Microsoft Office is definitely the most popular office suite for Windows computers – however, not every user can afford to purchase this software in order to benefit from its extensive functions. The best solution to this situation is to rely on freeware applications, if not for editing Office-specific files, at least for previewing their contents.

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer is a good option when it comes to accessing PowerPoint presentations, especially since it comes without any cost and it supports files created in PowerPoint 97 or later.

This app offers the possibility to be used as the default one for opening PowerPoint files, such as .ppt, .pptx, .pptm, .pot, .potx, .potm, .pps, .ppsx or .ppsm. Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer automatically registers as the standard software if Microsoft Office is not detected on the host PC.

In addition to previewing a presentation, this tool can also be used to enter full screen mode thus enjoying all the slides in a distraction-free environment. Navigating to the next or the previous slide can be done both by using the dedicated buttons within the software interface or by using the Back and Forward arrow buttons on the keyboard.

All the presentations viewable within Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer can also be printed by simply selecting the corresponding option in the context menu of the app, so a distinct printing tool is not required.

Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer might not seem a complex utility, but it is very handy when it comes to viewing a wide range of PowerPoint formats, including password-protected ones, provided the password is known to the one trying to access the file. Also, the fact that it can be used without needing to spend any penny on it surely works in its advantage.