My PowerPoint has run into a problem and is not working, what should I do?

Try these steps in order:

1. Install the latest Office updates
   • Open any Office app.
   • Go to File > Account.
   • Under Product Information, select Update Options > Update Now.
   • If Update Now is not shown, select Enable Updates first.
2. Start PowerPoint in Safe Mode to check add-ins
   • Open Run.
   • Type powerpnt /safe and press Enter.
   • If PowerPoint opens in Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
   • Select COM Add-ins > Go.
   • Clear the add-ins, select OK, then restart PowerPoint.
   • If that fixes the issue, re-enable add-ins one at a time to find the one causing the problem.
3. Check whether PowerPoint is busy with another process
   • Look at the status bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint window.
   • If PowerPoint is being used by another process, wait for that task to finish before trying again.
4. Repair Office
   • Close all Office apps.
   • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
   • Right-click Microsoft Office in the installed apps list.
   • Select Change > Repair.
5. Check antivirus software
   • Make sure antivirus software is up to date.
   • If antivirus software integrates with PowerPoint, it can cause performance issues.
   • Disabling PowerPoint integration or antivirus add-ins may help. Warning: changing antivirus settings can make the PC more vulnerable.
6. Change the default printer
   • Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound.
   • In the printers list, right-click Microsoft XPS Document Writer or Send to OneNote.
   • Select Set as default printer.
7. If PowerPoint still shows a “stopped working” error at startup
   • If it does not open in Safe Mode, the issue is likely not an add-in.
   • In that case, repair Office or uninstall and reinstall Office.
   • Also make sure Windows and device drivers are up to date, especially video card, printer, mouse, and keyboard drivers.

• PowerPoint isn't responding, hangs or freezes
• I get a "stopped working" error when I start Office applications on my PC