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

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)

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Summary
5 PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts to Start a Slide Show
Article Name
5 PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts to Start a Slide Show
Description
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.
Author
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Avantix Learning

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