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How to Fix PowerPoint Error: Cannot Do This Because a Dialog Box Is Open

John Wilson Oct 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to open or edit a presentation because PowerPoint states an action cannot be performed while a dialog box is open.

How to Fix PowerPoint Error: Cannot Do This Because a Dialog Box Is Open

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to edit or open another presentation while a macro-enabled or continuously running slideshow is active in the background.
Observed behavior: PowerPoint displays the error message 'Cannot do this because a dialog box is open', which prevents the user from taking any further action until the running presentation is stopped or the hidden dialog is closed.

Before you start

Ensure you save any unsaved work in other open applications, as you may need to minimize all windows or temporarily force-close PowerPoint if the hidden dialog box cannot be located.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate and Close the Hidden 'Resume Show' Dialog Box

Find the small background window causing the conflict and close it to regain control of PowerPoint.

A slide show that is running continuously may pause when it loses focus. This triggers a hidden prompt that blocks other PowerPoint actions.

Minimize other applications

Minimize all other open applications and windows to reveal your computer desktop.

Locate the hidden window

Look for a small PowerPoint window containing a 'Resume Show' button.

Dismiss the dialog

Click the 'Resume Show' button or click the 'X' in the corner to close the small window and dismiss the hidden dialog box.

Locate and Close the Hidden 'Resume Show' Dialog Box

Alt+Tab Limitations: Using the Alt+Tab shortcut may not always bring this specific hidden dialog box to the front, making manual minimization of other windows necessary.

Solution 2

Stop the Background Slide Show

If you cannot find the hidden dialog box, stopping the active background slide show will usually resolve the error.

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Try WPS Presentation for a Smoother Slideshow Experience

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1. Download the software: Download and install WPS Office Free from the official WPS website.
2. Open WPS Presentation: Launch the WPS Office suite and click on the 'Presentation' module.
3. Open your presentation: Click 'Open' and select your existing .pptx file to continue editing or presenting smoothly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PowerPoint say a dialog box is open when I don't see one?

PowerPoint often hides small dialog boxes, like the 'Resume Show' prompt, behind other active windows. This typically happens when a continuously running slideshow loses focus and pauses in the background.

Can I edit a PowerPoint presentation while another is running in the background?

Generally, no. PowerPoint does not reliably support editing a presentation while another one (particularly a macro-enabled presentation) is continuously running as a slideshow in the background.

Does the Alt+Tab shortcut help find the hidden PowerPoint dialog box?

Alt+Tab may not always bring the specific 'Resume Show' dialog to the front. You may need to manually minimize your other open application windows to locate and close the hidden prompt.

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