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How to Use Microsoft's Free PowerPoint Viewers
View, create, and print PowerPoint files without PowerPoint
By Stacy Fisher Stacy Fisher Technology Educator Emporia State University Stacy is a professional technology educator with over 25 years' experience. She has published hundreds of articles, co-authored a book, and has appeared on national and local TV. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 26, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Powerpoint Word Excel Outlook You don't need PowerPoint installed on your computer to open or edit a PowerPoint document. There are two Microsoft-approved ways to create, share, edit, print, and open these files, and both are 100 percent free. Microsoft used to let you open slideshows without PowerPoint with their free viewer tool, but it was restricted to viewing only and is no longer available from their website. What you can use now is either their web-based version or mobile app. Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint Online, Office for iPad, PowerPoint for iPad, PowerPoint for iPhone, PowerPoint for Android, and PowerPoint Mobile for Windows phones and tablets. Microsoft PowerPoint Online
PowerPoint Online is the web version of PowerPoint. It doesn't have all the features as the desktop edition but it still lets you edit existing files, create new ones, share presentations with others, and print off presentations. All of it works from your browser, so you don't have to download or install anything. This version of PowerPoint is available if you have a Microsoft account (any email address that ends with hotmail.com, outlook.com, live.com, or msn.com) or a Microsoft 365 work or school account. The easiest way to view or edit an existing PowerPoint file online is to drag it from your computer and drop it directly on the PowerPoint Online web page, or use the Upload link on that page. You can also save it to your OneDrive account. PowerPoint Online is compatible with all versions of PowerPoint. You can save a presentation from PowerPoint Online back to your computer in a number of file formats, including images, PDF, PPTX, and ODP. PowerPoint Mobile Apps
Microsoft also provides PowerPoint to mobile users. There's an app for Android, iPhone, iPad, and Windows 11/10 devices (mobile, PC, and Surface Hub). The Microsoft Office app for Android and iOS also includes PowerPoint, along with Word and Excel. Download For: Android iOS Windows Similar to the online PowerPoint viewer, the app has you log in with your Microsoft account so that you can access all the files from your OneDrive account, the ones that are stored on your device, and PowerPoint files saved in other cloud storage services (like Dropbox, Box, and several others). You can edit directly from the app and use the menu from an open slideshow to save as a new title and to print it off. Other Free PowerPoint Viewers
The two options described above are Microsoft's free methods for opening PowerPoint files, but third-party programs can be used, too. Unless you're interested in getting PowerPoint for a limited time only, as part of the Microsoft Office free trial, check out our lists of free presentation software, free online presentation makers, and free Microsoft Office alternatives for some additional choices that won't cost you a dime. You might be relieved at the variety that's available, especially if you're looking for a way to open and edit PowerPoint files in a program that doesn't resemble Microsoft's software so much. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Is Microsoft Word Free? Yes, It Can Be PPTX File (What It Is and How to Open One) PPTM File (What It Is and How to Open One) What Is a PPSM File? PPSX File (What It Is & How to Open One) Understanding Microsoft PowerPoint and How to Use It POTX File (What It Is & How to Open One) 5 Best Sites for Free Microsoft PowerPoint Backgrounds How to Bring the Windows 10 Experience to iOS and Android XLTM File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Convert Excel Documents to the PDF Format What Is a PDF File? (And How to Open One) 17 Best Free Cloud Storage Services for Backup in 2022 14 Free PowerPoint Game Templates for the Classroom The 8 Best Microsoft Office Alternatives of 2022 OneNote Not Syncing? How to Get It Back Online Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies