Powerpoint: Audio Narration Troubleshooting

Overview

Exporting a PowerPoint with audio narration can be challenging. Below are a few solutions for common errors that many users experience.

NOTE: If none of the provided solutions work, feel free to put in a ticket with LTS Training (information posted at the end of this article). It might also be beneficial to look at a different video creation tool like MyMedia/Kaltura or ClipChamp.

• Learn more about MyMedia/Kaltura by clicking here: Kaltura Overview Article
• Learn more about ClipChamp by clicking here: ClipChamp Overview Article

Check for Conflicting Software

• Third-party software and things such as screen capture tools may introduce issues with video encoding. Closing or disabling such programs can help.

Test with a Simplified Powerpoint File

• The glitches might be related to specific content in the Powerpoint file (e.g., animations, transitions, or media). Create a simplified version of your presentation:
  • Remove all animations, transitions, and embedded media (videos, audio, or complex graphics)
  • Use basic slides with text and simple images
  • Export this simplified presentation to MP4 and check for glitches
  • If the simplified file exports cleanly, gradually reintroduce elements (e.g., animations or media) to identify which aspect was causing the conflict)
• You can also check for corrupted fonts or objects, which could be causing rendering issues. To test:
  
  • Copy all slides to a new PowerPoint file (create a blank presentation and paste slides).
  • Change fonts to a standard option (e.g., Arial or Times New Roman) across all slides
  • Export the new file and check for glitches

Change Video Export Settings

• PowerPoint's export settings (resolution, frame rate) might be causing encoding issues. Try adjusting them:
  1. Go to File and click Export
     
     
  2. Select Create a Video
     
     
  3. Lower the resolution (e.g., from 4K to 1080p or 720p) and frame rate (e.g., from 30 FPS to 24 FPS).
     
  4. Export and check if glitches persist
• Alternatively, try exporting in a different format (e.g., WMV, if available) to see if the issue is specific to MP4 encoding.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

• PowerPoint uses hardware acceleration for rendering which can sometimes cause issues with video exports, especially if the GPU drivers are not fully compatible or there's a hardware mismatch.
  1. Go to File
     
     
  2. On the left sidebar, select Options
     
  3. Click on Advanced
     
  4. Scroll down until you see the Display settings
     
  5. Turn on "Disable Slide Show hardware graphics acceleration"
     
     
  6. Export the video again and check if the glitches persist. This forces PowerPoint to use software rendering, which is slower but can bypass GPU-related issues.