File Sharing Problems

How to Show External Link Content in PowerPoint During Zoom or Teams Meetings

Khadija Khan Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

Audience members cannot see external websites or Excel files opened via action links while presenting a slideshow over video conferencing software.

How to Show PowerPoint Action Link Content During Zoom or Teams Meetings

Product: PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a presentation in Slide Show mode during a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting.
Observed behavior: When action links are clicked, the external content opens locally but is hidden from the viewers because only the PowerPoint application window is being shared.

Before you start

Before starting your meeting, decide whether you are comfortable sharing your entire desktop screen, or if you prefer to embed necessary files directly into your presentation to maintain privacy.

Solution 1Recommended

Embed the External File Directly into Your Presentation

This method allows you to keep the external data inside the slideshow, meaning you can continue to share just the presentation window without attendees missing any content.

By inserting the Excel file or other external documents as an object, the content becomes a native part of your slides. It will be visible to your audience even if you only share the specific presentation window.

Navigate to the Insert Tab

Open your presentation and click on the 'Insert' tab located on the top ribbon.

Insert an Object

Click on the 'Object' button to open the insertion dialog box.

Select Your File

Choose the option to create from a file, browse for your Excel workbook or desired document, and click 'OK'.

Embed the External File Directly into Your Presentation

Seamless Sharing: Once embedded, the data will display inside your slide and will be perfectly visible to meeting participants when you share the presentation window.

Solution 2

Share Your Entire Desktop Screen

Instead of sharing just the presentation app, sharing your full screen ensures any newly opened window or browser is instantly visible to the meeting participants.

Seamlessly Embed Objects and Present with WPS Office

WPS Presentation provides a highly compatible and smooth experience for embedding external objects like Excel sheets into your slides, ensuring your remote meetings go off without a hitch.

1. Open Your Slide Deck: Launch WPS Presentation and open your slideshow file.
2. Go to the Insert Menu: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top toolbar.
3. Embed the Object: Click 'Object', select 'Create from file', and browse for your supplementary Excel or document file.
4. Start Your Slide Show: Click the Slide Show icon at the bottom of the screen. Share just the WPS window in Zoom or Teams with full confidence.

Completely free and lightweight presentation software.High format compatibility with Microsoft Office formats like PPTX and XLSX.Intuitive object embedding to keep your audience focused during screen shares.All-in-one suite lets you manage slides and spreadsheets in a single tabbed window.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't attendees see the website when I click a hyperlink in my slides?

If you selected to share only the presentation application window in Zoom or Teams, the screen share is restricted to that specific program. When a hyperlink opens your default web browser, it opens in a new, unshared window.

Is it better to share my entire screen or just the presentation window?

Sharing the entire screen is more convenient if you frequently switch between your presentation, web browser, and other files. Sharing a single window is safer for privacy, as it hides incoming notifications, emails, and your desktop wallpaper.

Can I edit an embedded Excel file directly during my slideshow?

Yes, if you embed the Excel file as an object, double-clicking it usually opens a mini spreadsheet interface right on your slide, allowing you to edit data without leaving the presentation environment.

Document & File Issues