'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for a PowerPoint PPSX File
Question details
The user wants to create a quick access desktop shortcut for a PowerPoint presentation that has been saved as a .ppsx (slideshow) file.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up a direct launch shortcut on the Windows desktop for a presentation so it opens immediately in slideshow mode.
- Observed behavior
- Simply changing a presentation extension or saving it as a .ppsx does not automatically create a shortcut on the desktop; the shortcut must be generated manually within Windows File Explorer.
Ensure you have saved your presentation as a .ppsx file and know the exact folder location where the file is currently stored on your computer.
Use the Send to Desktop Option
This is the fastest and most direct method to generate a shortcut for any file and send it straight to your Windows desktop.
Windows includes a built-in context menu feature that allows you to instantly generate a shortcut and place it on your desktop without having to manually move any files.
Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your PowerPoint .ppsx file is saved.
Right-click on the .ppsx file to open the context menu options.
Hover over the 'Send to' option, and then click on 'Desktop (create shortcut)' from the extended menu.
Create and Move the Shortcut Manually
An alternative method that creates the shortcut within the current folder, allowing you to drag it to the desktop or any other location.
Create and Play PPSX Slideshows with WPS Office
WPS Presentation is a powerful, free software that fully supports creating, editing, and playing Microsoft PowerPoint formats. You can easily save your presentations as .ppsx files for immediate slideshow playback.
- 1. Open WPS Presentation: Launch WPS Office and open your existing presentation or create a new one.
- 2. Access the Save options: Click on 'Menu' in the top left corner and select 'Save As'.
- 3. Save as PPSX: In the file format dropdown, choose 'PowerPoint Show (*.ppsx)' and save the file to your preferred folder.
- 4. Create the desktop shortcut: Right-click the newly saved .ppsx file in File Explorer and select 'Send to' > 'Desktop (create shortcut)'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a .ppsx file?
A .ppsx file is a PowerPoint Show file. Unlike a standard .pptx file that opens in editing mode, a .ppsx file immediately launches the presentation in full-screen slideshow mode when opened.
Can I change the icon of my PPSX desktop shortcut?
Yes. Right-click the shortcut on your desktop and select 'Properties'. Under the 'Shortcut' tab, click the 'Change Icon' button, select a new icon from the list or browse for a custom icon, and click 'OK'.
Will my desktop shortcut still work if I move the original PPSX file?
No. A shortcut relies on the specific file path of the original document. If you move or delete the original .ppsx file, the shortcut will break. You will need to create a new shortcut from the file's new location.
