How Do I Turn Off The Startup Task Pane in PowerPoint?

Question: How Do I Turn Off The Startup Task Pane in PowerPoint?

Answer: The Getting Started task pane appears on the right side of the screen by default, each and every time you open PowerPoint. It is supposed to be a starting place for you, and in truth, some people might find it helpful. It lists the most recently opened PowerPoint files, as well as a link to create a new presentation. To me, this is just redundant.

The most recently used files are already listed at the bottom of the File menu, and PowerPoint has already opened a brand new presentation when you started the program. Why ask you if you want to start another?

Steps to change this option

1. Select Tools > Options
2. Select the View tab at the top of the Options dialog box
3. Remove the check mark beside Startup Task Pane
4. Click OK

The Getting Started task pane will not appear the next time you start PowerPoint. However, each time you access a feature, such as to apply a design template, the correct and corresponding task pane will appear for you to complete that task.