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Fix the Missing Keep Slides Updated Option in PowerPoint
Question details
The user is unable to find the Keep Slides Updated option in PowerPoint after linking an Excel file, even though both files are stored in OneDrive.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to link Excel data to a PowerPoint presentation and have the slides automatically update with new data.
- Observed behavior
- The Keep Slides Updated option does not appear in the presentation settings, preventing automatic updates during the slideshow.
Ensure that both your Excel workbook and PowerPoint presentation are fully synced to your cloud storage and that you are signed into the correct Microsoft 365 enterprise account.
Save Presentation to a Business Cloud Library
PowerPoint requires the presentation to be recognized as securely cloud-stored in an enterprise environment (SharePoint or OneDrive for Business) to enable the Keep Slides Updated feature.
The standard personal version of OneDrive may not trigger the Keep Slides Updated feature in PowerPoint. Migrating the files to an enterprise cloud location resolves this limitation.
Upload or save your PowerPoint presentation directly to a SharePoint site or a OneDrive for Business library.
Open your source Excel file, highlight the cells or chart you want to link, and copy the selection.
Navigate to the target slide in PowerPoint. Go to the Home tab, click the Paste dropdown arrow, and select Paste Special.
Choose Paste Link in the dialog box, select Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object, and click OK.
Go to File > Info > Edit Links to Files, and ensure the update method is set correctly so the option becomes visible in the Set Up Show menu.
Manually Review and Force Link Updates
If automatic updates fail or the option remains hidden, you can manually force PowerPoint to fetch the latest data from the linked Excel source.
Create and Present Smoothly with WPS Office
If you are struggling with complex cloud linking requirements in Microsoft PowerPoint, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, fast, and free alternative to seamlessly manage your presentations and spreadsheets with local or cloud storage.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Presentation and WPS Spreadsheet to open your existing .pptx and .xlsx files.
- 3. Link Your Data: Copy your spreadsheet data and use Paste Special > Paste Link in your presentation to keep your information connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the linked Excel data update while the PowerPoint slideshow is running?
By default, PowerPoint generally pulls updates when the presentation is in edit mode. Continuous live updates during an active slideshow require specific enterprise cloud storage configurations or third-party add-ins, which is why the Keep Slides Updated option is hidden on personal cloud accounts.
Can I use a personal OneDrive account to keep slides updated?
Typically, the Keep Slides Updated feature relies on enterprise backend services. Therefore, it requires OneDrive for Business or SharePoint to function and display the option correctly.
How do I break a link to an Excel file in PowerPoint?
Go to File > Info > Edit Links to Files. Select the specific Excel link from the dialog box and click Break Link. This will convert the linked dynamic table into a static picture or table object.
