Encountering issues with Microsoft PowerPoint on your Windows 11/10 computer can be frustrating, but opening the software in Safe Mode can help troubleshoot and resolve these problems. Safe Mode allows PowerPoint to launch with minimal features and settings, making it easier to identify and fix any issues affecting its normal operation. In this user-friendly guide, we will walk you through the steps to open Microsoft PowerPoint in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10.
How to Open Microsoft PowerPoint in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10?
Method 1: Open Microsoft PowerPoint in Safe Mode via Run Command
Step 1. Before starting, ensure that you close any open PowerPoint files or instances running on your computer. This ensures a clean start when launching PowerPoint in Safe Mode.
Step 2. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Run dialog box. Alternatively, you can click on the Start button and type “Run” in the search bar, then select the “Run” app from the search results.
Step 3. In the Run dialog box, type “powerpnt /safe” (without quotation marks) and press Enter or click on the “OK” button. This command instructs PowerPoint to open in Safe Mode, bypassing any potential issues caused by add-ins or custom settings.
Step 4. Once PowerPoint launches, you will notice the words “Safe Mode” displayed in the program’s title bar. This indicates that PowerPoint is running in Safe Mode, and you can now proceed with troubleshooting or testing its functionality.
While in Safe Mode, use PowerPoint to troubleshoot any issues you were encountering. Test its core features and functionality to see if the problem persists. If PowerPoint operates without any problems in Safe Mode, it suggests that the issue may be related to add-ins or custom settings.
If PowerPoint functions properly in Safe Mode, begin identifying the cause of the problem. Review and disable any recently installed add-ins or suspicious settings that might be interfering with PowerPoint’s normal operation. Gradually re-enable add-ins or revert settings to their default state to isolate the specific cause and resolve the issue.
Method 2: Open Microsoft PowerPoint in Safe Mode by Holding the CTRL Key
Step 1. Press and hold the CTRL key on your keyboard.
Step 2. Double-click the Microsoft PowerPoint shortcut on your desktop or click its shortcut in the Start Menu or taskbar.
Step 3. A pop-up dialog will appear, stating, “You’re holding down the CTRL key. Do you want to start PowerPoint in safe mode?”
Step 4. Release the CTRL key and click Yes.
Microsoft PowerPoint will start in Safe Mode, isolating any add-ins or settings that might be causing issues.
Method 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut to Always Open Microsoft PowerPoint in Safe Mode
Step 1. Right-click the Microsoft PowerPoint shortcut on your desktop.
Step 2. Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
Step 3. In the Properties window, click inside the Target text box.
Step 4. Place the cursor after the last quotation mark and add a blank space followed by the parameter “/safe” (without quotes). The target path should look something like this:-
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\POWERPNT.EXE" /safe
Step 5. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Now, whenever you double-click the shortcut, Microsoft PowerPoint will always start in Safe Mode.
Conclusion
Opening Microsoft PowerPoint in Safe Mode is an effective troubleshooting technique to address software-related issues in Windows 11/10. By following these user-friendly steps, you can quickly launch PowerPoint in Safe Mode, allowing you to diagnose and resolve problems effectively. Remember to close all PowerPoint files before initiating Safe Mode and pay attention to the “Safe Mode” indicator in the title bar. Utilize this helpful approach to ensure smooth and reliable PowerPoint performance on your Windows system.
