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Fix PowerPoint Custom Show Links Not Working in SharePoint or Teams
Question details
Custom slideshow links and buttons fail to activate when opening or presenting a PowerPoint presentation via SharePoint or Microsoft Teams.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- Web Browser / Mac
- Scenario
- Presenting a slideshow containing custom show links online using Microsoft Teams or SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- Custom show link buttons work correctly in the desktop application but do not respond or activate when viewed in the web-based version of PowerPoint.
Verify that your presentation relies on the 'Custom Show' hyperlink feature and ensure you have access to the desktop version of PowerPoint to utilize full presentation capabilities.
Present Using the PowerPoint Desktop Application
Since the web browser versions of PowerPoint do not support custom show links, launching the file in the desktop app is the most reliable method.
Web-based viewers used in SharePoint and Microsoft Teams have feature limitations compared to the standalone desktop client. Advanced navigation tools, like Custom Shows, require the desktop app to function properly.
Navigate to the document library in SharePoint or the files tab in your Microsoft Teams channel where the presentation is stored.
Click the three-dot icon (More options) located next to the presentation's file name.
Hover over the 'Open' option and select 'Open in App' or 'Open in Desktop App' from the dropdown menu.
Once the file opens in the PowerPoint desktop application, start your slideshow. Your custom show buttons will now function correctly.
Split Custom Shows into Separate Presentation Files
If presenting from a browser is absolutely necessary, separate your custom shows into individual files and use standard web links.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Management
If you are frustrated by browser limitations and compatibility issues in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, lightweight desktop experience that fully supports advanced presentation features without the expensive subscription fees.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open WPS Presentation: Launch WPS Office and select 'Presentation' from the home screen.
- 3. Open your .pptx file: Drag and drop your PowerPoint file into the workspace to present your slides with all links intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PowerPoint links work on the desktop app but not in SharePoint?
The web-based viewer used by SharePoint and Microsoft Teams is a simplified version of PowerPoint. It lacks the complex rendering engine required to support advanced interactive features like Custom Show navigation, meaning these links will only work on the fully-featured desktop application.
Can I fix custom show links directly inside Microsoft Teams?
Unfortunately, no direct fix exists within the Teams web or built-in app interface due to the viewer's native limitations. You must use the 'Open in Desktop App' feature or restructure your presentation into multiple files.
Are standard hyperlinks affected by this SharePoint and Teams limitation?
No, standard hyperlinks that point to external web URLs or basic slide-to-slide navigation generally work fine in the browser. The limitation is specifically isolated to the 'Custom Show' action assigned to shapes or buttons.
