Fix PowerPoint Can't Open This Type of File [2024]

If you encounter the error 'PowerPoint can't open this type of file', don't panic! Follow these quick and easy steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, so you can access your presentation files smoothly.

Whеn you usе PowеrPoint, you might sее еrror mеssagеs saying it can't opеn filеs or thеy'rе corruptеd. It happens sometimes, so don't worry too much about it. 

The "PowеrPoint can't opеn this type of filе" еrror can be attributed to the following factors: file corruption, unsupported file format, security and privacy settings, and more. If you are facing these challenges, this guide can assist you in resolving them so that you can resume using PowerPoint seamlessly.

1. Fix PowerPoint Can't Open This Type of File Caused by File Corruption with Document Repair Tool

EaseUS Fixo Document Repair is a robust solution for users grappling with PowerPoint files displaying the error, "PowerPoint Can't Open This Type of File Caused by File Corruption." 

If file corruption occurs due to events like system crashes, sudden power failures, or software issues, EaseUS Fixo is a solution. In addition to repairing corrupted PowerPoint files, this tool is also efficient in fixing office documents, like PDFs, Word files, and Excel spreadsheets.

This powerful Office document repair software runs a quick scan to repair the loaded files quickly and effectively. You can add and fix multiple corrupted files once with one click. With this tool, you can fix more PowerPoint cases, like PowerPoint not responding, PowerPoint not opening, PowerPoint hyperlink not working, and more.

It helps you to preview the repaired files for free before saving them. Read the instructions here:

✨Step 1.  Download, install, and launch EaseUS Fixo Document Repair

You can download this repair tool with the download button we gave you or other official ways. After the installation, you can double-click the Fixo icon to launch it. Click "File Repair" > "Add Files" to select and repair damaged Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents.

✨Step 2. Repair corrupted documents now

After adding the documents, you can click "Repair" to fix a document specifically or select "Repair All" to repair the whole files in the list altogether.

✨Step 3. Preview and save repaired documents

Now, the files are ready to be saved. You can also click the eye icon to preview the documents. After clicking "Save All", select "View Repaired" in the pop-up window to locate these repaired files.

Feel free to post this article on your media if you think it's useful.

2. Create A New PPT File in the Location to Fix PowerPoint Cannot Open this Type of File

You can also create a new PPT file in the original location to see if you can open it. Do like this:

Step 1. Open Microsoft PowerPoint or any other presentation software you have.

Step 2. Click on "File" in the top menu.

Step 3. Select "New" to create a new presentation.

Step 4. Choose a template presentation.

Step 5. Select where you'd like to save the document by selecting "File" and then "Save As."

3. Unblock Your PowerPoint File to Solve PowerPoint Won't Open Files

If you cannot access PowerPoint because of an error, attempt to unblock the specific file that is causing the problem. To unblock the file, proceed as follows:

Step 1. Right-click on the file, then choose the "Properties" option from the menu.

Step 2. In the window that pops up, click on the "General" tab.

Step 3. If you see an "Unblock" button, click on it.

Step 4. Finish the process by clicking "OK," and now you can open your PowerPoint presentation

You can also try this fix when PowerPoint Found a Problem with The Content.

4. Solve Can't Open PowerPoint File by Reusing Slides in New File

PowerPoint offers a function known as "Reuse Slides " allowing you to choose between retaining the style or adopting the formatting from your fresh presentation. You can use this feature to solve the PowerPoint can't open this type of file error.

Step 1. Open PowerPoint.

Step 2. Go to the "Home" tab, find the "New Slide" option in the Slides group, and click on "Reuse Slides".

Step 3. In the Reuse Slides pane, choose "Open a PowerPoint File."

Step 4. In the Browse dialog box, find and click on the presentation file with the slide you need, then click "Open".

5. Open Your PowerPoint in Safe Mode

This way lets you edit a corrupted file, but some formatting might be lost. It opens the file in a functional mode so you can make the necessary edits. It works as well when PowerPoint can't read ^0. Here's how:

Step 1. Press and hold the CTRL key on your computer.

Step 2. While still holding CTRL, start the software. A prompt will display asking if you want to launch in safe mode.

Step 3. Click "Yes" to continue, and now you've launched the program in safe mode.

6. Turn off Protected View Settings in PowerPoint

If the program is broken you can turn off Protected View in PowerPoint. Here's what you can do to solve PowerPoint not opening:

Step 1. Open the PowerPoint program and go to "Files."

Step 2. Under "Files," choose "Options."

Step 3. A new window appears. Here, click on "Trust Center" on the left side. Then, in the right side, click on "Trust Center Settings."

Step 4. Another window shows up. This is where you turn off Protected View. Find and select "Protected View" on the left. Then, on the right, uncheck the boxes that turn on the function. 

Step 5. Once done, click "OK" to close the program.

It would be great if you share this post with Microsoft PowerPoint users who are facing the same PowerPOint files won't open error:

7. Utilize Microsoft Repair to Repair Corrupted PowerPoint Files

If the problem continues even in Safe Mode or if you see the "Sorry PowerPoint can't read repair" message, it could be linked to your Microsoft Office installation. Try fixing it with the Office Repair feature:

Step 1. Close all Microsoft applications and press the Windows button.

Step 2. Type Control Panel and press Enter.

Step 3. Navigatе to "Programs" thеn sеlеct "Uninstall a Program" and look for Microsoft Officе. 

Step 4. Right-click on Microsoft Office and choose the "Change" option.

Step 5. Select "Quick Repair" to fix your Microsoft Office installation.

FAQs on PowerPoint Can't Open This Type of File 

Hеrе arе a fеw askеd quеstions rеgarding troublеshooting thе "can't opеn this typе of filе" issuе in PowеrPoint.

1. Why doеs it say PowеrPoint can't opеn this typе of filе?

If PowеrPoint shows an еrror saying "can't opеn this filе typе," it could be bеcausе thе filе is damagеd. To fix this, makе surе thе filе is savеd as PPTX. You can also try turning off protеctеd viеw or opеning PowеrPoint in safе modе.

2. How do I fix a corrupt PowеrPoint filе that won't opеn?

If your PowеrPoint filе is brokеn, you can try fixing it by opеning it in Safе Modе and using thе rеpair fеaturе in PowеrPoint. You can also try unblocking thе filе. You could also consider looking into third-party tools that arе madе to hеlp rеpair filеs. 

3. What file type can PowerPoint open?

PowеrPoint usually usеs filеs in thе PPTX format, which has been thе standard since 2007. It can also opеn PPT and PPS filеs and formats likе ODP (OpеnDocumеnt Prеsеntation) for prеsеntations. 

The bottom Line

Facing the frustration of receiving the error message "PowerPoint is unable to open this file type" can be quite bothersome. There are DIY approaches available to regain access to your presentations. Often, a straightforward fix can resolve the issue, like repairing file corruption, unblocking files, updating PowerPoint software, or converting file formats.

Follow the step-by-step guidance provided above to address the problem and resume your work on the presentation. If your files end up damaged or corrupted, I suggest using EaseUS Fixo Document Repair.