Try These Useful PowerPoint Shortcuts to Start a Slide Show
by Avantix Learning Team | March 12, 2025
Applies to: Microsoft® PowerPoint® 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)
You can start a slide show in PowerPoint using several keyboard shortcuts. In this article, we'll review shortcuts to start a show using function keys or by using key tips.
Contents
- Tips for running a slide show
- Start a presentation from the beginning using a keyboard shortcut
- Start a presentation from the current slide using a keyboard shortcut
- Start a presentation in Presenter View using a keyboard shortcut
- Start a presentation from the beginning using key tips
- Start a presentation from the current slide using key tips
Recommended article: How to Strikethrough or Cross Out Text in PowerPoint (4 Ways with Shortcuts)
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Tips for running a slide show
If the function key shortcuts don't work, you may need to press the Fn key on your keyboard at the same time.
Typically, you would start a slide show from Normal View or Slide Sorter View. To exit a slide show, press ESC.
If Presenter View is selected on the Slide Show tab in the Ribbon, the show will start in Presenter View. If you have two monitors and Automatic is selected as the Monitor setting on the Slide Show tab, the show will display as a standard slide show on the second monitor and will display Presenter View on the presenter's screen by default.
Start a presentation from the beginning using a keyboard shortcut
Press F5.
Start a presentation from the current slide using a keyboard shortcut
Press Shift+F5.
Start a presentation in Presenter View using a keyboard shortcut
Press Alt + F5.
Start a presentation from the beginning using key tips
Press Alt > S > B (press Alt, then S, then B).
Start a presentation from the current slide using key tips
Press Alt > S > C (press Alt, then S, then C).
There are many shortcuts you can use during a PowerPoint slide show as well. Check out the article PowerPoint Slide Show Shortcuts (50+ Keyboard Shortcuts).
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More resources
How to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint
How to Crop a Picture in PowerPoint (4 Ways)
How to Change the Background of Your PowerPoint Slides
How to Remove the Background of a Picture in PowerPoint (2 Ways)
How to Add Animation in PowerPoint (Animate Images, Text or Other Objects)
Related courses
Microsoft PowerPoint: Intermediate / Advanced
Microsoft PowerPoint: Design for Non-Designers
Microsoft PowerPoint: Animations Bootcamp
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