How to Unfreeze PowerPoint

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Like all programs, Microsoft PowerPoint is subject to hanging or freezing from time to time. Microsoft explains five known reasons for freezing in PowerPoint that could affect your computers. Troubleshooting PowerPoint is straightforward, however, and Microsoft offers solutions for the software's known errors.

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Updates

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Microsoft notes that all of its Office software may stop working properly. Updates address known vulnerabilities in a program, and PowerPoint is not exempt from issues. Windows notifies of you product updates through Action Center, which appears as a flag icon in the system tray beside the clock. Click on the flag to launch Action Center and then click "Windows Update." Search for and download updates to PowerPoint to correct errors.

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Other Processes

Sometimes when PowerPoint freezes, it isn't frozen at all. If you have several windows of PowerPoint open and a dialog boxes is awaiting your input in one, the other windows will appear locked. Toggle between the open PowerPoint windows and close all "Open, Save or Print" dialog boxes; then try using PowerPoint Again.

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Run in Safe Mode

PowerPoint add-ons may cause the program to freeze. To test if add-ins are causing issues, run PowerPoint in safe mode by holding down the "Ctrl" key while launching the program. If the program works without issue in safe mode, click "File" and then choose "Options" and click "Add-ins." Click on "COM Add-ins" and uncheck all of the boxes and click "OK" to confirm changes. Exit and load PowerPoint normally.

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Repair Installation

If issues in PowerPoint persist, you can repair the Office installation to stop PowerPoint from freezing in the future. Access the Windows "Settings" charm and choose "Control Panel." Click "Programs" and scroll through the list until you see "Office." Right-click on "Microsoft Office" and choose "Repair."

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Antivirus Conflicts

Microsoft also notes that your antivirus software might be integrating with PowerPoint to scan against viruses in PPT or PPTX files. While you may not have any viruses associated with PowerPoint (or on your computer at all), the combination of antivirus software and PowerPoint may cause the program to freeze. Check your antivirus software's settings to disable PowerPoint integration, which should stop PowerPoint from freezing.

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