How can I share a presentation so viewers can review it but not edit it?

Choose a view-only permission in the sharing settings—for example, “Can view”—and avoid “Can edit.” In PowerPoint’s documented sharing flow, you select Share, specify recipients, and choose a permission from a menu. The exact options can depend on your account or service configuration, so check what the dialog actually offers. [S1]

Before sending, confirm that you selected the intended presentation and recipients. If the file is already shared, review its current access too, so you can identify permissions that may need to be changed.

Use this short sequence:

1. Open the presentation’s Share controls.
2. Specify the intended recipients.
3. Select “Can view,” rather than “Can edit,” if that choice is available.
4. Read the displayed permission and recipient details before sending.
5. Review who already has access, and change any permissions that should no longer apply.

The PowerPoint guidance describes the permission menu and says “Can view” and, in some contexts, “Can’t download” may be available. Check the choices shown for your account instead of assuming every option is present. [S1]

Not necessarily. View permission and download restrictions are separate things to check. Microsoft describes a “Can’t download” view permission for OneDrive for work or school, but says this option is available only in that context. It also notes that existing edit permissions may still permit downloads. Review Manage access and the options displayed for your file. [S2]

Treat this as a restriction offered by the sharing service, not a guarantee that viewers cannot keep a copy of what they can see. Microsoft notes that viewers may capture visible content. [S2]

Check the actual access details rather than relying on the label you intended to choose. Confirm that the intended people or audience are included, the permission is viewing rather than editing, and existing access is appropriate. If the service offers a download restriction and you need it, check whether it applies to this account and file. Microsoft identifies Manage access as a place to review or change permissions; its “Can’t download” option has the OneDrive for work or school limitation described above. [S2]

For example, you could keep a short check record: “Presentation: [presentation name]. Recipients: [intended people]. Permission: Can view. Download restriction: [available / not available / not selected]. Existing access reviewed: [yes / no].” This is a reminder to confirm the settings in the sharing dialog, not a substitute for doing so.