How to Open PowerPoint 2007 Files with a PowerPoint Viewer

Users can use the latest, free PowerPoint Viewer application to read PowerPoint 2007 presentations.

Users don't need to upgrade or purchase Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 to view presentations created in PowerPoint 2007. Files with the extension ".pptx" or ".ppsx" designate the PowerPoint 2007 file format. Microsoft offers a free application to view the latest Microsoft Office files. The free PowerPoint Viewer program enables any user to view files with the extensions ".ppt," ".pps," ".pptx" and .ppsx." This program can be installed on a computer without affecting previously installed versions of PowerPoint.

Instructions

1. Download and install the latest version of the PowerPoint Viewer application from the Microsoft Download Center. (See Resource 1 for the download link.)

2. Click the desired PowerPoint 2007 file to select. Right-click and select the option "Open with."

3. Choose PowerPoint Viewer from the list of applications.

   If PowerPoint Viewer doesn't appear as an option, select "Choose Program" and then select "PowerPoint Viewer" from the list of available applications. Click the "OK" or "Open" button.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the file extension to see whether you can open the file in PowerPoint 2003 or earlier. A file extension of .pptx or .ppsx denotes PowerPoint 2007 and later. Files with the extension .ppt or .pps are compatible with PowerPoint 1997 to 2003 programs.

• Download and install the application update from the Microsoft Download Center that adds functionality to PowerPoint 2003 programs for reading (and opening) pptx and ppsx files. (See Resource 2 for the download link.)

References

• Microsoft Office: Open a PowerPoint 2007 presentation in an earlier version of PowerPoint. 2011

Resources

• Microsoft Download Center: PowerPoint Viewer
• Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint File Formats