Learn multiple ways to delete slides in Microsoft PowerPoint 365 on both Windows and Mac, including right-click, keyboard shortcuts, and bulk slide deletion.
If you’ve been building a presentation and noticed an extra slide sneaking in, you may have wondered, “How do I delete a slide in PowerPoint 365?” You’re not alone. Removing unwanted slides is one of the most common editing steps for teachers, students, and professionals. In this guide, we’ll cover six methods to delete slides in PowerPoint, plus tips for Mac vs. Windows users, bulk slide deletion, and troubleshooting.
Method 1: Right-click to Delete a Slide
The most straightforward way to remove a slide is to use the right-click menu. Here’s how:
- Click the thumbnail of the slide you want to delete in the left panel.
- Right-click the slide thumbnail.
- Select Delete Slide from the menu.
Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to work in PowerPoint. To delete a slide instantly:
- Windows: Select the slide thumbnail and press Delete or Backspace.
- Mac: Select the slide thumbnail and press Delete. Backspace also works on most Mac keyboards.
Method 3: Delete Multiple Slides at Once
To remove several slides quickly:
- Select multiple: Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click each slide you want to delete.
- Select a range: Click the first slide, hold Shift, then click the last in the range.
- Press Delete.
Method 4: Delete in Slide Sorter View
Slide Sorter view lets you see all slides at once:
- Go to the View tab and click Slide Sorter.
- Select the slide(s) you want to remove.
- Press Delete.
Method 5: Delete in Outline View
Outline View shows your presentation in text form:
- Go to View → Outline View.
- Right-click the slide title.
- Select Delete.
Method 6: Delete Hidden Slides
Hidden slides can be deleted like normal ones:
- Look for slides with a crossed-out number in the thumbnail panel.
- Right-click and choose Delete Slide.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Delete a Slide?
If a slide won’t delete:
- Make sure you’re in Normal View, not Slide Master.
- Click the slide thumbnail, not the content area.
- Check if the slide is part of a custom show.
Undoing a Slide Deletion
Accidentally deleted the wrong slide? Press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo. If the file was saved and closed, check OneDrive or SharePoint version history.
