File Cannot Open

Fix PowerPoint Presentation Was Deleted or Is Not Accessible Error

Khadija Khan Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open work presentations and needs help troubleshooting a specific missing or inaccessible file error.

How to Fix PowerPoint "This Presentation is Either Deleted or Not Currently Accessible"

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open an existing work presentation saved on a local drive, OneDrive, SharePoint, or a network location.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint blocks access to the file and displays the error message: "This presentation is either deleted or not currently accessible."

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable if you are opening files stored on OneDrive, SharePoint, or a company network drive, and check whether this issue affects all presentations or just one specific file.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify File Location and Access Permissions

Confirm that the presentation has not been moved, renamed, or restricted by network administrators.

Often, this error occurs if a file was moved or deleted by another user in a shared network drive, or if your user account lacks the necessary permissions to read the file.

Locate the original file path

Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and navigate to the exact folder where the presentation was originally saved. Ensure the file is actually visible in the directory.

Check OneDrive or SharePoint sync status

If the file is hosted on OneDrive or SharePoint, look for a sync icon next to the file name. A red cross indicates a sync failure that needs to be resolved by reconnecting your account.

Verify folder permissions

Right-click the folder containing the file, select 'Properties' (or 'Get Info' on Mac), and check the Security tab to ensure your user account has 'Read' and 'Write' permissions.

Verify File Location and Access Permissions

Network Drives: If the file is on a company network drive, you may need to disconnect from your VPN and reconnect to refresh your access tokens.

Solution 2

Open with PowerPoint for the Web

Bypassing the desktop application can help determine if the file itself is corrupted or if the issue lies with your local PowerPoint installation.

Solution 3

Recover from Recycle Bin or Version History

If the file was accidentally deleted or became corrupted during a recent save, restoring an earlier version can bypass the inaccessible error.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Presentation Management

If you frequently encounter file access issues, sync errors, or restrictive cloud permissions in Microsoft PowerPoint, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly experience for all your presentations without the hassle.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office.
3. Open your presentation: Launch WPS Presentation, click 'Open', and select your .pptx file to view and edit it without access errors.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint formats including .ppt and .pptxLightweight application that loads presentations quickly and smoothlyFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interfaceSeamless local file management without forced cloud synchronization errors

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PowerPoint say my file is deleted when it isn't?

This usually happens when the connection to the file's storage location (like a network drive, SharePoint, or OneDrive) drops, or if another user has temporarily locked or moved the file while you were trying to access it.

How can I restore a deleted PowerPoint file from OneDrive?

Sign in to OneDrive on your web browser, navigate to the 'Recycle bin' on the left side of the screen, select the deleted presentation, and click 'Restore' at the top of the page.

Can I open an inaccessible PPTX file with another program?

Yes. If the issue is related to your specific Microsoft Office installation or cloud sync, you can often open the local .pptx file using alternative software like WPS Presentation or by uploading it to Google Slides.

Does renaming a folder cause this PowerPoint error?

Yes. If you have the presentation in your 'Recent files' list and you rename the folder it resides in, PowerPoint will not be able to find the file via the old path, triggering the 'deleted or not accessible' error. You will need to open the file manually from its new location.

Document & File Issues