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How to Fix PowerPoint Crashing After Using Review Compare
Question details
PowerPoint closes unexpectedly shortly after users attempt to compare presentations using the Review > Compare tool.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using the Compare feature under the Review tab to merge differences or track changes between two presentation files.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint briefly displays the comparison results and then abruptly crashes or closes, sometimes indicating a fault involving POWERPNT.EXE.
Ensure you save and close any other open presentations to prevent data loss, and verify that you have an active internet connection to download potential Office updates.
Install the Latest Office Updates
Updating Office is the most effective solution, as Microsoft frequently patches known crash issues related to the Compare feature in newer software builds.
Many users have reported that the Compare tool crash is a known bug in specific Office versions. Updating to the latest build (such as Version 2208, Build 16.0.15601.20526 or newer) generally resolves the instability.
Open PowerPoint and create a blank presentation. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and then select 'Account' from the bottom-left menu.
Click the 'Update Options' button next to Office Updates, and choose 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.
Wait for Office to download and install the latest updates, then restart PowerPoint and attempt the Compare action again.
Start PowerPoint in Safe Mode
Launching PowerPoint in Safe Mode allows you to determine if a third-party add-in or extension is causing the application to crash during comparisons.
Perform an Online Repair of Office
If updates and Safe Mode do not work, repairing the Office installation can fix corrupted system files like POWERPNT.EXE that trigger sudden application closures.
Try WPS Office to Compare Presentations Without Crashing
If Microsoft PowerPoint continues to experience technical faults on your system, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring seamless presentation editing and reviewing without unexpected shutdowns.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office for free on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and click 'Open' to select your existing PowerPoint (.pptx) file.
- 3. Edit and Review Smoothly: Use the comprehensive review and presentation tools built into WPS Office to collaborate without experiencing sudden software crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Compare feature cause PowerPoint to crash?
This is often caused by a known software bug in specific Office builds, conflicts with third-party COM add-ins, or corrupted background components like POWERPNT.EXE failing when processing complex presentation differences.
Will I lose my edits if PowerPoint crashes during Compare?
If AutoRecover is enabled, you may be prompted to restore the file upon reopening PowerPoint. However, unsaved changes made right before the crash occurred might be lost, so it is best to save manually before initiating a comparison.
What version of Office fixes this Compare crash?
Microsoft has resolved this issue in newer software updates. Users have reported that updating Office to Version 2208 (Build 16.0.15601.20526) or a more recent release successfully fixes the crash.
Is there a temporary workaround for the PowerPoint crash?
As a temporary measure, you can split your presentation into smaller files or make a minor, harmless edit to the file before comparing. However, updating your Microsoft Office suite remains the preferred and most reliable resolution.
