2.6.6.5.1 Ensure 'Default file format' is set to 'Enabled: PowerPoint Presentation (*pptx)'

Information

This policy setting governs the default format for new presentation files that users create.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled: PowerPoint Presentation (*pptx).

Rationale:

If a new PowerPoint file is created in an earlier format, some users may not be unable to open or use the file, or they may choose a format that is less secure than the PowerPoint format.

Impact:

Enabling this setting does not prevent users from choosing a different file format for a new PowerPoint file, therefore it is unlikely to affect usability for most users.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled: PowerPoint Presentation (*pptx):

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Microsoft PowerPoint 2016\PowerPoint Options\Save\Default file format

Default Value:

Disabled. (PowerPoint Presentation is the default option.)

Additional Information:

By default, when users create new PowerPoint files, PowerPoint saves them in the new *.pptx file format. Users can change this functionality by clicking the Office button, clicking PowerPoint Options, and then selecting a file format from the Default file format list.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/12129

Item Details

Category: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

References: 800-53|CM-6b.

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 7e39ec541fa5a72f667756c7b8919ef9b112f357b57dfd73af8354931154a9d9