The Microsoft 365 suite is a cornerstone of digital productivity. However, there are instances when the integration between the applications in the suite encounters hiccups.
If you’re trying to export a PowerPoint presentation into a Word document, and you receive an error saying “PowerPoint can’t locate Microsoft Word,” you’re not alone. This is a common issue, and there are a couple of solutions to it.
What Causes the “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” Error?
The “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” error is unique to situations where you’re exporting aPowerPoint handout. PowerPoint needs to open Word and create a document in it, and if the linkage between the two isn’t properly established, this error pops up.
The “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” error essentially says that your copy of PowerPoint can’t talk to your copy of Word. This primarily stems from an issue related to the installation. Most people often install PowerPoint and Word as part of the Office package. However, if you install them separately, this error might manifest.
In this case, PowerPoint may incorrectly assume that Word is not even installed on your computer. Other causes of the error could include the default save location or corrupted temporary files. Given the primary cause of the error, the best solution is to uninstall the apps and reinstall them together using the Office installation package.
Since creating and exporting handouts in PowerPoint is meant to be easy, reinstalling the entire Office suite might prove counterproductive. If that sounds too extreme for you, or if you need a quick fix, there are some other workarounds too.
1. Open Word Before You Export Your Presentation
An easy yet effective solution to avoid the “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” error is to ensure that Microsoft Word is open before you attempt to export your PowerPoint handouts. This spares PowerPoint from having to look for Word, as Word is already open and ready to receive the exported document.
To ensure that PowerPoint and Word are completely closed in the first step, you canutilize the task managerto terminate their processes.
If you’re lucky, PowerPoint will export your handouts to Word without any issues. But if the error still persists, there are a couple more things to try.
2. Change the Save Settings in PowerPoint
Sometimes, adjusting the default save settings and changing them to your computer can fix the “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” error. The default saving location for PowerPoint is your OneDrive, rather than your computer.
Try exporting your PowerPoint handouts and see if this did the trick. Otherwise, it’s time to be more invasive.
3. Clear the Temporary Files
Temporary files accumulated over time by PowerPoint and Word can lead to various errors, especially if any of them are corrupt.Clearing the temporary filesensures that there are no corrupt files interfering with the apps.
After completing these steps, restart your computer and try exporting your PowerPoint handouts.
4. Reinstall Microsoft Office
If the above solutions don’t resolve the “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” error, it’s time to consider reinstalling Microsoft Office. Before proceeding with this option, ensure you have your Microsoft Office product key or subscription details at hand.
You can uninstall Microsoft Office as you woulduninstall any software on Windows. Uninstall Microsoft Office from your computer, and then reinstall it using the official installation package from Microsoft. This time, make sure to install Word and PowerPoint together!
Eliminate the PowerPoint-Word Hurdle
The “PowerPoint Can’t Locate Microsoft Word” error can be an impediment to your presentation, but hopefully, you can overcome this issue with the solutions outlined above.
For the most effective resolution, use a combination of the solutions above. Clearing temporary files, adjusting the save settings, and having Word open can work synergistically to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Having the knowledge to identify and resolve issues can equip you for upcoming scenarios. Once you’re familiar with the fix for common errors, you’re prepared to handle any challenges that may arise while using PowerPoint.
Q: How Can I Fix the “PowerPoint Couldn’t Write to Microsoft Word” Error?
This error usually has similar causes to the “PowerPoint can’t locate Microsoft Word” error. If the previous solutions did not resolve the issue, it’s possible that an add-in or third-party application is interfering with PowerPoint. To fix this error, you canlaunch PowerPoint in safe modeby holdingCtrland clicking the PowerPoint shortcut.
Q: How Do I Export a Word File to PowerPoint?
The Microsoft 365 version of Word allows you to directlyexport Word documents to PowerPoint presentations. To do so, go to theFilemenu and selectExport. In the Export menu, clickExport to PowerPoint presentation. The feature uses AI to recommend themes for your presentation.
Q: How Do I Insert PowerPoint Slides into Word?
You can insert your PowerPoint slides in Word documents as Microsoft PowerPoint slide objects. To insert PowerPoint slides into Word, start by copying the slide from PowerPoint. Then, navigate to Word and clickPastefrom theClipboardsection in theHometab. ChoosePaste Special, selectMicrosoft PowerPoint Slide Object, and clickOKto embed the PowerPoint slide.
