Last Updated: October 29, 2025
ISSUE
When using VBA to open the same presentation file twice, differences exist between Microsoft 365 Apps (Version 2508, Build 19127.20192) and perpetual versions of PowerPoint, such as PowerPoint 2021. We no longer allow the object model to open a copy of the same document multiple times. The object model now opens the same doc reference, so that any changes made apply to all instances. This change in behavior was introduced intentionally since opening a new instance of the same file multiple times in one PowerPoint session increases complexity and risks issues such as file corruption and data loss.
STATUS: BY DESIGN
This behavior is expected and intentional in Microsoft 365 Apps (Version 2508, Build 19127.20192).
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See Also
Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in PowerPoint for Windows
