VBA & Macro Problems

Fix PowerPoint VBA Macros Running Slow After an Office Update

John Wilson Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

User experiences significant performance degradation when running VBA macros in PowerPoint after a recent Office update.

How to Fix PowerPoint VBA Macros Running Slow After an Office Update

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Running VBA macros that call DoEvents, update shapes, render slides, or play audio.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint becomes extremely sluggish, and macros take significantly longer to execute in newer builds like Office 365 and 2021 compared to older versions like 2013.

Before you start

Ensure your presentation is saved and create a backup of your macro-enabled file (.pptm) before modifying any VBA code.

Solution 1Recommended

Optimize VBA Code and Reduce DoEvents Calls

Reducing the number of DoEvents calls and limiting repeated shape updates can significantly improve macro execution speed in newer PowerPoint builds.

In newer Office versions, frequent calls to DoEvents can cause the application to repeatedly yield execution, which drastically increases processing overhead. Optimizing your code structure is the most effective immediate workaround.

Open the VBA Editor

Press Alt + F11 in PowerPoint to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

Locate DoEvents Statements

Use the Find feature (Ctrl + F) to search for 'DoEvents' within your macro code.

Remove or Limit Calls

Delete completely unnecessary DoEvents statements, or wrap them in a loop counter so they only execute periodically (e.g., once every 50 or 100 iterations).

Optimize Shape Updates

Review your code to minimize actions that constantly redraw or update shapes on the slide, as rendering these elements triggers the sluggishness.

Optimize VBA Code and Reduce DoEvents Calls

Performance Tip: While DoEvents keeps the application responsive during long loops, using it too frequently in Office 365 and Office 2021 introduces severe processing delays. Limit its use to essential breakpoints.

Solution 2

Install Latest Microsoft Office Updates

Microsoft frequently releases patches to address performance bugs introduced in previous updates. Checking for the newest version might resolve the issue.

Solution 3

Report the Performance Bug to Microsoft

If the issue persists across recent builds, submitting direct feedback with your presentation helps developers investigate and issue a patch.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Faster Presentations with WPS Office

If Microsoft Office updates have caused your PowerPoint macros to become excessively slow, WPS Office offers a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative. Open, edit, and deliver your presentations smoothly without being bogged down by recent Office 365 bugs.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official website and click Download WPS Office Free.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the quick setup.
3. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your presentation file to enjoy stable and fast performance.

Lightweight architecture ensures fast file loading and smooth operations.Highly compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint formats (.pptx, .pptm).Familiar user interface guarantees a seamless migration without retraining.Completely free to use for your daily office and presentation needs.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my VBA macros suddenly become slow after an update?

Recent Office updates altered how PowerPoint processes background events and slide rendering. Consequently, functions like DoEvents, repeated shape updates, or audio playback now consume much more processing time than they did in older versions like PowerPoint 2013.

Can adding more DoEvents fix the slow macro execution?

No. In fact, users report that adding additional DoEvents statements does not resolve the problem and can sometimes worsen the delay, especially during sound playback or slide rendering in PowerPoint 365 and 2021.

Does this macro performance issue affect other Office applications?

Yes, several user reports indicate that similar VBA macro slowdowns and processing delays can also affect Microsoft Excel and other Office applications following the same updates.

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