> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.grunt.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Troubleshooting

> Fix common PowerPoint add-in issues for end users

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

## Grunt tab is missing

Start here:

1. Confirm Grunt is installed from [app.grunt.pro/download](https://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.

## 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`.

## 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.

## 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`

## Excel workbook cannot be found

This usually happens when the presentation points to a workbook on one person's local machine, or when the signed-in user does not have access to the SharePoint or OneDrive workbook.

To reduce the risk:

* Store the workbook in a shared location.
* Use SharePoint or OneDrive locations that Grunt can store as cloud files.
* If Grunt shows **Use cloud file**, switch the connection from the local synced path to the cloud file.
* Avoid OneDrive or SharePoint shortcuts that point to a location Grunt cannot resolve.
* Make sure every collaborator can open the workbook directly in Excel.

If the connection is already a cloud file:

1. Make sure you are signed in with the Microsoft account that has access to the workbook.
2. Ask IT to allow Microsoft Graph access if your organization blocks it.
3. Open the workbook in Excel and try **Update** again to let Grunt use the Excel desktop fallback.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.