Office Compatibility Issues

Fix PowerPoint for the Web Cannot Link to Another Slide

Khadija Khan Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to create functional hyperlinks that navigate to other slides within the same presentation when using PowerPoint for the web.

How to Fix PowerPoint for the Web Not Linking to Another Slide

Product: PowerPoint for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to add internal navigation hyperlinks between different slides in an online presentation.
Observed behavior: The option to link to another slide is missing in the web interface. Manually entering link formats like #slide=<slide number> fails and only reopens the current slide.

Before you start

Ensure you have a desktop presentation application installed, such as Microsoft PowerPoint or WPS Presentation, as you will need it to apply the necessary workaround.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Desktop PowerPoint to Create Internal Slide Links

Since PowerPoint for the web lacks the ability to create internal slide links, you must open the file in the desktop application to add the hyperlinks. Once saved, they will function correctly in the web's presentation mode.

Internal hyperlinks are fully supported in the desktop version of PowerPoint. When you add these links on your desktop and upload the file back to the web, the links will work as expected as long as the presentation is viewed in Slide Show mode.

Open Presentation in Desktop App

From PowerPoint for the web, click on the 'Editing' button in the ribbon and select 'Open in Desktop App' to launch the presentation in your local PowerPoint software.

Insert the Hyperlink

Select the text, shape, or image you want to use as a link. Go to the 'Insert' tab and click 'Link' or 'Hyperlink'.

Link to Another Slide

In the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, click on 'Place in This Document' on the left side. Select the target slide from the list and click 'OK'.

Save and View on the Web

Save your changes. The document will automatically sync back to PowerPoint for the web. Click 'Slide Show' in the web browser to test the newly created internal links.

Use Desktop PowerPoint to Create Internal Slide Links

Slide Show Mode Required: Internal hyperlinks created in the desktop application will only work when you are actively presenting (Slide Show mode) in PowerPoint for the web. They cannot be clicked for navigation during editing mode.

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Easily Create Slide Links with WPS Presentation

If you are tired of the feature limitations in PowerPoint for the web, switch to WPS Presentation. It is a highly compatible, fully-featured desktop alternative that allows you to effortlessly add internal slide links, animations, and transitions without any browser restrictions.

1. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing PowerPoint file.
2. Select the Object: Highlight the text or click the object you want to turn into a link.
3. Insert Hyperlink: Right-click and select 'Hyperlink' or press Ctrl+K on your keyboard.
4. Choose the Target Slide: Select 'Place in This Document', pick your desired target slide, and click 'OK'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx) formatsEasily create and manage internal hyperlinks to specific slidesFree and lightweight with a familiar, easy-to-use interfaceWorks fully offline without missing features

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do internal slide links work when presenting in PowerPoint for the web?

Yes. Even though you cannot create the links in the web version, any internal slide links previously created in the desktop application will function correctly when you play the presentation in Slide Show mode on the web.

Why does typing #slide=<number> open the current slide instead of the target slide?

PowerPoint for the web does not currently support parsing manual URL anchor tags (#slide) for internal navigation while in editing mode. The browser misinterprets the link and defaults to reloading the active slide.

Can I add links to external websites in PowerPoint for the web?

Yes. While linking to another slide within the same presentation is not supported in the web editor, you can easily select text or an object, click 'Insert' > 'Link', and add a standard URL to an external website.

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