How to Save PowerPoint to Run on Any Computer

PowerPoint is a useful tool for creating and showing presentations and slideshows. One of its features is the ability to create presentations for which the computer showing them doesn't need a copy of PowerPoint installed. With a little preparation at the time of creating the slideshow, you can make it playable on any Windows-based computer.

Instructions

1. Complete the presentation and save as normal to create a local copy of the file. Click the "File" menu, and then click "Save & Send" in the drop-down menu. Click "Create a video."

2. Click the quality and file size desired from the drop-down menu under "Computer & HD Displays" menu. Click an option on recorded timings and narrations under the "Don't Use Recorded Timings and Narrations" menu depending on whether you incorporated this feature into your presentation and/or want to keep them in the video.

3. Click "Create Video" to open another file save dialog box. Give the video a name under the "File name" box. Navigate to the directory where you want to save the video. Click "Save."

Tips & Warnings

• The old PowerPoint viewer available for download from Microsoft is compatible with PowerPoint 2010 if you don't want to create a video, but some of the features may not work as well. Try out the options under the "Computer & HD Display" option to get the best results.

• There's a trade-off between quality and file size. If the video will be emailed, you may need to consider file size as a priority.

References

• Microsoft: Turn Your Presentation Into a Video