Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows: Smarter Keep Source Formatting slide pasting experience

[What and why]

We're improving the PowerPoint Keep Source Formatting paste experience. When users paste slides using Keep Source Formatting, PowerPoint will now import only the slide masters and layouts required for the pasted slides instead of importing all slide masters and layouts from the source presentation.

This change helps reduce presentation file size, improve performance when opening large presentations, and enhance collaboration experiences such as co-authoring by minimizing unnecessary design content in presentations. Users who prefer the previous behavior can continue using it through a setting that allows them to choose their preferred slide paste experience.

[Rollout schedule]

• General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout began in late September 2026 and is expected to complete by late October 2026.

[Impact on your organization]

Who is affected

• Users of Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows who paste slides using the Keep Source Formatting option.

Platforms and services

• Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows

What will happen

• When users paste slides with Keep Source Formatting, PowerPoint will import only the slide masters and layouts required by the pasted slides.
• Presentation file sizes may be reduced because unnecessary slide masters and layouts will no longer be imported by default.
• By minimizing unnecessary design content, smaller presentations may open faster and perform better during collaboration and co-authoring scenarios.
• Users who prefer the previous behavior can continue using it through a setting that allows them to bring over all slide masters and layouts from the source presentation.

[Action required and recommendations]

No action is required.

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.