Forum Discussion
PowerPoint 2021 crashes when saving .ppsm files containing ActiveX controls
Hello,
I believe I found a regression in recent Office 2021 builds.
PowerPoint crashes every time I try to save a macro-enabled presentation as PowerPoint Show (*.ppsm) if the presentation contains Microsoft Forms (ActiveX) controls, such as:
- TextBox
- ComboBox
- CheckBox
- etc.
Troubleshooting performed
Microsoft Support already assisted me through two remote sessions.
We tested:
- Office license validation
- Online Office Repair
- New Windows user account
- Registry checks
- Windows services
None of these resolved the issue.
Reproduction
- Create a new PowerPoint presentation.
- Insert an ActiveX TextBox or ComboBox from Developer → TextBox.
- Choose Save As → PowerPoint Show (*.ppsm).
Result: PowerPoint crashes.
Tested Office versions
- Office 2602 (19725.20172) — Windows 11 21H2 — ✅ Works
- Office 2606 (20131.20154) — Windows 11 25H2 — ❌ Crash
- Office 2607 (20228.20110) — Windows 11 21H2 — ❌ Crash
- Office 2607 (20228.20110) — Windows 11 23H2 — ❌ Crash
I reproduced the issue on three different computers.
The last known working build is 2602 (19725.20172).
The first confirmed failing build is 2606 (20131.20154).
Saving as .pptm works correctly. Previously created .ppsm files also open and save correctly. Only creating or converting a presentation to .ppsm triggers the crash. If needed, I can also provide a minimal sample presentation that reproduces the issue.
Thank you!
1 Reply
Your cross-computer reproduction and the clear break between build 2602 and later builds strongly indicate a PowerPoint regression rather than a damaged profile or installation. Since the same presentation saves as .pptm, use that format as the workaround and keep an untouched copy of any original .ppsm file. Submit the smallest reproducible sample through File > Feedback with diagnostic data enabled, and add the exact builds, crash time, and Windows Reliability Monitor event to the existing support case. If .ppsm output is business-critical and Office 2021 is installed with Click-to-Run, an administrator can temporarily revert to the known-good build using the Office Deployment Tool. That choice should be controlled centrally because an older build also omits later security and reliability fixes. Disable updates only for the shortest necessary period, test each new build with the sample, and re-enable updates as soon as Microsoft confirms or you verify a corrected build.
