Microsoft Graph API Powerpoint Viewer Keyboard Accessibility

Question

When using the Microsoft Graph API driveItem:preview endpoint to obtain a preview URL for a PowerPoint file stored in SharePoint, keyboard arrow key navigation does not work in the preview viewer.

This issue occurs even when the preview URL is opened directly in a new browser tab (not embedded in an iframe).

This behavior is a blocker because many end users rely on keyboard-based clickers, making mouse-only navigation unacceptable.

Microsoft Support repeatedly clarified that:

• The issue is not related to SharePoint configuration

• The file behaves correctly when opened directly in SharePoint (PowerPoint for the Web)

• The issue appears to be due to recent changes in how PowerPoint for the web handles keyboard input in preview/embedded contexts, and is effectively by design or a regression, with no documented announcement or ETA for a fix 

Steps to Reproduce

1. Upload a PowerPoint file (.pptx) to SharePoint.

2. Use Microsoft Graph API driveItem:preview to generate a preview URL for the file.

3. Open the returned preview URL:

    • Either inside an iframe OR

    • Directly in a new browser tab.

4. Attempt to navigate slides using:

    • Left / Right arrow keys

    • Presentation clickers that rely on keyboard events

5. Observe that:

    • Keyboard navigation does not work

    • Mouse-based controls continue to work as expected

6. Reproduce across environments:

    • macOS: Chrome, Edge, Safari

    • Windows 11: Chrome, Edge

    • Works the same in Incognito / InPrivate mode