Microsoft PowerPoint allows users to add images, photos, clip art, and other images to make their slideshows look professional and informative. However, sometimes an image may not display correctly and only shows a red X on the screen. Here are some causes of this problem and the troubleshooting steps you can take to fix it.
The information in this article applies to PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and PowerPoint 2007.
Les causes du PowerPoint Red X
There are several reasons why an image is not displaying correctly and has been replaced with a red X or an image placeholder with a small red X. Because PowerPoint embeds the images in the slides, sometimes users link to the image to reduce the file size, and things can go wrong with linking. The picture may have been renamed, moved from its original location, or deleted from your computer.
If the image requires a graphics filter, PowerPoint may display the red X, indicating that you need to install the filter. You may also get an error message if the existing graphics import filter is missing, corrupt, or incompatible. A missing PowerPoint update can also be the cause of the problem.
Follow the steps below in the order listed here to fix the PowerPoint image missing issue.
Update your Microsoft Office installation. If you are not using the latest version of the software, you sometimes run into problems. Install the latest updates, and then check that your photos are displaying correctly.
Save the file to a new location. If you save the file with the same name, you risk making a temporarily missing image problem permanent. Go to dossier > Save as and save the file in a different location with a different name. Close PowerPoint and reopen the file to see if the images display correctly.
Locate the new location for the image. If you linked an image, the image file may have been moved to a new location on your computer. Do a quick search to find the new location for this image file. Then move the image file back to its original location or paste the image in the new location on the slide.
If the image has been deleted, re-upload it and re-insert it into your presentation or select a different image.
Check if a linked web image has been modified or deleted. If you linked to an image on the web that was removed from the source or modified, edit the image or find the image’s new location on the web.
Email or copy the image with all files intact. If you emailed your presentation or copied it to another computer on the network and your image or clip is linked and not embedded, email the image or clip files with your presentation or copy the image – or clip files to the network file folder where the presentation is located.
Disable the quick save option. If your version of PowerPoint (or any other Office product) has a fast save option, turn it off as it consumes system resources. Go to Tool > options and disable Fast backup.
Install a graphics filter when prompted. Sometimes an image or clip requires a graphics filter. If so, a dialog box prompts you to install a graphics filter to view the image or clip.
You may also get an error message if the existing graphics import filter is missing, corrupt, or incompatible.
Consult the Microsoft Office help resources. If all else fails, send an email through the web form to request help with your PowerPoint issue.