MC884762 – (Updated) Microsoft PowerPoint: QuickStarter feature retires starting October 2024

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 for the web, Microsoft 365 suite

Platform:

Mac, Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Retirement, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
The PowerPoint QuickStarter feature will be retired between November 11, 2024, and January 14, 2025, for Office versions 2410 for Windows and 2411 for Mac. Organizations using it should prepare for its discontinuation.

Details:
Updated October 16, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Starting November 11, 2024, and ending January 14, 2025, we will retire the Microsoft PowerPoint QuickStarter feature from Microsoft Office version 2410 for Windows and Microsoft Office version 2411 for Mac. The feature will be unavailable going forward in Office. QuickStarter was never available in PowerPoint for the web.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2024-09-07

updated:
2024-10-17

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Feature Discontinuation
The retirement of the QuickStarter feature will lead to a loss of functionality for users who rely on it for creating presentations, potentially impacting their productivity and efficiency.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-topic-with-powerpoint-quickstarter-4784f273-0b2c-456c-9c89-24e5b977c224

User Experience Degradation
Users accustomed to the QuickStarter feature may experience frustration and a learning curve as they adapt to alternative methods for creating presentations, leading to decreased satisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, Trainers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-topic-with-powerpoint-quickstarter-4784f273-0b2c-456c-9c89-24e5b977c224

Increased Support Requests
The sudden removal of the QuickStarter feature may result in an increase in support requests from users seeking assistance or clarification on how to proceed without it.
   - roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-topic-with-powerpoint-quickstarter-4784f273-0b2c-456c-9c89-24e5b977c224

Documentation Updates Required
Organizations will need to update internal documentation and training materials to reflect the removal of the QuickStarter feature, which may require additional resources and time.
   - roles: Documentation Specialists, Trainers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-topic-with-powerpoint-quickstarter-4784f273-0b2c-456c-9c89-24e5b977c224

Workflow Disruption
Teams that have integrated QuickStarter into their workflow may face disruptions, leading to delays in project timelines and deliverables as they adjust to the change.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/research-a-topic-with-powerpoint-quickstarter-4784f273-0b2c-456c-9c89-24e5b977c224

Configutation Options**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is planning to retire the PowerPoint QuickStarter feature between November 11, 2024, and January 14, 2025, for Office versions 2410 for Windows and 2411 for Mac. This means that after these dates, the feature will no longer be available in these versions of Office. If your organization uses this feature, it's important to be aware of this change and prepare accordingly.

Think of the QuickStarter feature like a helpful assistant that gives you a head start when creating a presentation. It offers templates and suggestions to help structure your slides. Imagine if you had a personal assistant who helped you organize your thoughts for a big meeting. If that assistant were to retire, you'd need to find new ways to prepare for your meetings, perhaps by using other resources or tools.

This change will happen automatically, so there's no need for any technical adjustments on your part. However, it might be a good idea to inform your team about this update and make sure any training materials or guides reflect this change. Just like when a favorite coffee shop closes, you might need to find a new place to get your morning coffee, and it's helpful to let others know so they can plan their morning routine accordingly.

For those who relied on QuickStarter, exploring other features within PowerPoint or seeking alternative tools for presentation planning might be necessary. This is similar to finding a new route when your usual path is under construction. While it might take some getting used to, it can also be an opportunity to discover new ways to enhance your presentations.