Powerpoint not working

Asti Hustvedt 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T16:37:20.7133333+00:00

I am in the middle of preparing a powerpoint presentation for a lecture and it stopped working. It won't let me save or add images or do anything.

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | Other | Other
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 87,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T17:14:09.6633333+00:00

    Hi, @Asti Hustvedt

    To protect your current work:

    If you haven't tried it yet, first, if PowerPoint is still responding, try "File" > "Save As" and save the presentation with a different name to a local folder such as Desktop.

    If the issue still persists, to help narrow down the issue:

    1. Are you using PowerPoint on Windows, Mac, or in a web browser?
    2. Does PowerPoint show any error message when you try to save or add an image?
    3. Is this happening only with this presentation, or with a new blank presentation as well?

    Please don't close the presentation yet if you have unsaved changes.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-15T16:37:35.75+00:00

    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. Check whether PowerPoint is busy with another process
      • Look at the status bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint window.
      • If PowerPoint is currently processing something, wait for it to finish before trying to save or insert images again.
    3. Start PowerPoint in Safe Mode to test add-ins
      • Press Windows + R.
      • Type powerpnt /safe and press Enter.
      • If PowerPoint works in Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
      • Select COM Add-ins > Go.
      • Clear all add-ins, select OK, then restart PowerPoint normally.
      • Re-enable add-ins one at a time until the problem returns to identify the faulty add-in.
    4. Repair Office
      • Close all Office apps.
      • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
      • Right-click Microsoft Office in the installed apps list.
      • Select Change and then Repair.
    5. Check antivirus software
      • Make sure antivirus definitions and software are up to date.
      • If the antivirus integrates with PowerPoint, it can cause performance problems.
      • Disabling antivirus integration or PowerPoint-related antivirus add-ins can help.
      • Warning: changing antivirus settings can make the PC more vulnerable. Use that workaround carefully.
    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 crashes when working with media or images
      • Update the Intel graphics driver if the PC uses an older Intel 510, 520, or 620 graphics driver.
    8. If the issue continues
      • Try a selective startup to check whether another background program is conflicting with PowerPoint.
      • If that still does not resolve it, contact Microsoft Support.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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