Running PowerPoint in Kiosk mode turns your presentation into an interactive experience, allowing it to run continuously until interrupted by a user. To activate Kiosk mode, open your PowerPoint presentation, click on the “Slide Show” tab, then click on “Set Up Slide Show.” In the dialogue box that appears, select “Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)” under the “Show type” options. Finally, click “OK” to save your settings.
After completing these steps, your PowerPoint presentation will loop continuously, and slides will only advance when the viewer chooses to click or interact with the slide. This is great for trade shows, information kiosks, or self-serve presentations.
Introduction
Have you ever stumbled upon a slick, self-running presentation at a trade show or a public exhibition and wondered how it’s done? Well, the magic lies in running PowerPoint in Kiosk mode. This feature enables a presentation to run on its own, allowing viewers to interact with it at their own pace.
Kiosk mode is ideal for public displays where the presentation needs to be self-sufficient and interactive without the need for a presenter. It’s particularly relevant for businesses showcasing their products at expos, educational institutions providing information at fairs, or even in museums where visitors want to learn more about exhibits. In an increasingly digital world, knowing how to set up your PowerPoint presentation in Kiosk mode is becoming an essential skill. Not only does it offer a professional touch to your display, but it can also save on staffing resources and ensure your information is accessible to everyone at any time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Running PowerPoint in Kiosk Mode
Before we dive into the specific steps, it’s important to understand that Kiosk mode in PowerPoint allows the presentation to run in a loop, which is ideal for unattended displays. It also restricts the user’s ability to make changes to the presentation, ensuring your content remains as you intended.
Step 1: Open your PowerPoint presentation
Open the PowerPoint presentation you wish to run in Kiosk mode.
This is the most basic step where you simply open the presentation you intend to use.
Step 2: Click on the “Slide Show” tab
Find and click on the “Slide Show” tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
This tab contains all the settings related to the slide show aspect of your presentation.
Step 3: Click on “Set Up Slide Show”
In the “Slide Show” tab, select the “Set Up Slide Show” button to open the set-up options.
This will open a dialogue box with several options for how your slide show will run.
Step 4: Select “Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)”
In the “Set Up Show” dialogue box, under the “Show type” section, choose “Browsed at a kiosk (full screen).”
This setting is crucial as it sets your presentation to run in full-screen mode and loop continuously.
Step 5: Click “OK” to save your settings
Once you have selected the Kiosk mode, click “OK” at the bottom of the dialogue box to save your settings.
Your presentation is now set to run in Kiosk mode, and you can test it to ensure it functions as expected.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Continuous loop | Your presentation will run indefinitely until manually stopped, ensuring all visitors have a chance to view it. |
| Interactive | Viewers can interact with the presentation at their own pace, which can lead to better engagement. |
| Professional appearance | A self-running presentation can give a polished and professional look to your display or information booth. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited control | Once in Kiosk mode, viewers cannot easily skip through the presentation or change the order of slides. |
| Potential technical issues | If there is a technical glitch, the presentation may need to be restarted, which could disrupt the viewing experience. |
| Dependent on hardware | Running a presentation in Kiosk mode requires a dependable computer or device, which may not always be available or functional. |
Additional Information
While the steps to run PowerPoint in Kiosk mode are fairly straightforward, there are some additional tips and insights that can enhance your experience. For instance, consider adding interactive elements like hyperlinks or action buttons to your slides to create a truly engaging presentation. Also, be mindful of the timing of each slide; since the presentation will loop, make sure each slide has enough time to be read and interacted with, but not so long that it becomes tedious.
Another point to consider is the hardware setup. Ensure your computer or tablet is set up securely and in a location where the screen is easily visible to viewers. It’s also a good idea to test your presentation on the actual device you’ll be using well before the event to avoid last-minute surprises.
Lastly, while running PowerPoint in Kiosk mode, remember that your presentation is now a part of the user experience. Design it with your audience in mind, use high-quality images, clear text, and consistent branding to leave a lasting impression.
Summary
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Click on the “Slide Show” tab.
- Select “Set Up Slide Show”.
- Choose “Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)”.
- Click “OK”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include videos in my Kiosk mode presentation?
Yes, videos can be included and will play within the presentation loop.
How do I make my presentation interactive in Kiosk mode?
You can add hyperlinks or action buttons to your slides to create interactive elements for viewers.
What if I need to make changes to the presentation while it’s running?
You’ll need to exit Kiosk mode, make your changes, then re-enable Kiosk mode.
Can I run PowerPoint in Kiosk mode on a tablet?
Yes, as long as the tablet supports the full version of PowerPoint, you can run it in Kiosk mode.
What should I do if the presentation isn’t looping properly?
Check the settings again to ensure “Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)” is selected and make sure there are no blank slides that might be stopping the loop.
Conclusion
Running PowerPoint in Kiosk mode can truly elevate your presentation game. It not only adds a layer of professionalism but also engages your audience in a modern and interactive way. Whether it’s for a business expo, a school project, or a museum exhibit, knowing how to set up this feature can make a significant difference.
So next time you’re planning a display, remember to consider utilizing PowerPoint in Kiosk mode to create a memorable and efficient presentation experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.