PowerPoint desktop app will not open

Matt Rudge 0 Reputation points
2026-09-22T09:11:15.0233333+00:00

I have an issue with PowerPoint on my pc. When I try to open PowerPoint app I get an error message stating: "PowerPoint couldn't start last time. Safe mode could help you troubleshoot the problem, but some features might not be available in this mode. Do you want to open in safe mode?" with a Yes or No box, no matter which box I click nothing happens other than the box closes.

I have made sure Windows and Office 365 are up to date, I have carried out an online repair of Office 365 and nothing has worked. All things I have found online talk about to do when it opens in safe mode but I can't even get that far!!

All other office apps working fine.

Any help appreciated!

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For home | Windows
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  1. DaveM121 937K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-22T09:44:53.8166667+00:00

    You will need to perform an online repair of your Office suite, Microsoft indicate this process does not delete your Copilot History, when you log into the Office apps that should automatically load from your account.

    Before performing this process, please log into your Microsoft account on this link (https://account.microsoft.com/services/) and check to ensure your Office licence or Microsoft 365 subscription is listed correctly on your account.

    Open the Settings App (gear icon on your Start Menu)

    Go to Apps - Installed Apps, then scroll down to find Microsoft Office

    Select that and choose Modify - Online Repair

    That should fix any issues with your Office Installation.

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  2. Matt Rudge 0 Reputation points
    2026-09-22T09:17:29.7833333+00:00

    I have tried forcing into safe mode also with no success.

    Looks like reinstalling windows is the only option. Will that loose all my copilot history though?

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-22T09:11:32.48+00:00

    Since Office is already up to date and an Online Repair was already completed, the next supported checks are:

    1. Try starting PowerPoint directly in Office Safe Mode from Run:
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type powerpnt /safe and select OK.
      • Make sure there is a space between powerpnt and /safe.
    2. If PowerPoint opens in Safe Mode:
      • Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
      • In Manage, select COM Add-ins and choose Go.
      • Clear all add-ins, select OK, then restart PowerPoint normally.
      • If it opens normally, re-enable add-ins one at a time to identify the faulty one.
    3. If PowerPoint still does not open in Safe Mode:
      • The issue is not likely caused by add-ins.
      • Repair Office again from Control Panel > Programs and Features > right-click Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 > Change/Modify > Online Repair.
      • If the repair still does not fix it, uninstall and reinstall Office.
    4. Also check whether PowerPoint is stuck finishing another task:
      • If PowerPoint opens at all, look at the status bar at the bottom of the window to see whether it is in use by another process.
      • If it is, wait for that task to finish before trying other actions.
    5. Check antivirus updates:
      • If antivirus software is outdated, PowerPoint may not function properly. Install the latest updates from the antivirus vendor.

    A useful alternate way to force Office Safe Mode is:

    • Find the PowerPoint shortcut.
    • Press and hold CTRL while double-clicking it.
    • Select Yes when prompted to start in Safe Mode.

    If PowerPoint never opens even with powerpnt /safe or the CTRL method, and Online Repair has already failed, the supported next step is reinstalling Office.

    References:

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

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