How to Run a PowerPoint Slideshow in a Resizable Window
Question details
The user needs to present a PowerPoint slideshow in a resizable window rather than full screen, typically for sharing a specific portion of the screen during online classes or meetings.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a PowerPoint presentation in a custom-sized window while using a meeting application like Zoom.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint for the Web strictly runs slideshows in full-screen mode and lacks the built-in option to resize the presentation window.
Ensure you have the Microsoft PowerPoint desktop application installed on your computer, as the web-only version of PowerPoint does not currently support the resizable window slideshow feature.
Open in Desktop App and Change Show Type
Since PowerPoint for the Web restricts slideshows to full-screen, switching to the desktop application allows you to adjust the presentation setup to a resizable window.
By default, PowerPoint presentations launch in full-screen mode to maximize visibility. However, changing the show type to 'Browsed by an individual' forces the slideshow into a standard application window that you can drag and resize.
If you are viewing the presentation in your web browser or OneDrive, click on 'Open in Desktop App' in the top menu ribbon.
Once the file is open in the PowerPoint desktop application, click on the 'Slide Show' tab located on the top ribbon.
In the Set Up group, click on the 'Set Up Slide Show' button to open the configuration window.
Under the 'Show type' section, select the radio button next to 'Browsed by an individual (window)' and click 'OK'.
Start your presentation by clicking 'From Beginning' or 'From Current Slide'. The slideshow will now appear in a resizable window, perfect for sharing via Zoom or other screen-sharing tools.
Use WPS Presentation to Run Slideshows in a Window
WPS Office provides an intuitive and free way to deliver presentations in a customizable window. It's fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint files, making it a perfect alternative for online teachers, students, and professionals who need flexible screen sharing.
- 1. Open Your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and open your .pptx or .ppt file.
- 2. Access Slide Show Settings: Navigate to the 'Slide Show' tab on the top menu ribbon.
- 3. Click Set Up Show: Click the 'Set Up Show' button to access the presentation display settings.
- 4. Select Windowed Mode: In the 'Show type' section, choose 'Browsed by an individual (window)' and click 'OK'.
- 5. Begin Presenting: Click 'From Beginning' to launch your presentation in a fully resizable and draggable window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a resizable slideshow directly in PowerPoint for the Web?
No, PowerPoint for the Web currently only supports running slideshows in full-screen mode. You must open the presentation in a desktop application like Microsoft PowerPoint or WPS Office to access windowed mode.
How do I share just the presentation window in Zoom?
After setting your slideshow to 'Browsed by an individual (window)' and starting the presentation, open Zoom, click 'Share Screen', and select the specific PowerPoint slideshow window from the application list rather than sharing your entire screen.
Why is the 'Set Up Slide Show' option missing or grayed out?
This usually happens if the document is protected, opened in 'Read-Only' mode, or if you lack editing permissions. Click 'Enable Editing' at the top of the application or duplicate the file to gain full access to the presentation settings.
