1
F5Start slideshow from slide 1
Use this for standard presentations starting at the beginning. No matter which slide is selected, it always starts at slide 1.
PowerPoint slideshow startF5Shift+F5how to start a presentation
F5 and Shift+F5: Two Ways to Start a Slideshow Quickly
F5 starts from the beginning; Shift+F5 starts from the current slide. Two keys to memorize and you'll never fumble the slideshow start again.
Shortcuts you will master in this article
F5 (Start Slideshow from Beginning) / Shift+F5 (Start from Current Slide)
When to use each slideshow start shortcut
Both keys launch a full-screen slideshow the moment you press them.
2
Shift+F5Start slideshow from the current slide
Use for mid-session review or when you want to restart from the same slide after temporarily exiting.
Tip: When checking if an animation plays correctly before the session, Shift+F5 is the fastest approach.
3
Alt+F5Start slideshow in Presenter View
With a two-screen setup (projector + PC), Alt+F5 opens Presenter View on your PC while displaying the slideshow on the projector.
4
EscEnd the slideshow and return to editing
After finishing the presentation or checking, Esc immediately returns you to the editing screen.
PowerPoint Shortcut Practice
Master PowerPoint shortcuts and
present with confidence
Reading alone won't make them stick. Use KeyboardGym's PowerPoint practice mode to type the shortcuts from this article.
Slideshow Start Checklist
Can start from slide 1 with F5
Can start from the current slide with Shift+F5
Can end the slideshow with Esc
Have tested both keys in practice before the live session
Related Shortcuts
Visit each shortcut detail page to see key positions and usage tips.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
F5 | Start Slideshow |
Shift + F5 | Start from Current Slide |
Esc | End Slideshow |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does F5 also start a slideshow when using PowerPoint in a web browser?
A. The browser may intercept F5 as 'Refresh page.' In the web version, use the slideshow icon in the bottom-right or start via the View menu.
Q. Can Presenter View (Alt+F5) be used with a single monitor?
A. Yes. On a single monitor, Alt+F5 launches the Presenter View but there's no separate audience screen — you just see the presenter interface.
Q. How do I memorize PowerPoint shortcuts faster?
A. Reading alone won't make them stick. Use KeyboardGym's PowerPoint practice mode to type the keys and build muscle memory through sequential and random practice.