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How to Update PowerPoint for Free (A Complete Guide)

November 8, 2023 2.7K views

Embarking on the journey of updating your PowerPoint is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of enhanced features and seamless functionality. In this guide, we'll navigate through each step with precision and clarity, offering not just instructions, but insights and tips drawn from personal experiences and user perspectives. Along the way, we'll also shed light on the unique advantages of WPS Office, a standout in the world of office applications. So, let's dive in and ensure your presentations shine brighter than ever before!

How to Check for Updates in PowerPoint?

Check for Updates


Updating PowerPoint is essential for smooth and effective presentations. In this guide, we'll show you how to check for updates on both Windows and Mac. We'll provide step-by-step instructions with screenshots for easy understanding. Let's start with Windows.

Windows

Updating PowerPoint on Windows is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your software is current and optimized for the best performance:

Step 1: Open PowerPoint: Launch the PowerPoint application on your Windows system.

Step 2: Navigate to the Ribbon: Look for the Ribbon at the top of the application window. This is where you'll find essential functions.

Step 3: Click on "File": In the Ribbon, locate and click on the "File" tab. This will open a menu with various options.

Step 4: Select "Account": In the menu, locate and click on "Account." This is where you'll find information related to your account and subscriptions.

account and subscriptions

Step 5: Check for Updates: Within the Account menu, look for the "Office Updates" section. Here, you'll find an option to "Update Options." Click on it.

Step 6: Choose "Update Now": In the Update Options, select "Update Now." This will prompt PowerPoint to search for and install any available updates.

Choose "Update Now"

Mac

Keeping PowerPoint updated on a Mac is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps to ensure you're running the latest version:

Step 1: Launch PowerPoint: Open the PowerPoint application on your Mac device.

Step 2: Access the Menu Bar: Look for the Menu Bar at the top of the screen. This is where you'll find various functions.

Step 3: Click on "Help": In the Menu Bar, locate and click on "Help." This will open a dropdown menu.

the Menu Bar

Step 4: Check for Updates: Within the Help menu, look for an option related to updates. It may be labeled as "Check for Updates" or similar.

Check for Updates

Step 5: Download and Install Updates: If there are updates available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install them.

Install Updates

Following these steps will ensure that your PowerPoint is up-to-date and equipped with the latest features and enhancements for seamless presentations.

Can I Update PowerPoint to Newer Versions for Free?

Update PowerPoint for Free

No, you cannot update PowerPoint to newer versions for free. If you want to upgrade to a newer version of PowerPoint, you need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 or purchase a product key from Microsoft.

How to Buy Microsoft 365 (Office 365)

Subscription Plan

Price

Features

Microsoft 365 Personal

$6.99/month

For 1 person, 1 TB cloud storage, access to all Microsoft 365 apps, premium features in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Microsoft 365 Family

$9.99/month

For up to 6 people, 6 TB cloud storage, access to all Microsoft 365 apps, premium features in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Microsoft 365 Home

$99.99/year

For up to 6 people, 6 TB cloud storage, access to all Microsoft 365 apps, premium features in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

$5.00/user/month

For businesses of all sizes, basic email, online storage, and file sharing

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

$12.50/user/month

For businesses of all sizes, email, online storage, file sharing, and premium Office apps

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

$20.00/user/month

For businesses of all sizes, email, online storage, file sharing, premium Office apps, advanced security features, and device management

How to Get New Version of PowerPoint (Office 2021)

To get the new version of PowerPoint, Office 2021, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Microsoft Website: Go to the official Microsoft website at https://www.microsoft.com.

the Official Microsoft Website

Step 2: Search for Office 2021: Use the search function on the website to find Office 2021.

Search for Office 2021

Step 3: Choose Your Product: Once you've located Office 2021, select the edition that suits your needs (e.g., Home and Student, Professional, etc.).

Choose Your Product

Step 4: Review Product Details: Take a moment to review the details of the product, including its features and pricing.

Step 5: Add to Cart: If you're satisfied with your selection, click on the "Add to Cart" or similar button.

Checkout

Step 6: Checkout: Follow the prompts to complete the checkout process. You may be required to enter your payment information.

Step 7: Receive Product Key: After successful payment, you will receive a product key. This key is crucial for activating Office 2021.

Step 8: Download and Install: Go back to the Microsoft website and navigate to your account. Find the option to download and install Office 2021.

Download and Install

Step 9: Activate Office: During installation, you will be prompted to enter the product key. This step is essential for activating your copy of PowerPoint.

Once these steps are completed, you'll have the latest version of PowerPoint, Office 2021, ready to use. Enjoy its enhanced features and functionalities!

How to Keep PowerPoint Updated for Free with WPS Office

WPS Office logo

WPS Office is a free and comprehensive office suite that includes a powerful presentation tool called WPS Presentation. WPS Presentation is fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint, allowing you to open, edit, and save PowerPoint presentations (.ppt, .pptx, and .pptm) without any problems.

In addition to being free, WPS Office also offers a number of advantages over Microsoft Office, including:

  • No product key needed: You can use WPS Office for free without ever having to enter a product key.

  • Free updates: WPS Office is updated regularly with new features and security patches. These updates are free for all users.

  • PDF editing: WPS Presentation includes a built-in PDF editor, allowing you to edit PDF files directly without having to convert them to another format.

  • Built-in free delicate templates store: WPS Presentation provides a wide variety of free templates that you can use to create professional-looking presentations.

How to use PowerPoint for free in WPS Office

Step 1: Download and install WPS Office from the WPS Office website.

Download WPS

Step 2: Open WPS Presentation.

Open WPS Presentation

Step 3: Click on the New tab.

Step 4: Select a template from the Template Gallery.

the Template Gallery

Step 5: Edit the template to create your presentation.

Step 6: Save your presentation.

Save presentation

WPS Presentation is a great way to create professional-looking presentations without having to pay for Microsoft Office. With its free updates, built-in PDF editor, and wide variety of free templates, WPS Presentation is a powerful and versatile presentation tool.

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WPS Office- Free All-in-One Office Suite
  • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

  • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

  • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

  • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

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FAQs

What is the latest version of Microsoft Office?

The latest version of Microsoft Office is Microsoft 365, which is a subscription-based service that provides access to the latest versions of Office apps, as well as cloud storage, premium features, and security features.

Is buying Microsoft Office 2021 worth it?

Deciding whether to buy Microsoft Office 2021 boils down to your preferences. It's a one-time purchase, so no recurring fees. Consider if its features meet your needs. If you don't need constant updates, it's cost-effective. However, you won't get the latest features later. Free alternatives like LibreOffice or Google Workspace are also available. For business, consider team needs. Evaluate what fits best for your situation.

What is the most basic difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021?

The fundamental difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 lies in their payment models. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service, offering regular updates, cloud storage, and collaboration tools. Office 2021, on the other hand, is a one-time purchase, providing a fixed set of features without continuous updates. It's a matter of preference and usage needs – a subscription for continuous innovation or a single purchase for stable functionality. Consider your workflow and choose accordingly.

Summary

This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of updating PowerPoint, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable insights. It also highlights the distinct advantages of using WPS Office, an exceptional office application. By following this guide, you not only ensure your PowerPoint is up-to-date, but also gain access to a wealth of features that elevate your presentation game. Explore the power of WPS Office and stay ahead in the world of office applications.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.