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How to Work Around the Retired PowerPoint Reuse Slides Feature
Question details
The user is looking for an explanation of why Microsoft is removing the Reuse Slides command from PowerPoint and needs alternative methods to transfer slides between presentations.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to import or reuse slides from an existing presentation into a new presentation after the original feature was removed from the ribbon.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Reuse Slides' command is missing from the PowerPoint ribbon or marked for complete removal by January 2026.
Ensure you have both the source presentation (containing the slides you want to reuse) and the destination presentation open on your computer before proceeding with manual slide transfers.
Drag and Drop Slides Between Windows
The most straightforward alternative to the Reuse Slides feature is arranging your windows side by side and manually dragging slides from one presentation to another.
By viewing both presentations simultaneously, you can visually select and transfer multiple slides with ease. This method completely bypasses the need for a dedicated ribbon command.
Launch Microsoft PowerPoint and open both the source presentation and the destination presentation.
Go to the 'View' tab on the ribbon and click 'Arrange All', or manually drag the windows so both are visible side by side.
In the source presentation, click on the slides you want to reuse in the left thumbnail pane. Hold 'Ctrl' (Windows) or 'Cmd' (Mac) to select multiple slides.
Click and hold the selected slides, drag them over to the left thumbnail pane of your destination presentation, and release the mouse button to drop them.
Use Copy and Paste Commands
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts or find arranging windows inconvenient, you can use standard copy and paste commands to transfer slides.
Switch to WPS Presentation for Stable Slide Management
Frustrated by disappearing features in Microsoft PowerPoint? WPS Office provides a stable, familiar interface that fully supports Microsoft Office formats. You can easily manage, combine, and reuse your presentation slides without dealing with unexpected product simplifications.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free productivity suite.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer to set up WPS Office on your Windows, Mac, or Linux device.
- 3. Open Your Presentations: Open your existing .pptx files directly in WPS Presentation without any format conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft removing the Reuse Slides feature?
Microsoft is retiring the Reuse Slides feature as part of an effort to simplify the PowerPoint interface. The development team considered the feature duplicative, as users can achieve the exact same result by copying and pasting or dragging slides between presentation windows. Complete removal is scheduled for January 2026.
Can I vote to bring the Reuse Slides feature back?
Yes. You can submit feedback and upvote existing requests to retain the feature through the official Microsoft Feedback Portal. Microsoft occasionally re-evaluates product decisions if there is overwhelming user demand.
How do I ensure copied slides match the new presentation's theme?
When you paste or drop a slide into a new presentation, it usually adopts the destination theme by default. If it doesn't, click the 'Paste Options' icon that appears next to the pasted slide and select 'Use Destination Theme'.
Is there a fast way to view two presentations at the same time in PowerPoint?
Yes. With both presentation files open, go to the 'View' tab on the ribbon and click 'Arrange All' or 'New Window'. This automatically tiles the windows on your screen, making it much easier to drag and drop elements between them.
