Our second-generation Windows PowerPoint Add-In uses a 'ping' to test its internet connection before loading in live content from Conferences i/o. Some network environments block the ping protocol, which results in our second-generation Add-In thinking it has no network connection and displaying the following error.



If you see this error message, despite being connected to the Internet, your network environment likely blocks pings.


Luckily, we added a simple method to disable the ping check.


1. Open PowerPoint, go to the Conferences i/o ribbon, and click on "Settings".



2. The settings dialog box will open and should look something like this.



3. Uncheck the "ping" setting, and then click "Save".



4. Test your PowerPoint in slideshow mode again.

If a blocked "ping" was the problem, you should now see live content from Conferences i/o loading in.


Will I have to change this setting for each presentation?

No. The setting is saved globally on your computer.


Will I have to change this setting on every computer?

Yes, provided that every computer is using the same network environment and experiencing the same issue.


What happens if I disable the "ping" and don't have an Internet connection?

When you disable the ping check, the Add-In will try to connect for about 30 seconds, then display a generic error message. During these 30 seconds you will see a series of error messages that looks like the following.



If you've disabled ping check and see this sequence of messages, then make sure your computer is fully connected to the Internet. If it is, then something else may be going on and you should contact the Conferences i/o Support Team at support@conferences.io.



Still not working? Check if Windows Firewall might be blocking PowerPoint

If disabling the ping check did not resolve the issue, there is a chance Windows Defender Firewall on your computer is preventing PowerPoint from accessing the Internet. This is less common, but it’s worth verifying. Below are quick checks for Windows 11 and Windows 10.


Windows 11

  1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
  2. Choose Privacy & security on the left, then click Windows Security.
  3. Select Open Windows Security.
  4. Click Firewall & network protection.
  5. Choose Allow an app through firewall, and then click Change settings if it’s not editable.
  6. Scroll to find Microsoft PowerPoint. Make sure the box under Private is checked (and Public if required).
  7. If PowerPoint is missing, click Allow another app and browse to POWERPNT.EXE (usually in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\).
  8. Press OK to save your changes, then restart PowerPoint.


Windows 10

  1. Open the Start menu and type Windows Defender Firewall or Windows Security, then click to open it.
  2. Choose Firewall & network protection.
  3. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall to see the allowed apps.
  4. Click Change settings if needed.
  5. Look for Microsoft PowerPoint and ensure the box under Private is checked (and Public if necessary).
  6. If you don’t see PowerPoint, click Allow another app and locate POWERPNT.EXE in your Office installation folder.
  7. Click OK and restart PowerPoint.


If PowerPoint is blocked in your outbound or inbound firewall rules, that can also prevent the add-in from connecting. In the Firewall & network protection window, click Advanced settings to review inbound/outbound rules. Disable or remove any “Block” rule referencing POWERPNT.EXE.


If you’re in a corporate environment, your IT department may control or overwrite firewall settings. Consult your IT team if your changes don’t persist or if you need further help.