How to Fix Missing Stock Images and Cutout People in PowerPoint
Question details
Users are unable to access modern PowerPoint features like Stock Images, Cutout People, and Icons despite their organization upgrading to a Microsoft 365 E5 license.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using PowerPoint after an organizational upgrade to Microsoft 365 E5.
- Observed behavior
- Modern features like Stock Images and Cutout People remain unavailable because the local computers are still running older versions of Office, such as Office 2013.
Verify your current Microsoft Office version and ensure you have administrative credentials to uninstall old software and install the new Microsoft 365 applications.
Uninstall Office 2013 and Install Microsoft 365 Apps
Remove the outdated Office installation and download the latest Microsoft 365 apps from your portal to access modern features.
An E5 license alone does not automatically update your desktop applications. If your computer is still running an older desktop version like Office 2013, it will not receive modern Microsoft 365 features such as Stock Images and Cutout People. You must replace the old software with the latest Microsoft 365 applications.
Open PowerPoint, click on the 'File' tab, and select 'Account' to verify whether you are currently running Office 2013 or Microsoft 365.
Open the Windows Control Panel, navigate to 'Programs and Features', locate Microsoft Office 2013 in the installed software list, and select 'Uninstall'.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 portal (office.com) in your web browser and sign in using your organization's licensed E5 account.
Click the 'Install Office' or 'Install apps' button on the portal homepage and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the current Microsoft 365 suite.
Use WPS Office for Modern Presentations and Rich Templates
If upgrading your organization's Microsoft Office installation is too complex or costly, WPS Office provides a lightweight, free alternative. It comes packed with modern presentation templates, built-in graphics, and complete compatibility with Microsoft PowerPoint formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the application: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup guide to complete the installation.
- 3. Open your presentations: Launch WPS Presentation and seamlessly open your existing .pptx files to enjoy modern editing features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my E5 license not show new PowerPoint features?
The E5 license activates your account permissions on the cloud, but if your local computer is still running an older software version like Office 2013, the new features physically do not exist in that software. You must install the Microsoft 365 desktop apps.
How do I add Cutout People in modern PowerPoint?
Once you have the latest Microsoft 365 Apps installed, go to the 'Insert' tab, click on 'Pictures', and select 'Stock Images'. From there, click the 'Cutout People' tab to browse and insert characters.
Can I have Office 2013 and Microsoft 365 installed at the same time?
While it is technically possible in some scenarios, it is highly discouraged. Running multiple versions on the same device often causes application conflicts, file association issues, and missing feature glitches. It is strongly recommended to completely uninstall Office 2013 first.
Are Stock Images and Icons available offline in Microsoft 365?
No, you need an active internet connection to browse and search the premium library of Stock Images, Cutout People, and Icons, as these assets are fetched directly from Microsoft's cloud servers when you insert them.
