Office Settings & Configuration

Fix PowerPoint PPSX Ignoring Slide Show Monitor Settings via Access

Huda Qurayshi Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a PowerPoint PPSX file to open on its pre-configured specific monitor when launched from a Microsoft Access database.

How to Fix PowerPoint PPSX Files Ignoring Monitor Settings When Opened via Access

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint and Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Launching a PPSX presentation file from an Access database using VBA and the FollowHyperlink method to display it on a third monitor.
Observed behavior: The presentation successfully opens but ignores the internal slide show monitor settings, appearing on the same monitor as Microsoft Access instead of the intended third display.

Before you start

Ensure that your multi-monitor setup is correctly detected in Windows Display Settings and that the target monitor is active before modifying VBA automation code.

Solution 1Recommended

Use PowerPoint Application Object in VBA

Bypass FollowHyperlink by using PowerPoint automation in VBA, which respects application-level display settings.

The FollowHyperlink method relies on the default Windows file handler, which often strips application-specific configurations like monitor assignments. By directly referencing the PowerPoint Object Library, you force PowerPoint to honor its Slide Show settings.

Open the VBA Editor

In Microsoft Access, press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

Enable the PowerPoint Reference

Navigate to Tools > References in the top menu. Scroll down, check 'Microsoft PowerPoint Object Library', and click OK.

Write the Automation Code

Create a new subroutine for your trigger event. Use CreateObject("PowerPoint.Application") to instantiate PowerPoint, open the PPSX file, and explicitly call the Run method on SlideShowSettings to launch the presentation on the correct monitor.

Use PowerPoint Application Object in VBA

Code Validation: Running the presentation via the PowerPoint application object ensures the internal 'Monitor' setting saved within the PPSX file is accurately read and executed.

Solution 2

Launch the Presentation via Shell Command

Use a dedicated command button and the Shell function to explicitly open the PowerPoint executable in slide show mode.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does FollowHyperlink ignore PowerPoint display settings?

The FollowHyperlink method simply passes the file to the Windows operating system shell to open with the default handler. This bypasses advanced application-level parameters, causing the application to default to the primary screen or the screen where the launching program is currently active.

How do I configure the default monitor for a PowerPoint slide show?

Open your presentation, navigate to the Slide Show tab on the ribbon, and locate the Monitors group. Click the 'Monitor' drop-down and change it from 'Automatic' to your preferred display, then save the file.

Can WPS Presentation open PPSX files properly?

Yes, WPS Presentation fully supports opening and playing PPSX (PowerPoint Show) files natively. It accurately maintains formatting, animations, transitions, and display behaviors.

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