How to Open a PowerPoint Presentation Automatically in Slide Show Mode
Question details
The user needs to share a presentation that automatically opens in Slide Show mode so that interactive navigation links function properly for the audience.
- Product
- PowerPoint / WPS Presentation
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a presentation file with students or audiences where internal clickable links are required for navigation.
- Observed behavior
- Presentations shared via Microsoft 365 web open in viewing or editing mode by default, which disables the clickable interactive links used to navigate between slides.
Ensure your presentation is completely finalized and test all internal clickable links in Slide Show mode before exporting the final file for your audience.
Save the File as a PowerPoint Show (.ppsx)
Saving your presentation as a .ppsx file forces it to bypass the editing interface and immediately open in Slide Show mode on desktop applications.
PowerPoint for the web does not currently offer a sharing link that forces a presentation into Slide Show mode automatically. To achieve this, you must export the file as a PowerPoint Show (.ppsx) and have recipients open it using a desktop application.
Open your completed slide deck in the PowerPoint or WPS Presentation desktop application.
Click on the 'File' or 'Menu' tab in the top-left corner of the screen and select 'Save As'.
In the 'Save as type' or 'File Format' dropdown menu, scroll down and select 'PowerPoint Show (*.ppsx)'.
Choose your save location, click 'Save', and distribute this specific .ppsx file to your students or audience.
Open .ppsx Files on iOS Devices
You can still achieve automatic Slide Show playback on mobile devices by opening the .ppsx file through cloud storage apps like OneDrive.
Create and Share Auto-Playing Presentations with WPS Office
WPS Presentation makes it incredibly simple to save your slides in the .ppsx format, guaranteeing your audience sees the presentation exactly as you intended without getting lost in the editing interface.
- 1. Open Your Slides: Launch WPS Presentation and open your completed slide deck.
- 2. Navigate to Save As: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Save As'.
- 3. Choose PowerPoint Show: From the file type dropdown, select 'PowerPoint Show (*.ppsx)'.
- 4. Save the File: Click 'Save' to create a file that will automatically open in Slide Show mode when shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I force a web link to open in Slide Show mode on PowerPoint for the web?
No, PowerPoint for the web does not support generating a link that automatically opens a presentation in Slide Show mode. Viewers will always see the reading or editing view first.
How do I edit a .ppsx file if it automatically opens as a Slide Show?
To edit a .ppsx file, do not double-click it. Instead, open your presentation software first (like WPS Presentation), go to 'File' > 'Open', and select the .ppsx file. It will then open in the standard editing interface.
Why aren't my clickable links working in the shared presentation?
Clickable navigation links and action buttons typically only function when the presentation is actively running in Slide Show mode. If the file opens in standard editing or web viewing modes, those interactive elements will be disabled.
Is the .ppsx format compatible with mobile devices?
Yes. While behavior can vary slightly by app, opening a .ppsx file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint on an iPhone or iPad will automatically trigger Slide Show mode.
