Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix PowerPoint Stopping When Windows is Locked

Phi Hung Vo Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know why a PowerPoint presentation running on a secondary display stops when the computer is locked, and why lock-screen slideshows only play on the primary monitor.

Why PowerPoint Stops When Windows Is Locked

Product: PowerPoint
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Running an unattended presentation or slideshow on a secondary monitor while attempting to secure the main computer by locking it.
Observed behavior: The presentation halts automatically because Windows pauses running applications upon locking, and native lock-screen slideshows only output to the primary display.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, verify that your secondary monitor or projector is powered on, properly connected, and configured to 'Extend these displays' in Windows display settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Kiosk Mode and Disable Auto-Lock

Since Windows automatically pauses applications when locked, configuring an unattended kiosk session prevents the system from locking while maintaining the presentation.

When you press Windows + L to lock your computer, the operating system suspends most user-level applications, including PowerPoint, to save resources and secure the desktop. To run a continuous, unattended slideshow on a secondary screen, you must prevent the system from locking entirely.

Open Slide Show Settings

In your PowerPoint presentation, navigate to the 'Slide Show' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Set Up Slide Show'.

Enable Kiosk Mode

Under the 'Show type' section, select the 'Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)' option and click OK to enable a continuous loop that cannot be easily interrupted by mouse clicks.

Disable Windows Auto-Lock and Sleep

Open Windows Settings, go to System > Power & sleep, and set both the 'Screen' and 'Sleep' dropdown options to 'Never' to ensure the computer remains active.

Configure Kiosk Mode and Disable Auto-Lock

Security Consideration: Because this method requires the computer to remain unlocked, it is highly recommended to use a dedicated presentation PC that does not contain sensitive personal or company files.

Solution 2

Verify Multiple Monitors Settings in PowerPoint

Ensure PowerPoint is explicitly instructed to push the slideshow to your secondary display rather than relying on automatic detection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a lock-screen slideshow on two monitors in Windows?

No, Windows natively restricts the lock-screen slideshow feature to the primary display. Secondary monitors will typically turn black or display a static default background when the computer is locked.

Why does my projector go black when I lock my PC?

Locking your PC suspends non-background applications and focuses the lock user interface exclusively on the main screen. Consequently, the operating system stops sending the active presentation video feed to the projector.

How do I keep a PowerPoint running unattended on a lobby display?

The most reliable method is to connect a dedicated mini-PC to the display, set the PowerPoint file to 'Browsed at a kiosk' mode, and disable all sleep, screen timeout, and lock screen settings within the Windows Power options.

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