Fix PowerPoint Screen Recordings That Show a White Screen
Question details
The user needs to fix PowerPoint screen recordings that play audio but do not show moving video.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint in Office 2016 and Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A screen recording is created and inserted into a PowerPoint slide for playback.
- Observed behavior
- The recording plays audio, but the video remains on the starting screenshot or displays a white screen, without an error message.
Create a short test recording in a new presentation using Insert > Screen Recording, then check its playback. Note your Office version and build under File > Account > About PowerPoint.
Test PowerPoint in Safe Mode and check add-ins
Use Safe Mode on Windows to determine whether an add-in is interfering with screen recording.
Close PowerPoint. On Windows, press Windows+R, enter powerpnt /safe, and select OK.
Create a new presentation, select Insert > Screen Recording, and record a short clip. Play the inserted recording on the slide.
If the recording works in Safe Mode, reopen PowerPoint normally and go to File > Options > Add-ins. Select COM Add-ins in the Manage list and click Go.
Clear the add-in checkboxes, click OK, and test another recording. Re-enable add-ins one at a time and retest to identify any that cause the problem; update or remove the problematic add-in.
Update and repair the Office installation
Use this approach if the problem persists in Safe Mode or after checking add-ins.
Work with PowerPoint presentations in WPS Office
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface for working on presentations. Open compatible PowerPoint files and continue editing in WPS Presentation for a straightforward move between office suites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PowerPoint screen recording play sound but show a still image?
An add-in or an Office installation issue may be involved, but the symptom alone does not identify the cause. On Windows, test a new recording after starting PowerPoint with powerpnt /safe.
How do I disable PowerPoint add-ins?
Go to File > Options > Add-ins, select COM Add-ins under Manage, and click Go. Clear the checkboxes and click OK, then test a new recording.
Should I reinstall Office if the recording still shows a white screen?
Try File > Account > Update Options > Update Now and the Office repair options first. Reinstallation is not guaranteed to resolve the issue.
What information should I give Microsoft support?
Provide the Office version and build from File > Account > About PowerPoint, the steps used to record, and whether a new presentation has the same playback problem.
