Powerpoint can’t open this type of file

PowerPoint’s earlier versions are unable to open presentations that are saved in later versions. To fix this problem and avoid getting “Powerpoint can’t open this type of file”, you need to change the format of the PowerPoint file:

1. Open the file in PowerPoint.
2. Choose File > Save As.
3. (Don’t simply choose Save. Use Save As to save the file in a different format.)
4. In the Save as type box, choose Presentation (*.ppt), (*.pptx)
5. . Then select Save.

Now that your file is in a .ppt format, you can open it in the newer version.

Starting Powerpoint in Safe Mode can let you safely use it while it has encountered errors like “Powerpoint can’t open this type of file”. This is helpful when you can’t open a file in normal mode because the application is crashing or there is an extension or add-in causing a problem on startup. In safe mode, the file may not open with all the formatting but can perform certain operations like edit, save, etc.

• Find the shortcut icon of Powerpoint.
• Press and hold the CTRL key and double-click the Powerpoint icon shortcut.
• Click Yes on the prompt to start the application in Safe Mode. Or Press Windows+R keys to open the Run box. Type “powerpoint /safe” into the “Open” field, and then hit Enter or click on Ok to launch Powerpoint in Safe mode.

• The PowerPoint will launch with a new blank presentation. Make sure that ‘Safe Mode’ appears with the name of the file
• Click on File menu and select Open. Navigate the file and check if it opens in the Safe Mode
• Try to re-save the file. Click on File menu and select Save as.
• Once saved try to open the saved file.

If the PowerPoint fails to open in Safe Mode, you may be required to reinstall the application from a reliable resource.

If you come across any error message which prompts “Powerpoint can’t open this type of file” it’s likely that your Microsoft Powerpoint or Security Software has blocked the file for security reasons.

• Open Windows File Explorer and Locate the problematic file on the computer.
• Right-click on the file and select Properties at the bottom of the menu.
• In the Properties dialog box, look for an Unblock button near the bottom right of the General tab, If it exists, click to select Unblock, then click Apply, and then click OK to dismiss the dialog box.
• Now, try to open the PPT(PowerPoint) again.

Use this method to unlock your PPT file to fix the Error “Powerpoint can’t open this type of file”.

If your file is considered potentially dangerous or from an untrusted source, the protected view won’t allow you to open it. To fix this, you need to disable the protected view.

• Open PowerPoint, and Go to “File”.
• Select “Options” in the menu.
• In the options, select “Trust Center”.
• At the Trust Center window, click the button for Trust Center Settings.

• Click the option for Protected View and uncheck the following these 3 options
  • Enable Protected View For Files Originating From The Internet. – controls documents opened from a website.
  • Enable Protected View For Files Located In Potentially Unsafe Locations. – controls files opened from folders considered unsafe, such as Temporary Internet Files, etc.
  • Enable Protected View For Outlook Attachments. – controls email attachments,

• Click “Ok”.

Now, try to open the file again.

Powerpoint offer reuse slides feature to allows you to specify if you want to keep the original formatting or apply the formatting used in your new presentation.

• Start PowerPoint.
• On the Home tab, in the Slides group, click New Slide, and then click Reuse Slides.
• In the Reuse Slides pane, click Open a PowerPoint File.
• In the Browse dialog box, locate and then click the presentation file that contains the slide that you want, and then click Open.

“Powerpoint can’t open this type of file” error can also be prompted if you are trying to open a corrupted file. Luckily, Microsoft PowerPoint also provides an option to repair PowerPoint files.

• Launch Microsoft PowerPoint, and go to “File” menu on the top right corner.
• Select “Open” in the menu, and click “Browse”.
• Locate the file that needs to be repaired and select it.
• Click the small arrow located beside Open button and select Open and Repair option
• Press “Repair” in the pop-up window.
• Wait for the completion of the repair process

Now, try to open the file again.

This method can help you repair a slightly corrupted PowerPoint file. It may not work every time but it’s worth a try.

If Microsoft Powerpoint is behaving unusual then consider updating the Microsoft Office so that it will install new security patches and updates. Please follow the steps mentioned below to update the Microsoft Office to the latest version:

• Open Microsoft PowerPoint, go to “File”.
• Click on “Account”, and from “Office Updates” click on Update Options.
• Click “Update Now” to update your PowerPoint.

This method can only fix the errors that have been resolved by Microsoft, but it’s worth a try.

We’ve compiled all the resolutions and workarounds verified by the experts to fix the mentioned error. These resolutions and workarounds helped the users to fix the error on their system. Try implementing these resolutions on your computer and if the preceding suggestions fail to solve the error, please feel free to Ask an Expert.