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System Requirements for Using Poll Everywhere 2.0 in Microsoft 365 PowerPoint

The Team from Poll Everywhere
  • Updated

In this article:

    Poll Everywhere 2.0 integrates directly with Microsoft PowerPoint through the Microsoft 365 Office Add-in framework. To ensure the add-in functions properly, your version of PowerPoint must meet minimum system requirements and support the necessary APIs and internet connectivity.
     

    Minimum Version Requirements

    To use the Poll Everywhere PowerPoint add-in, you must be running:

    • Windows: Microsoft 365 PowerPoint (Build 2208 or newer), or Office 2024

    • macOS: Microsoft 365 PowerPoint (Version 16.64 or newer), or Office 2024

    Ensure you are on the Current Channel in Microsoft 365 and updated to the latest PowerPoint build. These versions support the Office Add-in platform required for Poll Everywhere 2.0.

    Unsupported Office Versions

     
     
    Version
     
     
    Support Status
     
     
    Why it’s not supported
     
     
    Office 2019 (Perpetual)
     
    Not supported
     
    Does not support the newer APIs required for full functionality. You may encounter connection or loading issues.
     
     
    Office 2016 and earlier
     
    Not supported
     
    Predate the Office Add-in platform and cannot install add-ins from the Microsoft AppSource store.
     

    Common Issues with Unsupported Versions

    If you're using an unsupported version, you may experience:

    • Add-in errors during installation or use

    • Inability to connect to Poll Everywhere servers

    • Slides appear broken or inactive when reopening a presentation

    Even if the add-in installs, full functionality is not guaranteed.

    Using Poll Everywhere in IT-Managed Environments

    If your computer is managed by an IT department, restrictions may block the add-in, including:

    • Administrative restrictions on installing add-ins
    • Network firewalls or proxies blocking outbound connections

    Required domains to allow:

    • *.polleverywhere.com
    • appsource.microsoft.com
    • officeapps.live.com

    This ensures that the add-in can be installed and communicate with Poll Everywhere’s servers.

    How to Check Your PowerPoint Version

    1. Open PowerPoint

    2. Go to File → Account → About PowerPoint

    3. Look for the version and build number

    Example: Supported: Version 2401 (Build 17231.20182). Not supported: Version 1808 or Office 2019.1036.

    If unsupported, update via Microsoft 365 or contact your IT administrator.

    Recommended Setup for Optimal Performance

    • Use Microsoft 365 Build 2208 or newer or Office 2024
    • Ensure network access to required domains
    • Install the add-in directly from Microsoft AppSource
    • Avoid using Protected View for presentations

    To Optimize Performance

    2.0 uses WebView2 to embed polls in PowerPoint slides. Performance may be impacted because PowerPoint must manage multiple WV2 instances simultaneously. This is a design choice by Microsoft and affects all WV2-based Office Add-ins, not just Poll Everywhere.

    Performance best practices:

    • If possible, restart PowerPoint before presenting, especially for large or high-stakes events
    • Avoid running heavy apps in parallel, such as:
      • Chrome with many tabs
      • Teams screen sharing
      • Video streaming

    These apps compete for GPU, RAM, and CPU resources, which may affect Poll Everywhere or other apps performance.

    Troubleshooting Tips

    If you're seeing an "Add-in Error" or your slides won’t load correctly:

    • Make sure you're using Microsoft 365, not Office 2019 or earlier

    • Try creating a new blank presentation instead of using older slide decks

    • Restart PowerPoint and log in again with your Microsoft account

    • Reinstall the add-in from Microsoft AppSource if needed

    • Check with your IT administrator to ensure no policies or firewalls are blocking access

    Need Help?

    Still having trouble? Reach out to Poll Everywhere Technical Support and include:

    • Your PowerPoint version and build number

    • A screenshot or screen recording of the issue

    • Whether your computer is IT-managed

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