Powerpoint developer tools tab

Question

Trying to add the developer tab to PowerPoint with all of the tools. When I check the developer option, that tab shows up with the code group, the add-in group, and the contol group, but not the tool group. What can I do for the tools to show up?

Answer 1

In current desktop versions of PowerPoint, the Developer tab is limited to the groups you are already seeing (Code, Add-ins, Controls). There is no separate “Tools” group available on the Developer tab in PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 for Windows, so no additional setting will make a Tools group appear.

To ensure the Developer tab itself is fully enabled:

1. Open PowerPoint.
2. Select File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
3. Under Customize the Ribbon > Main Tabs, check Developer and select OK.

If specific controls (for example, ActiveX controls) are missing from the Controls group, verify that they are not blocked in the Trust Center:

1. Go to File > Options > Trust Center.
2. Select Trust Center Settings….
3. Choose ActiveX Settings and make sure Disable all controls without notification is not selected. A safer choice is Prompt me before enabling….

Beyond that, PowerPoint does not expose an additional “Tools” group on the Developer tab; the available functionality is what appears in the Code, Add-ins, and Controls groups.

---

References:

• Show the Developer tab
• Show the Developer tab on the ribbon
• PowerPoint cannot load an add-in when you lower the macro security level
• Where to find Active X Control within developers tab? - Microsoft Q&A

Answer 2

By default, ActiveX controls are disabled in current versions of PowerPoint, as they are a security risk. If you are creating a file form your own use, you can follow the bot's advice. But if you are distributing this file to others, they will have to enable ActiveX controls before they will be able to use your presentation.