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Use this page for the most common end-user issues with the Grunt PowerPoint add-in.

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Grunt tab is missing

Start here:
  1. Confirm Grunt is installed from app.grunt.pro/download.
  2. Fully close PowerPoint.
  3. Reopen PowerPoint and check whether Grunt appears.
If the tab is still missing:
  1. Open PowerPoint File > Options > Add-ins.
  2. Check whether Grunt appears under disabled add-ins.
  3. Re-enable it from Manage > Disabled Items.
  4. If it appears as inactive instead, open Manage > COM Add-ins and enable it there.
  5. Restart PowerPoint.
If that still does not fix it, restart the computer and reinstall Grunt.

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License looks expired or will not validate

Grunt validates your license against Grunt services when PowerPoint starts. If validation keeps failing, Grunt can eventually report the license as expired even when the subscription is still active. Try these steps:
  1. Open Grunt > Settings > License and refresh the license.
  2. Restart PowerPoint completely. If needed, restart the PC.
  3. If your environment uses a proxy, turn on Use default proxy for API communication.
  4. Ask IT to allow the required Grunt endpoints over HTTPS on port 443.

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Installation or first startup fails

If Windows reports a certificate issue during install or first launch:
  1. Right-click the installer and open Properties.
  2. Open Digital Signatures.
  3. Open the signer certificate for Altua As.
  4. Install the certificate into Trusted Publishers for the current user.
  5. Retry the install or restart PowerPoint.
If Office Group Policy blocks COM add-ins, ask IT to ensure the Grunt add-in is not on the block list.

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Security software blocks Grunt

Some environments block Grunt files during installation or startup. If IT needs targeted Windows Defender exclusions for the default per-user install:
  • %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Grunt\<version>\PowerPoint\Grunt.PowerPoint.ComAddinNE.dll
  • %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Grunt\Updates\bin\Grunt.PowerPoint.Runner.exe
  • %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Grunt\Updates\bin\Grunt.PowerPoint.Updater.exe
  • %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Grunt\Updates\bin\Grunt.PowerPoint.Restarter.exe

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Excel workbook cannot be found

This usually happens when the presentation points to a workbook on one person’s local machine. To reduce the risk:
  • Store the workbook in a shared location.
  • Use the shared SharePoint or synced folder path, not a local personal path.
  • Avoid OneDrive or SharePoint shortcuts.
  • Make sure every collaborator can open the workbook directly in Excel.

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Objects do not render in Microsoft Teams

Legacy support guidance for decks created with Grunt 2024.1 recommends:
  1. Update to Grunt 2024.2 or later.
  2. Open the affected presentation.
  3. Use Update All on the presentation objects.
  4. Save the deck.
  5. Nudge affected objects slightly to force a re-render, then present again in Teams.

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External monitor issues

There is a known issue where the Data Editor, Excel connection window, or rule menus may not appear correctly, freeze, or disappear when PowerPoint is running on an external monitor. Workaround:
  1. Disconnect the external monitor or move PowerPoint to the laptop’s built-in screen.
  2. Perform the operation (open Data Editor, connect to Excel, edit rules).
  3. Move PowerPoint back to the external monitor when done.
This applies to both HDMI and other display connections. A fix is being worked on.

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ThinkCell installed alongside Grunt

If ThinkCell is installed on the same machine, you may experience:
  • Error dialogs or unexpected behavior when using Grunt
  • Smart Selection not working (ThinkCell overrides PowerPoint’s selection mechanism)
Workaround: Disable ThinkCell temporarily when using Grunt features that conflict. If errors persist after disabling ThinkCell, contact support with your Grunt version and a description of the error.

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PowerPoint is slow but Grunt may not be the cause

If PowerPoint becomes extremely slow (5–10 seconds per action, long startup times), first check whether the issue is Grunt-related:
  1. Close PowerPoint completely.
  2. Disable the Grunt add-in from File > Options > Add-ins > COM Add-ins.
  3. Restart PowerPoint and test performance.
If performance is still poor without Grunt, the issue is likely a Microsoft Office version problem or a machine-specific issue. Try:
  • Checking for Office updates
  • Restarting the computer
  • Testing on a different machine
If performance improves after disabling Grunt, re-enable the add-in and contact support.