How to Fix "Microsoft PowerPoint Cannot Be Opened" Error on Mac

Getting the “Microsoft PowerPoint cannot be opened” error on your Mac? Qureasy offers simple fixes to resolve the issue and get PowerPoint working again

1. Check macOS Compatibility

Click  > About This Mac to verify your macOS version.
Visit Microsoft's System Requirements to confirm PowerPoint supports your OS.

Why? Older macOS versions may lack required frameworks.

2. Update Microsoft PowerPoint

Open Microsoft AutoUpdate (Applications > Microsoft AutoUpdate).
Install all available Office updates.

Why? Bug fixes often resolve launch failures.

3. Reinstall PowerPoint

Drag PowerPoint from Applications to Trash.
Download fresh installer from Microsoft 365 Portal.

Why? Corrupted app files prevent proper execution.

4. Update macOS

Go to  > System Preferences > Software Update.
Install pending macOS updates.

Why? System updates include critical compatibility patches.

5.Reset PowerPoint Preferences

Open Terminal, paste: defaults delete com.microsoft.Powerpoint
Relaunch PowerPoint.

Why? Corrupted preferences cause startup crashes.

6. Grant Full Disk Access

Go to  > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
Select Full Disk Access > Click + to add PowerPoint.

Why? macOS restrictions may block app functionality.

7. Run via Terminal

In Terminal, type: /Applications/Microsoft\ PowerPoint.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft\ PowerPoint
Check error output for specifics.

8. Create New User Account

Go to  > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
Test PowerPoint in a new admin account.

Why? Isolates user profile corruption.

9. Use Web Version

Access PowerPoint Online as a temporary workaround.

What Causes This Error?

Incompatible macOS/PowerPoint versions
Missing code signatures (Gatekeeper rejection)
Corrupted application files
Permission conflicts

Prevention Tips

✔ Enable automatic updates for Office and macOS
✔ Regularly clean caches using apps like CleanMyMac
✔ Maintain backup copies of critical presentations
✔ Verify compatibility before OS upgrades

If the issue persists after trying these steps:

Contact Microsoft Support with the crash report
Consider rolling back macOS if recently updated
Use alternative apps (Keynote, Google Slides) for urgent needs