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

Microsoft PowerPoint cannot be opened on Mac? Follow step-by-step solutions to resolve the error and open your presentations without hassle.

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

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