How to End Powerpoint on Last Slide in Powerpoint 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide

To end your PowerPoint presentation on the last slide in PowerPoint 2010, simply set up the slide show to stop at the final slide. This way, your presentation won’t loop back to the beginning, and you can end on a strong note, leaving your audience with a lasting impression.

After completing the action, your PowerPoint presentation will conclude on the last slide, and the screen will either go black or return to the PowerPoint interface, depending on your settings.

Introduction

Ever been in a presentation where, instead of a clean finish, the screen loops back to the first slide, shattering the presenter’s ending note? Frustrating, isn’t it? Knowing how to end a PowerPoint presentation on the last slide is crucial for presenters. It’s the difference between a polished conclusion and an awkward one.

Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or someone who frequently uses PowerPoint 2010 for any other purpose, mastering this simple yet effective task can significantly enhance your presentation skills. The last slide is often where the call to action, contact information, or a powerful closing statement is placed, and you want that to be the last thing your audience sees and remembers.

Step by Step Tutorial on Ending PowerPoint on Last Slide

The steps below will guide you through the process of ensuring your PowerPoint presentation in PowerPoint 2010 ends on the last slide.

Step 1: Access the Slide Show Tab

Go to the ‘Slide Show’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.

The ‘Slide Show’ tab is located at the top of your PowerPoint interface. It contains various options for setting up and customizing how your presentation will run.

Step 2: Set Up Slide Show

Click on ‘Set Up Slide Show’ within the ‘Slide Show’ tab.

This option opens a dialog box that allows you to change the settings for your presentation, including how it ends.

Step 3: Choose ‘Browsed at a Kiosk’ Option

Select the ‘Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)’ option under the ‘Show options’ section in the dialog box.

Choosing this option ensures that your presentation will run full screen and will not loop back to the beginning once it reaches the last slide.

Step 4: Save Settings

Click ‘OK’ to save the settings and close the dialog box.

After saving, your PowerPoint is set to end at the last slide when you run the presentation.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Professionalism	A presentation that ends cleanly on the last slide conveys professionalism and attention to detail.
Control	You have better control over the timing and flow of your presentation.
Impact	Your closing slide, often containing crucial information, has a more significant impact when it is the endpoint.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Less Flexibility	Once set, the presentation will not loop, which may not be suitable for all settings, like informational kiosks.
Additional Steps	Extra steps are required to set the presentation to end on the last slide.
Potential Confusion	Inexperienced users may find it confusing to revert to normal settings if needed.

Additional Information

When you’re presenting, you want to maintain a strong connection with your audience until the very end. The last thing you need is technical difficulties or unexpected slide jumps disrupting your flow. That’s why knowing how to end your PowerPoint on the last slide is more than just a tip—it’s a presentation saver. With PowerPoint 2010, it’s easy once you know where to look.

Also, consider adding a blank slide or a slide with a simple ‘Thank You’ or ‘Questions?’ at the end of your presentation as a buffer. This way, even if you accidentally click past the last slide, you still maintain a professional appearance. Remember, a presentation is a storytelling tool, and just like any good story, it needs a definitive ending.

Summary

1. Go to the ‘Slide Show’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
2. Click on ‘Set Up Slide Show.’
3. Select ‘Browsed at a kiosk (full screen)’ option.
4. Click ‘OK’ to save the settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need my presentation to loop continuously?

You can choose the ‘Loop continuously until ‘Esc” option in the ‘Set Up Slide Show’ dialog box instead of the ‘Browsed at a kiosk’ option.

Can I end on the last slide without going full screen?

Yes, you can run your presentation in windowed mode with the same settings to end on the last slide.

How do I revert to the default settings?

Go back to ‘Set Up Slide Show’ and select ‘Presented by a speaker (full screen)’ to revert to default settings.

Will these settings save if I move the presentation to another computer?

Yes, the settings are saved within the PowerPoint file, so they will remain the same on another computer.

Can I apply this setting to only one specific slide show?

Yes, the settings you apply in ‘Set Up Slide Show’ are specific to the presentation file you are currently working on.

Conclusion

Ending on the last slide is a small but significant detail that can elevate your entire presentation. In PowerPoint 2010, it’s a straightforward process that ensures your audience’s attention remains where you want it—on your final message. By following the steps outlined, you can make sure your next PowerPoint culminates exactly how you planned, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Remember, the way you finish can be just as important as the way you begin. So, the next time you’re preparing for a presentation, take a moment to ensure that your PowerPoint ends precisely on the last slide for that perfect closing impact.