Presenting PowerPoint slideshows in Zoom

Issue

When presenting a PowerPoint file with Zoom, I am unable to advance the slides for some reason or my audience is unable to see the slides advance. What should I do instead?

Cause

This problem occurs when a presenter selects the PowerPoint application from the Share options.

• Presenters need to choose the Screen/Desktop option from the top-left corner or choose the PowerPoint in presentation mode.
• If presenters select PowerPoint in the edit/non-presentation mode, your audience will not see the presentation mode at all.

Resolution

Option 1: Share Your Desktop

If you share your desktop, your audience will see everything that you are seeing on your screen. This is the safest option to ensure students are seeing what you want them to see.

1. In the Zoom meeting, select Share Screen.
2. Select the icon labeled Screen or Desktop located to the left of the Whiteboard icon. Note: If you have multiple monitors, you will need to select Screen 1 or Screen 2.
3. If you are sharing video or audio, you may select the Share computer sound box (optional).
4. Select Share. Your audience is now viewing your screen.
5. Locate to your PowerPoint presentation and put it in presentation mode. Navigate through the presentation slides as usual.
6. To stop sharing your screen, click the red Stop Share button.

Option 2: Share the PowerPoint in Presentation Mode

1. With your PowerPoint presentation open, select Share Screen in the Zoom meeting.
2. Select the PowerPoint presentation from the list of open applications.
3. Select Share. Your audience is now viewing your PowerPoint in edit mode.
4. Put the PowerPoint presentation in presentation mode. (Note: your audience are still seeing the presentation in edit mode.)
5. Hover over the green box with the text You are screen sharing to view the meeting controls.
6. Select New Share.
7. You will now see two PowerPoint icons in the Share window. Select the PowerPoint in presentation mode (the left-hand image in the example below). 
8. If you are sharing video or audio, you may select the Share computer sound box (optional).
9. Select Share.
10. Navigate through the presentation slides as usual.
11. To stop sharing your screen, click the red Stop Share button.

Additional assistance

For additional help with this feature, please submit a ticket on the Zoom Support service page.

Special thanks

Special thanks to Butler University's Ask.Butler knowledge base as this article was derived from it.