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How to Fix PowerPoint 2013 Blank Slides and Missing Images
Question details
PowerPoint 2013 fails to display slide content in the main editing view, showing blank slides or a white screen while thumbnails and print previews appear normal.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint 2013
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Editing presentations in PowerPoint 2013, often after a recent Windows update.
- Observed behavior
- The main editing view displays a white screen, blank slides, or missing pasted images and backgrounds, though interactive controls may still respond to hovering.
Make sure you have saved any open work and have administrative privileges on your computer, as you may need to update system display drivers.
Start PowerPoint in Safe Mode
Use Safe Mode to determine if the blank screen issue is caused by a faulty add-in or a graphics rendering conflict.
Safe Mode bypasses add-ins and certain display configurations. If your slides display correctly in Safe Mode, the issue is likely related to a third-party add-in or your computer's video driver.
Ensure that Microsoft PowerPoint is completely closed before attempting to open it in Safe Mode.
Press the Windows key, search for PowerPoint, and hold down the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard while clicking the PowerPoint application icon to open it.
A dialog box will appear asking if you want to start the application in Safe Mode. Click 'Yes' to confirm and observe if the blank slides persist.
Update Graphics and Video Drivers
Outdated or incompatible video drivers, especially after a Windows update, commonly cause PowerPoint display bugs.
Perform an Office Online Repair
Run the built-in Microsoft Office repair tool to fix corrupted application files that might be causing rendering failures.
Try WPS Presentation to View and Edit Your Slides Seamlessly
If PowerPoint 2013 continues to display white screens or blank slides despite your troubleshooting efforts, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for viewing and editing your presentations without hardware rendering bugs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and complete the quick setup process on your Windows computer.
- 3. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your existing .pptx files to continue editing without display errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does PowerPoint 2013 show blank slides but thumbnails look fine?
The main editing view in PowerPoint uses hardware graphics acceleration to render the slide content smoothly, while the thumbnail pane uses a different rendering process. If your video driver is incompatible or corrupted, only the hardware-accelerated main view will fail, resulting in a white screen.
How do I know if a PowerPoint add-in is causing the issue?
You can isolate add-in issues by holding the 'Ctrl' key while launching PowerPoint to start it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode disables all third-party add-ins. If the blank slides do not appear in Safe Mode, an add-in is likely the culprit.
Can a Windows update cause PowerPoint to show missing backgrounds?
Yes. Windows updates frequently include generic display drivers that might replace your manufacturer's optimized drivers, which can break hardware acceleration in older software like PowerPoint 2013. Reinstalling the driver directly from your computer manufacturer usually resolves this.
What should I do if the screen is still white even in Safe Mode?
If Safe Mode does not resolve the issue, it strongly points to a system-wide video driver issue or a heavily corrupted Office installation. You should update your graphics drivers, try an Office Online Repair, or contact support with your specific Windows and driver versions.
