Fix Microsoft 365 Error Creating a New Presentation
Question details
The user is unable to create new presentation files due to an error message appearing in either the Office web application or the desktop environment.

- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create a new presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint via the Microsoft 365 web portal or desktop application.
- Observed behavior
- The system displays an "Error creating new presentation" message and fails to generate the new file.
Confirm whether this error only occurs in the browser-based Office web applications or if it also affects your desktop software, as this helps isolate the root cause.
Disable Screen Reader and Narration Software at Startup
Accessibility applications like VoiceOver or Narrator launching at system startup can sometimes conflict with Microsoft 365 web apps, triggering this creation error.
If you are using a Mac, preventing narration programs from starting automatically can often resolve browser-based Microsoft 365 conflicts.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
Click on General in the sidebar, then scroll down and click on Login Items.
Look for any application related to narration or screen reading, such as VoiceOver. Select the application and click the minus (-) button to remove it from the startup list.
Restart your computer, open your browser, and attempt to create a new presentation in Microsoft 365 again.

Gather Diagnostic Details and Contact Microsoft Support
If the issue persists across multiple platforms (both web and desktop), it may be a backend subscription or account error that requires official support intervention.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Creation
If Microsoft 365 web apps continue to display errors when creating new presentations, try WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight alternative that lets you create, edit, and save presentations instantly without dealing with browser or account conflicts.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
- 3. Create Your Presentation: Open WPS Presentation and click 'Blank' or choose a template to start designing your slides immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Correlation ID in Microsoft 365 errors?
A Correlation ID is a unique diagnostic tracking code generated by Microsoft servers when an error occurs. Providing this code helps Microsoft Support locate the exact failure in their system logs to fix your issue faster.
Can browser extensions cause the 'Error creating new presentation' issue?
Yes, strict privacy extensions, ad blockers, or outdated cache data can interfere with Office web applications. Try opening Microsoft 365 in an Incognito or Private browsing window to see if the presentation creates successfully.
Is this presentation creation error limited to Mac users?
No, this error can affect both Windows and Mac operating systems, particularly when utilizing the Office web applications in a browser or if there are backend synchronization issues with your Microsoft account.




