Power point freezes

Test the slideshow in Windows Extend mode with the presentation remote disconnected, because this separates a remote-control problem from PowerPoint’s external-display and graphics path.

1. Isolate the remote and display mode

1. Connect the TV by HDMI or wireless display.
2. Press Windows key + P, then select Extend rather than Duplicate.
3. In PowerPoint, open Slide Show → Monitors:
   • Enable Use Presenter View.
   • Select the TV as the slideshow monitor, or leave it on Automatic.
4. Disconnect or turn off the presentation remote.
5. Run the slideshow and advance several slides using the keyboard arrow keys.

Windows recommends Extend when troubleshooting an external display.^1^

Interpret the result:

• It works without the remote: the remote or its supporting software/driver is the differentiator. Test the remote outside PowerPoint if possible, then obtain its current driver or software from its manufacturer.
• It still freezes: continue below. Because both HDMI and wireless presentation freeze, replacing the HDMI cable alone is unlikely to isolate the issue.
• Only one presentation freezes: skip to section 4.

2. Reset and check the graphics path

While the external display is connected, press:

Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B

The screens may briefly blink while Windows resets the graphics driver. Start the slideshow again. Microsoft documents this sequence for external-display problems.^1^

If freezing began after a display-driver update:

1. Search for and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click the graphics adapter → Properties → Driver.
4. Select Roll Back Driver.

If rollback is unavailable, the same Microsoft procedure provides steps to uninstall and reinstall the display driver.^1^

3. Test PowerPoint without add-ins

1. Close PowerPoint.
2. Press Windows key + R.
3. Enter:

PowerPnt /safe

4. Open the presentation, connect the TV, and run the slideshow.

If Safe Mode does not freeze:

1. Open PowerPoint normally.
2. Go to File → Options → Add-ins.
3. At Manage, select COM Add-ins → Go.
4. Clear all add-ins and restart PowerPoint.
5. Enable them individually, restarting and testing after each one, until the freeze returns.

Microsoft identifies add-ins as a possible cause of PowerPoint hangs and recommends this Safe Mode procedure.^2^

If Safe Mode also freezes:

• Install current Microsoft 365 updates.
• Close other applications and check whether PowerPoint’s status bar reports another operation in progress.
• Repair Office: Control Panel → Programs and Features → right-click Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 → Change → Repair.^2^

4. If freezing depends on the presentation

Test a new, simple presentation on the same TV. If that works, reduce the original file’s rendering load:

• Compress embedded media.
• Reduce complex transitions, animations, transparency, and large gradients.
• In Slide Show → Monitors → Resolution, select a lower resolution such as 640×480 if available.
• Go to File → Options → Advanced → Display and ensure Disable Slide Show hardware graphics acceleration is not selected.
• Close PowerPoint, press Windows key + R, enter %temp%, and delete unused temporary files. Skip any file Windows reports as currently in use.

These are Microsoft’s documented performance adjustments for slow presentations.^3^

If it still freezes, note whether the image alone stops or PowerPoint becomes Not responding, the exact slide where it happens, and whether that slide contains video, animation, or another embedded object. That distinction will determine whether the remaining issue is presentation content, graphics rendering, or PowerPoint itself.

References

1. Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. PowerPoint isn't responding, hangs or freezes | Microsoft Support
3. Tips for improving the performance of your presentation | Microsoft Support