours of lost work.

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Top 11 Fixes for PowerPoint Not Opening on Windows 11

Even with free alternatives like Keynote and Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint remains the preferred choice among consumers, marketers, and professionals. It has native apps on most platforms and valuable features like Designer to create eye-catching presentations quickly. But what if PowerPoint fails to open in the first place on Windows 11? If you frequently face the same, check the best ways to fix PowerPoint when it is not opening on Windows 11.

Table of Contents

1. Restart Microsoft Office

You should restart Microsoft Office services and try opening PowerPoint again.

1. Right-click on Windows key and open Task Manager .

2. Use the search bar at the top and type Microsoft Office .

3. Select Microsoft Office and hit the End task button in the top right corner.

2. Check If PowerPoint Is In Use By Another Process

If you attempt to perform several tasks simultaneously in PowerPoint, the app may not respond to your actions. You should let the app complete a task before attempting other actions.

3. Check Possible Issues with Add-ins

While add-ins improve your overall PowerPoint experience, they may occasionally create a conflict with the app. Here’s how you can disable irrelevant add-ins from PowerPoint.

1. Press the Windows key and type PowerPnt /Safe .

2. Hit Enter , and the system will run the command to open PowerPoint in safe mode.

3. If PowerPoint is opening with any problems, disable add-ins.

4. Select Options from the bottom left corner.

5. Open Add-ins . Click Go .

6. Select an add-in and click Remove .  

You can now restart PowerPoint and try using it again.

4. Repair Microsoft Office

If you face unusual behavior with Office apps on Windows, repair it from system settings. It’s one of the effective ways to fix PowerPoint not opening on Windows 11. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Press Windows + I keys to open Settings .

2. Click Apps from the sidebar. Open the Installed apps menu.

3. Scroll to Microsoft 365 . Click the three-dot menu beside it.

4. Open Modify .

5. Select Quick Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Online Repair Microsoft Office

If repairing Microsoft Office doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to reset it.

1. Open the Installed apps menu in Windows Settings (refer to the steps above).

2. Head to Microsoft 365 and open Modify .

3. Select Online Repair from the following menu and confirm your decision.

Open Microsoft 365, and the app may ask you to log in with Microsoft account details to sync files. If PowerPoint still isn’t opening, continue reading to try other tricks.  

6. Change the Default Printer

PowerPoint loads a default printer, and if you have selected the wrong printer, the app may crash on startup.

1. Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.

2. Select Bluetooth & devices from the sidebar.

3. Open Printers and scanners .

4. Disable the Let Windows manage my default printer toggle.

5. Select your preferred printer and hit Set as default at the top.

PowerPoint should open without any problems on your computer.

7. Unblock a File

Windows may block specific files from another computer for security purposes. PowerPoint may not open on Windows if you are trying to open such files.

1. Open File Explorer and right-click on such a file.

2. Open Properties .

3. It will open the General menu. Find Unblock under Security . Click it.

Hit Apply , and you are good to go.

8. Update Microsoft PowerPoint

You can update Microsoft PowerPoint from any Office app. Here’s how.

1. Open Microsoft OneNote or Word on your computer.

2. Select File at the top and move to your Account.

3. Expand Update Options and select Update Now .

Download and install the latest Office update to fix PowerPoint not opening on Windows 11.

9. Reinstall Microsoft Office

When none of the tricks work, it’s time to reinstall Microsoft Office on your computer.

1. Open the Installed Apps menu in Settings (check the steps above).

2. Click the more menu beside Microsoft 365 and select Uninstall .

3. Head to Microsoft 365’s official website and download the latest version.

10. Check OneDrive Status

Are you trying to open a PowerPoint presentation from your OneDrive account? If OneDrive is facing server-side issues, PowerPoint won’t open. You must head to Downdetector to confirm server-side issues and wait for Microsoft to fix the problem.

11. Try PowerPoint Web Version

Although it’s not as feature-rich as the web version, you can use the PowerPoint web version to make minor edits on the go. However, we won’t recommend PowerPoint web to create new presentations from scratch.

Create Presentations Like a Pro

You should also confirm your Microsoft Office subscription from your account. If your subscription has expired, you may face issues with editing PPT files in PowerPoint. We hope PowerPoint is not opening and working on your Windows computer.

Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at TechWiser, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

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How to repair corrupt PowerPoint files

• Written by: Emily Pinch
• Categories: PowerPoint productivity , Presentation technology
• Comments: 7

With a coffee at your side, you’re ready to get back to work on your latest PowerPoint presentation. Upon opening your file, however, you’re stopped in your tracks by an unfamiliar pop up box. “ PowerPoint found a problem with content … ” The sinking realisation that your work may be lost into the depths of the corrupt PowerPoint cyberspace overcomes you. Will you ever see your work again? Fear not! Here are some helpful tips that will rescue and repair corrupt PowerPoint files and get you and your slides back on track.

Insert slides into a new presentation

First, click Repair and close the corrupt PowerPoint presentation. Then reopen PowerPoint, create a new, blank presentation and save it.

In your blank presentation, click the Home tab and select the drop-down arrow next to New slide and select Reuse slides . A sidebar will appear on the right.

Click the  Browse  button, locate the damaged PowerPoint file and click  Open . Check the  Keep formatting box at the bottom of the reuse slides pane, then right click on any slide in the preview and select Insert all .

All the slides from the original, corrupt PowerPoint file should now be inserted into the blank presentation. This process creates a blank title slide, which can be deleted later.

Apply corrupt PowerPoint presentation as a template

Okay, so you’ve repaired the corrupt file, but your beautifully designed template is all messed up! You may find your presentation doesn’t look quite right: this is because the original slide master has not been inserted into the new file. To re-apply the damaged presentation template, follow these steps:

To begin, on the File menu, click  Save as . Type a new name for the presentation, and then click  Save . This will create a backup copy of the restored presentation that you can use if the original template damages this new presentation.

Open the  Design  tab and click the drop-down arrow under Themes . Click  Browse for Themes .

Locate the original corrupt presentation, and then click  Apply . The slide master from the damaged presentation will restore the original theme and your presentation formatting should be back to normal.

You can now go back and delete the first title slide.

If you start to experience unexpected behaviour after following these steps, the template may be the cause of damage to your presentation. In this case, use the backup copy you made earlier and re-create the master slide.

Bookmark this post and next time you see those dreaded words “PowerPoint found a problem with content…”  you won’t feel quite so powerless! Tried these tips and still having problems? This blog article has a few more ideas, or comment below and we’ll do our best to help you out!

Emily Pinch

Senior consultant; group visualisation lead, related articles, 5 presentation resolutions for 2024 (with brightslide).

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I’m in tears right now… I’ve tried all means but none worked until I saw your post. 5stars for you…. Thank you so much.

I followed your advice and when I got to the place where you reuse and browse, the file that was corrupt could not be opened by PPT….

mine didn’t work so im really sad

Powerpoint could not open the file …

The PPT couldn’t open the corrupted file indeed after PC suddenly shutdown when I was working on the ppt slides. Repair couldn’t continue.

Wow! That worked like a charm. I had a ppt from 2013 on an old external drive that I wanted to update. The title slide was still visible, but the remaining 35 slides where GONE. I Followed the first 2 or 3 steps and I was back in biz…. THANK YOU

Cannot open the file and the “repair” function doesn’t fix the problem.

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PowerPoint won't open? 5 Simple Ways to Solve your Issue

As with any other programme on your computer, you may have encountered problems using MS PowerPoint. This is common and can occur to anyone, so you don't need to worry about it. A message box stating " PowerPoint won't open ", corrupt files, or various other error messages that prevent you from accessing your file are examples of such situations. So, if you want to fix such a " PowerPoint won't open " issue, this article will provide you with all the knowledge you need to get back to using PowerPoint.

Part1. Why can't You Open a PowerPoint File?

Part2. Top 5 Ways to Fix " PowerPoint Won't Open "

Part3. Hot FAQs about Powerpoint Won't Open

Part1. Why can't you Open a PowerPoint File?

The most common reason is file corruption. When a file is corrupted, it may be missing critical pieces required to see the document. Drawing objects, hyperlinks, graphs, and even text are examples of such information. When you try to access a PowerPoint file, it will be unreadable, resulting in an error notice. Other factors are included here.

• Malware or virus attacks on the system might also cause PowerPoint not to open. This could also corrupt the file, rendering it unreadable. Malware can alter or replace accurate data in PPT files, making them appear as icons with.exe files.
• To avoid data corruption, it's also a good idea to carefully eject and transfer data from external storage devices.
• " PowerPoint won't open " could also be caused by plug-ins or add-ins, as described above.
• Damaged programmes can result in PowerPoint not opening.

Part2. Top 5 Ways to Fix " PowerPoint Won't Open. "

There are numerous solutions to the problem of PowerPoint not opening. Here are a few simple steps to help you overcome the problem and get your PowerPoint operating again.

Unblock: Corrupt PowerPoint File

That's not the same as unlocking a file that is not corrupt and can be opened in PowerPoint. Because you may not be able to use PowerPoint because of the error, you should attempt to unblock the file causing the problem. So, how would this resolve the problem, given that there are numerous other reasons why PowerPoint files cannot be opened? If you have accessed a file from the Internet or another network, or if you have got an email and kept it on your computer, Windows may have disabled the file. As a result, the PowerPoint file cannot be opened. To unblock the file, take these steps:

• Right-click on the file to open the "Properties" folder.
• In the resulting dialogue box, select the "General" tab.

• If the dialogue box has an "Unblock" button, click it.
• Step 4: Click "Ok" to finish, then open the PowerPoint presentation.

In Safe Mode, open PowerPoint.

This method will allow you to edit a corrupted file, even if some formats are missing. It will open the file in functioning mode, after which you can edit it as needed. This is how you do it.

• On your computer, hold down the CTRL-key.

• Launch the software while holding down the CTRL-key. A popup appears on the screen as it starts up, asking if you want to start it in safe mode.

• Select Yes to proceed, and the programme will run in safe mode. For confirmation, look at the open programme to see if it was launched in Safe Mode.

In PowerPoint, turn off Protected View.

This, too, is contingent on whether or not the programme is broken and accessible. You can disable the Protected View in PPT if it is not damaged and accessible. You must proceed in the following manner.

• Open PowerPoint and click on "Files."
• Select "Options" from the "Files" menu.
• A dialogue box with options appears. On the left-hand panel, select "Trust Center." Then select "Trust Center Settings" from the right-hand pane.

• A new conversation box appears. This is where you may turn off Protected View. Select the "Protected View" option from the left-hand panel. Then, on the right-hand pane, uncheck the boxes that enable the function under this option. Once you've finished, click "Ok" to exit the software.

Examine the status of PowerPoint and see if it has been used

This will aid in determining when the problem began. It's also helpful in determining which files have been corrupted, the period before or after the corruption, and whether or not the file has an auto-saved copy or backup. Follow the instructions below to do so.

• Open the programme and select "File."
• Select "History" from the drop-down menu to see a breakdown of how you've been using the application and the tasks you've completed.

Upgrade to the most recent version of PowerPoint

Microsoft continues to update and add features to Microsoft Office as the owner and developer. You can update the programme for bug fixes, security, and stability. The Office Update tool in Microsoft PowerPoint displays the status of available updates.

• Ensure your internet connection is stable before updating.
• Open the Microsoft PowerPoint software you're working with.
• See the Office Updates area under File »Accounts.
• Update Now »Options »Update Now ( Check for and apply updates for the Office).
• Please wait until the updating procedure is finished before checking for updates.

Please restart your computer/laptop after updating Microsoft PowerPoint.

Part3. Hot FAQs about Powerpoint Won't Open "

① q1: why won't my powerpoint open.

Malware or virus attacks on the system might also cause PowerPoint not to open. Plug-ins or add-ins could also cause it. Damaged programmes can result in PowerPoint not opening.

① Q2: How to open password-protected PowerPoint?

The ideal solution for this problem is Passper for PowerPoint, specifically developed to remove password security from PowerPoint without a password. It's compelling while also being quite user-friendly. Passper for PowerPoint is one of the most excellent online PPT password removal solutions.

① Q3: I can't open the PowerPoint file on mac – why?

• Close all windows and close all apps.
• PowerPoint Preferences should be removed.
• Clean up your startup.
• Make a new account for yourself.
• Select "Repair Disk Permissions" from the menu.
• Remove Office and then reinstall it.

While your ppt presentation may abruptly stop working, you should remain relaxed and try each of the steps or recovery strategies listed above. If your powerpoint cannot be opened due to lost/forgotten password, please read this guide for details. This article will show you in detail how to unlock powerpoint without password.

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By Adams Johnson to PowerPoint

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 ( Updated: Mar 17, 2023)

Passper editor since 2015, has over 20 years’ professional technology support experience. He has contributed nearly 100 articles to the site on topics that ranger from password unlocking for MS office/Windows, Windows tips to network security.

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How to repair corrupt PowerPoint files?

updated on November 23, 2023

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Microsoft PowerPoint is a reliable software overall, but you can sometimes end up with a corrupt PowerPoint file that won’t open. This can happen due to improper saving, power failure in the middle of a save, or issues with the disk of your computer, among other things.

It’s as common as a blinking Outlook 365 issue, and can be frustrating, especially if you have a crucial presentation coming up. PowerPoint’s handling of files has improved over the years, but you may still get a corrupted PPT/PPTX file every now and then which might prevent you from opening PowerPoint files . Here’s how to repair corrupt PowerPoint files.

Method 1: Using the Open and Repair option in PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint has a mechanism to fix corrupt PPT/PPTX files itself. It’s labelled as ‘Open and Repair’. If you use this option, PowerPoint will try to repair the file automatically and open it. Follow the steps below to use Open and Repair to repair corrupt PowerPoint files:

• Open Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Click the File tab. (May not be needed on newer versions.)

• Navigate to and select the corrupt PowerPoint file by clicking Open .

• If a dialog box pops up, click Repair .

If PowerPoint is able to repair the corrupted PPT/PPTX file, it will do so and open it up. If not, you will see an error saying that PowerPoint cannot open the file.

Method 2: Repair corrupt PowerPoint files with a third-party app

If PowerPoint cannot repair the corrupt PowerPoint file itself, your best bet is to get a third-party app like Stellar Repair for PowerPoint.

• Download Stellar Repair for PowerPoint from the official website, and install it.

• Click Scan  and wait for the software to fix the file.

Method 3: Open PowerPoint in safe mode, or use a Backup saved file

It may be worth a shot to try opening PowerPoint in safe mode to see if it can open and repair corrupt PowerPoint files. Follow these steps.

• Close all open instances of PowerPoint.
• Press and hold the Ctrl key and click/double-click PowerPoint to open it.
• A dialog box will pop up asking if you want to start PowerPoint in Safe Mode. Click Yes .

Once you’re in Safe Mode, try opening the corrupt PowerPoint file again. If it opens successfully, you can try to save it as a new file to avoid any further corruption. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to try other methods to repair the file.

In case none of these methods works for you, you can use a backup saved file. If you have an older version of the file, you may use it and add in any changes manually. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it may be useful in case all else fails. We recommend you to keep a backup of your important files to avoid any data loss.

More about the topics: Microsoft PowerPoint

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5 Best Ways to Fix “PowerPoint not Opening”

When using MS PowerPoint, you may encounter various issues, similar to any other program on your PC. This is normal and can happen to anyone, so there's no need to worry. These issues may include error messages like PowerPoint not opening or file corruption, among others, which can restrict access to your files.

Don’t worry. This article will explore potential reasons for PowerPoint not opening and offer solutions to help you resolve the issue. Let’s continue reading for more information.

Part 1: Why is my PowerPoint not opening?

There can be several reasons why your PowerPoint presentation is not opening.

Software conflict: Conflicting programs or processes running on your computer can interfere with PowerPoint's functionality and prevent it from opening.

Corrupted installation: A corrupted installation of PowerPoint can lead to issues in launching the program. This can occur due to software glitches, incomplete installations, or file corruption.

Insufficient system resources:  If your computer lacks sufficient memory (RAM) or processing power, PowerPoint may struggle to open or may not open at all. Inadequate system resources can be a result of running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously.

File compatibility issues:  Trying to open a PowerPoint file created in a newer version of PowerPoint with an older version of the software can cause compatibility issues and prevent the file from opening.

Damaged presentation file:  If the PowerPoint file itself is corrupted or damaged, it may fail to open. This can happen due to file system errors, unexpected shutdowns, or transfer errors.

Security settings or antivirus software:  Overly restrictive security settings or antivirus software can sometimes block the execution of PowerPoint, preventing it from launching.

System updates:  Incompatibilities between PowerPoint and recent system updates or patches can lead to issues with opening the program. These conflicts can arise from changes in system configurations or dependencies

Here are six methods you can try to fix the error of PowerPoint not opening, which can make you to get PowerPoint working again easily.You can choose the one that suits your situation.

Part 2: How to fix PowerPoint Not Opening?

Method 1: using professional powerpoint repair tool.

For resolving a corrupted PowerPoint file, an effective solution is to utilize a professional repair tool such as AnyRecover. It is an all-in-one data recovery and repair tool ,which  not only help you recover deleted files but also offer you powerful ai restoration function to repair corrupted data. Specifically designed to address damaged or corrupt PowerPoint, Word, Excel, or PDF files, this product offers instant repair capabilities. Unlike other software programs, AnyRecover excels in repairing various file corruptions that may be challenging to fix otherwise. Regardless of the specific issues affecting your files, AnyRecover can effortlessly resolve them.

Let's See How to Fix PowerPoint Can't Open with AnyRecover in 3 Steps.

Step 1: Add file to the software

Download and install this software and choose "File Repair", then click "Add File" to upload the file you want to repair.

Step 2: Start to repair corrupted ppt file

Check the file you upload and choose “Repair” option at the bottom. Repairit will start scanning the ppt file and troubleshooting possible issues resulting in the error.

Step 3: Preview and save your repaired ppt files

After a while, your broken or corrupt PowerPoint will be successfully repaired.

Method 2: Unblock the Corrupt PowerPoint File

If you're attempting to open a PowerPoint file stored on your computer, it may be blocked by Windows due to perceived safety concerns. To unblock the file, right-click on it and choose Properties. In the Properties window, click on the Unblock button. After unblocking the file, attempt to open it in PowerPoint once again.

Method 3: Disable Protected View Settings in PPT

Whether you can disable Protected View in PowerPoint depends on the accessibility and condition of the program. If the program is accessible and undamaged, you can follow these steps:

1.  Launch the PowerPoint program and navigate to the " Files " tab.

2.  Under the " Files " tab, select " Options ".

3.  In the Options dialogue box, choose " Trust Center " from the left-side panel.

If you unsaved PPT, here is video Tutorial to recover Unsaved or Deleted PowerPoint files.

If you encounter a sudden issue with your PowerPoint presentation not working, it's important to remain calm and systematically attempt each of the recovery steps provided earlier.

Among the various software options available, one highly recommended choice for resolving PowerPoint file issues is AnyRecover - File Repair for PowerPoint. This software is known for its effectiveness in repairing and recovering PowerPoint files.

Additionally, it's advisable to follow the preventive measures mentioned earlier to minimize the chances of encountering PowerPoint file opening problems in the future. Taking these precautions can help ensure a smoother and more reliable experience with your PowerPoint presentations.

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5 Proven Ways to Fix "PowerPoint Not Opening"

Eleanor Reed

Repair corrupted files on the computer.

Are you getting the error of powerpoint cannot insert video , network issue or seeking the best Ms. PowerPoint File Repair Tool ? Don't be upset, here will provide some solutions for you, or just feel free to download the software to fix them!

While using MS PowerPoint, you may have experienced certain issues as is with any other program on your PC. This is normal and can happen to anyone, so you need not, break a sweat over the matter. Such issues could be an error message stating PowerPoint not opening or files corrupted , or many other versions of error messages that deny you access to your file.

So, if you wish to take hold of such ppt not opening issues, this article will provide you with sufficient information to get back to using PowerPoint.

In this article

Part 1: how to fix powerpoint not opening (5 proven ways).

There are many ways to resolve PowerPoint does not open. Below are a few "Manual" or Do-It-Yourself steps to help you resolve the issue in a straightforward way to get your PowerPoint working.

1. Unblock the Corrupt PowerPoint File

This step is not the same as unlocking an uncorrupt file that can be open on PowerPoint. Since you might not have access to PowerPoint due to the error, you should try unblocking the file causing the issue.

So, how will this solve the issue as there are many other reasons why you cannot open PowerPoint files?

Well, if you have downloaded a file from the Internet or any network or have received an email and saved it on your computer, then the error comes up since Windows may have blocked the file. Thus you cannot open the PowerPoint file.

To unblock the file, proceed as follows:

Step 1. Open the "Properties" folder of the file by right-clicking on it.

Step 2. On the dialogue box that appears click on the "General" tab.

Step 3. Click on the "Unblock" button, if there is one present on the dialogue box.

Step 4. Finalize by clicking "Ok" and then open the PowerPoint presentation.

2. Disable Protected View in PPT

Once again, this depends on whether the program is damaged and accessible. If not damaged and accessible, then you can disable the Protected View in PPT. You will need to proceed as follows.

Step 1. Launch the PPT program and go to "Files"

Step 2. Under "Files" select "Options"

Step 3. An options dialogue box opens. Here you will have to select the option "Trust Center", which is on the left-side panel. Then click on the right-side pane, click on "Trust Center Settings".

Step 4. Another dialogue box comes up. Here is where you disable the Protected View function. You will have to select the "Protected View" option which is on the left-side panel. Then under this option and on the right-side pane uncheck the boxes that enable the function. Once through, click on "Ok" to close the program.

3. Start PowerPoint in Safe Mode

This method will help you edit the corrupted file, though some format may be missing, it opens the file in working mode after which you can finally edit the file as per your requirements.

Here is how it is done.

Step 1. Hold down the CTRL key on your computer.

Step 2. While still holding down the CTRL key, launch the software. As it launches, a prompt comes on the screen asking whether you wish to launch in safe mode.

Step 3. Click yes to proceed and you will have launched the program in safe mode. Check at the open program if it launched in Safe Mode, for confirmation.

4. Check the Status of PowerPoint-check if the PowerPoint has been in use

This is to help figure out when the issue started. It is also helpful in knowing which files have been corrupted, the period before or after corruption, and if there is an auto-saved copy or backup of the file.

To do so, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Launch the Program and click on "File"

Step 2. Scroll down to the "History" option and here you will get a breakdown of how you have been using the program as well as the tasks you have worked on.

5. Open PowerPoint with Wondershare Repairit - File Repair for PPT Repair

When it comes to issues relating to PowerPoint and the error alerts such as can't open PowerPoint files, this is the best method to make use of. The method is through the use of a repair tool or software known as Wondershare Repairit - File Repair . It will resolve issues such as the error alerts described above. Even you can choose its online repairing mode, or the desktop fixer. If you only have a few Powerpoints to repair, I'd like to suggest you using the Online File Repair, because it has a free trial, and it's more convenience to use. However, if the file amount is large, then the desktop version is needed.

Here are some comparisons between the 2 modes:

For Online PPT Repair access, please enter the official website . Here I will show you how to use the desktop version in detail.

Wondershare Repairit - File Repair

1,010,994 people have downloaded it.

Repair corrupted powerpoint files with all levels of corruption, including files not opening, unreadable content, garbled files, files layout changed, etc.

Repair damaged Powerpoint files caused by any reason, such as system crash, file format change, virus attack, etc.

Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

Compatible with PowerPoint files of 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 and 2007.

How to use Wondershare Repairit - File Repair for PowerPoint

Step 1: Add file to the software

Firstly, download and install Wondershare Repairit and go to More Types Repair>File Repair section.

Click on the “Add” button to find the corrupt ppt file. You're allowed to select multiple ppt files and upload them.

The application will filter out incompatible format to save your time. After you have chosen the files, Repairit will start to upload them.

Step 2: Start to repair corrupt ppt file

Once the ppt files are uploaded, choose “Repair” option at the bottom.

Repairit will start scanning the ppt file and troubleshooting possible issues resulting in the error.

On the software interface, there will be a prompt displaying the number of files that have been repaired.

However, if the ppt file is corrupted severely and unable to be recovered, Repairit will notify you about the same.

Step 3: Preview and save repaired ppt files

Choose the “Preview” option and check the repaired ppt file before exporting.

Click the "Save" or “Save All” button and export all repaired files.

You can also select a preferred destination to store the repaired ppt files.

Part 2: What Does "PowerPoint Not Opening" Mean?

When you try to open PowerPoint Presentation and come across an error message stating PowerPoint does not open, it means the file is corrupt or some have some issue with the ppt and prompts for a repair.

To start, we have detailed errors that can come up when you try to open a corrupt MS PowerPoint. All these errors relate to the error message stating cannot open the PowerPoint file . Though each is different and will even appear differently on the MS PowerPoint version in use, the error message will simply point out that you can't open the PowerPoint file.

Now, each error is associated with a distinct cause which is essential in figuring out the root cause as well as fixing it.

Examples of some error codes include:

Error-File Corruption Due To Plug-Ins or Add-Ins

When you encounter a PPT not opening error alert, it may be due to plug-ins. For instance, if your PPT is using the Flash Player plug-in, and it gets updated, the visible symptom of this issue will be an error alert as below.

If you try to perform a repair, it may still have no significant effect.

PPT may even completely freeze when you try any manual repair or editing of the file to do away with the corruption.

Error-Conversion Issue

Another error message is one that appears when you try to preview or publish a corrupted file or even one with issues with a plug-in such as the one listed above.

Error-Damaged PPT File Due To Missing Contents

Certain elements of the file may be damaged, leading to the file being corrupt.

Error-PPT May Crush

This is a pretty common issue where a PPT may also crash due to issues relating to the system, and when it does, it can also point out the reason with details why PowerPoint will not open.

Part 3: Why Does PowerPoint Not Open?

The main cause is usually due to file corruption. On file corruption, the file may be missing vital elements that are required to open the document for viewing. Such information includes drawing objects, hyperlinks, graphs, or even text. This will render the file unreadable, thus an error message when you want to open a PowerPoint file.

Other reasons are as detailed below.

PowerPoint, not opening can also be due to malware or virus attacks to the system. This may cause the PPT file corrupted and make it unreadable too. Malware can manipulate data or replace real data on the PPT file making it look like icons with .exe files.

It is also good to safely eject and transfer data from external storage devices to avoid corruption.

Plug-ins or add-ins as detailed above could also be a reason for PowerPoint not opening.

PowerPoint does not open can be caused due to damaged applications.

Part 4: PowerPoint Tips on "PPT Not Opening"

Recent Videos from repairit: How to Fix PowerPoint Not Opening Problem?

First of all, the best and the most suggested thing to do in case you came across a ppt not opening an error message is to create a backup of your documents, especially the corrupted file. This is because in the event you try so many different repair methods without the proper results, you may end up critically damaging the file.

Next is to eject or remove external storage devices safely not to corrupt documents saved on them.

Remember to regularly scan your computer with a recommended anti-malware or anti-virus software. This will help remove any malicious files that may cause the program not to open.

Finally, remember to be careful with the use of the program, even when updating or installing new plug-ins or add-ins to avoid damaging the software or corrupting data on files.

On the errors listed above, some measures to counter can't open PowerPoint files issues have been discussed. You should carefully execute them or better do it in the surveillance of a professional.

Further Reading: Here are the useful articles to help you. 1. What to Do When PowerPoint Cannot Play Video/Audio Media . 2. Fix PowerPoint Found a Problem with the Content . 3. The Best MS PowerPoint File Repair Tool .

While your ppt presentation may stop working suddenly, you are urged to keep calm and carefully try each one of the steps or recovery techniques given above.

Overall, the most and the highly recommended software, which is the best for such issues relating to PPT not opening is the Wondershare Repairit - File Repair for PowerPoint. Also, it is better to make sure to adhere to the preventive measures mentioned above not to encounter any can't open PowerPoint file issues anymore.

What Do You Do When PowerPoint Won't Open?

How Do I Fix PowerPoint Not Responding?

If PowerPoint is not responding and you get such an error message, try any of these:

• Closed all the software you are not using
• Avoid the usage of large images
• Remove any add-ins that you are not using

Why Is PPTX File Not Opening?

PPTX file is not opening because there is corruption in your Microsoft PowerPoint, which translates in turn to corruption in the contents of the PPTX file. This can affect the presentation of a user.

How Do I Open And Repair A PowerPoint File?

Follow these steps to use the inbuilt "Open" and "Repair":

• In PowerPoint, click "File" and "Open"
• Browse to find the corrupted file
• Move to the arrow on the side of the "Open" tab and click it. Choose to "Open" and "Repair"

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How to repair damaged presentation in powerpoint 2010.

PowerPoint isn't responding, hangs or freezes

Problems with PowerPoint 2013 or a newer version hanging, freezing or not responding may occur for one or more of the several reasons. Try these solutions in the order listed below:

Install the latest Office updates

Send a frown to the Office product team

Check whether powerpoint is in use by another process, investigate possible issues with add-ins, repair office, check to see if your antivirus software is up-to-date, check whether antivirus software is conflicting with powerpoint, change printer defaults.

Try some advanced troubleshooting solutions

Install the latest updates

Installing any important, recommended, and optional updates can often correct problems by replacing out-of-date files and fixing vulnerabilities. To install the latest Office updates, see Install Office updates .

You can also attempt to get updates manually at any time. If installing the latest Office updates doesn't resolve your issue, continue to the next step.

If you're using Office 2016, on the File tab in PowerPoint, select Feedback . Click Send a Frown . (The Feedback pane opens on the right side of the PowerPoint window.)

Describe the problem, and then please select the Include diagnostic and usage data box. (Sending diagnostic data to the Office product team allows it to analyze the context in which your problem has occurred. This helps the team determine what needs to be fixed in the software.)

Click Submit to transmit the feedback to the Office team.

If PowerPoint is in use by another process, this information will be displayed in the horizontal status bar at the bottom of the screen. If you try to perform other actions while PowerPoint is in use, PowerPoint may not respond. Let the task in process finish its job before attempting other actions.

If PowerPoint is not in use by another process, continue to the next step.

While add-ins can enhance your experience, they can occasionally interfere or conflict with PowerPoint. Try starting PowerPoint without add-ins to see if the problem goes away. Here’s how:

Do one of the following:

If you're running Windows 10, click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen.

If you are running Windows 8, move your mouse to the upper right corner of your screen and select Search .

If you are running Windows 7, click Start .

Type PowerPnt /safe , and then click OK .

If the issue is resolved, on the File menu, click Options , and then click Add-Ins .

Select COM Add-ins , and then click Go .

Click to clear all the check boxes (Disable the Add-ins) in the list, and then click OK .

Restart PowerPoint.

If the issue does not occur, start enabling the add-ins one at a time until the issue occurs. This will allow you to figure out which add-in is causing the problem. Be sure to restart PowerPoint each time you enable an add-in.

If disabling add-ins did not resolve your issue, continue to the next step.

Repairing your Office programs can resolve issues with PowerPoint not responding, hanging, or freezing by automatically repairing errors in the file.

Close any Microsoft Office applications that are running.

Open Control Panel , and then open Programs and Features .

In the list of installed applications, right-click your version of Microsoft Office , and then click Change and select Repair .

If repairing your Office programs did not resolve your issue, continue to the next step

If your antivirus software is not up-to-date, PowerPoint may not function properly. Download the latest updates by visiting your antivirus software vendor’s website.

For a list of antivirus software vendors, see Consumer security software providers

If your antivirus software includes integration with PowerPoint, you may experience performance issues. In this case, you can disable all PowerPoint integration within the antivirus software. Or, you can disable any antivirus software add-ins that are installed in PowerPoint.

Warning:  Changing your antivirus settings may make your PC vulnerable to viral, fraudulent, or malicious attacks. Microsoft does not recommend that you attempt to change your antivirus settings. Use this workaround at your own risk.

You may have to contact your antivirus software vendor to determine how to configure software to exclude any integration with PowerPoint or to exclude scanning in PowerPoint.

If updating you antivirus software, and excluding it from integrating with PowerPoint did not resolve your issue, continue to Advanced Troubleshooting.

PowerPoint loads a default printer, and changing this setting may resolve the issue:

Open the Control Panel , and then open Hardware and Sound .

In the list of printers, right click on either the Microsoft XPS Document Writer or Send to OneNote.

Select Set as default printer from the menu.

Advanced troubleshooting

This section is intended for more advanced computer users.

Perform a Selective Startup to determine if another program is conflicting with PowerPoint

When you start Windows normally, several applications and services start automatically and then run in the background. These applications and services can interfere with other software on your PC. Changing your startup settings can sometimes help you resolve issues.

Windows 10 Startup Settings (including safe mode)

Windows 8.1 Startup Settings (including safe mode)

Windows 7 Advanced startup options (including safe mode)

If performing a Selective Startup does not resolve your issue, please contact Microsoft Support .

If you’re having the issue on Office 2010, please see: PowerPoint 2010 not responding, hangs or freezes

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Technical How-tos, Tips, and Tricks

Powerpoint won’t open or crashes – fix.

January 17, 2022 Matt Mills How to 0

When talking about a program with which to make presentations, there is no doubt that Microsoft ‘s PowerPoint is one of the most popular and used today. From its initial versions in 2003 to the most recent version integrated within Microsoft 365, the truth is that it continues to dominate the market. It is widely used educators, businessmen, students, among others. That is why if the program does not open it can be a setback.

And it is that no matter how reliable any software is, none is exempt from suffering any problem that prevents us from using it correctly. If this is our case, and PowerPoint does not open correctly, does not respond or hangs for no reason, we are going to see what these causes may be and how to solve it.

PowerPoint won’t open or respond, why?

It may be that at a given moment we double-click on our direct access to PowerPoint and see how after a few seconds the program does not open or does not respond for no apparent reason. Some of the possible reasons why this can happen are the following:

• The program was blocked due to a mistaken installation or due to infection by a virus or malware.
• Error occurred after a Windows update, because there may be components that are not compatible or the update may be incomplete.
• The program has not been activated once the trial period is over, preventing us from writing and other functions from being disabled.
• Some component is missing or damaged, which prevents the application from responding correctly.
• The installed plugins are corrupted or suffer from some problem that prevents them from being used optimally.
• The PPT file may fail due to system problems which prevents the program from opening properly.

As we can see, the reasons why this problem occurs can be several. Regardless of the cause, the truth is that this can be quite an inconvenience for our work, so we are going to try different types of actions that we can carry out to solve it.

How to fix the problem

Next, we are going to look at possible solutions that we can try to solve the problem of PowerPoint not opening correctly, not responding or crashing.

Unlock problem file

In the event that the program does not open correctly, we can start by unlocking the file that is restricted due to privacy policies. Therefore, if it is a read-only file, we will not be able to modify the content at any time, so we must click on the “Edit anyway” button to unlock the file.

Update PowerPoint to the latest version

Microsoft’s presentation software receives enhancements and new features as new updates are released. That is why keeping the application updated to the latest version allows us to correct security and stability errors that prevent us from using it correctly.

To do this, click on the File tab and then click on “Account”. Here we click on the “Office Updates” section and then on “Update Now”. All that remains is to wait for the update process to complete.

Disable Protected View of PPT file

In the event that we can access the program, we can try to disable the protected view of PPT files . To do this, click on the Files tab and then in the Options section, where we must click on the Trust Center option that we will find at the bottom of the left column. Then we select “Trust Center Settings”.

In the new window that appears, we must click on the “Protected View” section in the left column. Once this is done, in the left panel we uncheck all the boxes in charge of enabling this function and click OK to save the changes.

open and repair

All the programs that are part of Office have a function called “Open and repair” that we can use to be able to repair any slide that is damaged or corrupted . To do this, click on the “File” tab and “Open”. Later we click on “Browse” to open the File Explorer . We select the file and click on the arrow of the Open button to select the “Open and repair” option. After a few seconds, PowerPoint will have completely repaired the file so that we can use it normally again.

Use the PowerPoint Repair Tool app

This program is capable of repairing corrupt PowerPoint files (PPT, PPTX and PPTM) that prevent them from being used correctly, causing the application to crash and recovering all your data. It is compatible with versions of 2019, 2016, 2013 and older. The application is priced at 39 euros, although it allows us to download a free trial version .

Once installed, we run it and find and select the corrupt PowerPoint file and click the Repair button. Later, it will show us a preview and we can save the file by clicking on Save as in the main menu. Once finished, we open the file and check if we can work normally.

Repair office

In the event that we cannot solve the problem, we can always choose to reinstall Office , making sure we have a backup of our most important files beforehand. Later we must access the Windows Configuration menu by pressing the keyboard shortcut “Windows + I”. Here, click on the “Applications” section.

Next, at the bottom where we find a list of installed applications, so we must look for the one corresponding to Microsoft Office 365 or our version of Office . We click on it and click on the “Modify” button. This will open an Office window where we can choose between “Quick Repair” or “Online Repair”.

Remove and reinstall Office

If the problem persists, you may need to uninstall Office and then reinstall it again. To do this we close all running programs and return to the “Settings” menu. Click on applications and search for Office or Microsoft 365 again. We click on it and this time we choose the “Uninstall” option.

Once the uninstall is complete, which may take a few minutes, we download Office again from this link to its official website . This should be able to fix any internal issues, getting everything back to normal and you can use PowerPoint properly.

try another alternative

If we can’t fix the problem with Microsoft’s presentation software, but we need to work, we can choose to turn to some alternatives that we can use that are compatible with PPT files.

Print (LibreOffice)

It is the tool to make presentations that we can find within the LibreOffice office suite. It is compatible with PowerPoint file formats and allows us to provide our presentations with special effects, being able to add different slides and other elements to give it a more attractive and dynamic touch. In addition, it allows us to insert images, videos, animations and sounds.

Impress belongs to LibreOffice , a free office suite that we can download from its website .

This program belongs to Microsoft and allows us to use predetermined presentations or fill in templates to which we can insert videos, images, and other multimedia elements. It has full integration with OneDrive from where we can add files, as well as Word and OneNote where we can easily convert all our content.

Sway is an application to create presentations, newsletters, and documents that we can download for free from the Microsoft Store.

• Microsoft PowerPoint

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