How to stop Powerpoint taking over both screens.when I use Zoom

Question

I am using OS 26.2 on a MacBook Air with external monitor. In Mission Control I have Displays have Separate Spaces turned on. When using PPTX in presenter mode on Zoom, it still takes over both screens and I cannot see the other participants which I need to do. How can I get it to not take over both screens?

Answer 1

Hi, K Putnam

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

On PowerPoint for Mac, Presenter View is designed to run full-screen and it can end up occupying both displays, which makes it hard to keep Zoom participants visible at the same time.

Here are some suggestions you can try:

Present in a window (most reliable for keeping Zoom visible)

In PowerPoint go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show > under Show type choose “Browsed by an individual (window)” then start the slide show. Share that PowerPoint window in Zoom (or share your screen and keep the slide show window on the shared screen). This prevents PowerPoint from forcing a full-screen takeover, so Zoom can stay open on the other display.

Use Zoom’s “Portion of Screen” sharing while you stay in Presenter View

If you really need Presenter View (notes, next slide), keep PowerPoint in Presenter View, then in Zoom click Share Screen > Advanced > Portion of Screen and resize the green frame to cover only the slide area. That way PowerPoint can stay full-screen, but Zoom is only broadcasting the slide portion, and you can switch back to Zoom controls as needed.

Share the correct display first, then let PowerPoint place Presenter View on the other display

Share your primary monitor first, then start the slide show so Presenter View appears on the secondary monitor. This often avoids “sharing the wrong thing” that triggers awkward window behavior.

Quick way to reach Zoom controls when PowerPoint is full-screen

When you get “stuck” in full-screen Presenter View, use Mission Control (Control+Up Arrow) to bring the Zoom window to the front and click it. This works because Mission Control can surface other apps even when PowerPoint is occupying a Space.

Hope this helps. Feel free to get back if you need further assistance.

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