// troubleshooting guide · microsoft powerpoint
PowerPoint Slow With Large Files
- Status
- Workaround available
- platforms:
- Windows, Mac
- updated:
- November 15, 2026
- reports:
- 4
- Method
- how we research
RUNBOOK · microsoft-powerpoint/slow-large-file4 FIXES
// quick answer
Big decks are usually slow because of uncompressed images and embedded video. Compress pictures for the whole file, delete cropped areas, and compress media.
Most likely fix: Compress all pictures
How to fix it
// try these in order, the most common fix is first
FIX 1Compress all pictures
- 01Select any picture and open Picture Format > Compress Pictures
- 02Untick Apply only to this picture
- 03Tick Delete cropped areas of pictures, choose 150 or 220 ppi, click OK
Did this fix it?FIX 2Lower the default image resolution
- 01Go to File > Options > Advanced > Image Size and Quality
- 02Set Default resolution to 150 or 220 ppi (applies to new images)
Did this fix it?FIX 3Compress media
- 01Go to File > Info > Compress Media
- 02Choose Standard (480p) or HD (720p)
Did this fix it?FIX 4Back up first and work in batches
- 01Save a copy before compressing very large decks
- 02Split huge decks into sections or separate files if compression crashes
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Scrolling, editing and saving lag; the file is hundreds of MB and too big to email.
Why it happens
- C-01Full-resolution photos
- C-02Cropped image areas still stored
- C-03Embedded uncompressed video
- C-04Many animations and transitions
- C-05Full TEMP folder or add-ins
// this guide also covers
- why is powerpoint so slow
- powerpoint file too large
- reduce powerpoint file size
- powerpoint lagging
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