How to Fix Designer Issues in Microsoft PowerPoint on Windows 11

Step 1: Activate the Designer Option in PowerPoint

To use the Designer feature effectively, you must ensure it is enabled in your PowerPoint settings.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for updates to ensure you have the latest features available.

1. Open: Launch your PowerPoint application and navigate to the File menu.
2. Access Options: Select the Options tab.
3. General Settings: Inside the Options window, click on the General tab.
4. Enable Designer: Locate the PowerPoint Designer option and check the box for Automatically show me design ideas.
5. Save Changes: Confirm by clicking OK and return to your project to access the Designer from the Design tab.

Step 2: Ensure the Connected Experience is Active

Connected Experience feature is essential for unlocking the full functionality of Designer in PowerPoint.

1. Open Options: In PowerPoint, click on the File tab and select Options.
2. Navigate to Privacy Settings: Select the General tab, and then access Privacy Settings.
3. Enable Settings: Make sure to check the following:
   • Turn on experiences that analyze your content
   • Turn on experiences that download online content
   • Turn on all connected experiences
4. Finalize: Click OK to save these changes.

Step 3: Log into Microsoft 365 Account

Ensure you are signed in with Microsoft 365, as the Designer feature is unavailable in older versions.

1. Visit Microsoft Office 365 and click on Sign in.
2. Login: Enter your Microsoft 365 credentials (you can create a free account if you don’t have one).
3. Access PowerPoint: Once logged in, select PowerPoint from the left-hand menu, or open your existing project.

Step 4: Use the Repair Tool for Office Apps

If issues persist, utilizing PowerPoint’s built-in repair tool may resolve underlying problems.

1. Access Settings: Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps: Select the Apps tab and tap on Installed apps.
3. Search for Office: Type “Office” in the search box.
4. Modify Installation: Click the menu dot next to your Office installation and select Modify.
5. Choose Repair Type: Opt for Quick Repair and hit Repair.

Step 5: Don’t Rely on Default Themes

Using standard themes can limit the Designer’s capabilities in PowerPoint. Follow these steps:

1. Open Design Tab: Navigate to the Design tab in your presentation.
2. Skip Standard Themes: Avoid selecting any standard design options provided.
3. Utilize Designer for Custom Layouts: Instead, create or choose a custom slide layout via the Designer tab.
4. Change Existing Layouts: If you previously used a standard theme, right-click the slide and select Layout, then choose Blank.

Why isn’t the Designer feature working in my PowerPoint?

Can I use Designer without a Microsoft 365 account?