Enable the Missing Developer Tab in the Ribbon in PowerPoint 2016 for Windows

The Developer tab of the Ribbon is typically not visible within PowerPoint 2016. To enable the Developer tab, you have to visit the PowerPoint Options dialog box. So why would you want to enable a tab that's hidden by default? That's because the Developer tab provides options that most PowerPoint users may not be aware of, and don't typically use.

If you are a programmer or developer, or even someone who wants to explore options that let you take PowerPoint further, then you will love the advanced options within the Developer tab. Most of these options let you work with VBA content and macros. Additionally you can use this tab to access options that allow you to insert ActiveX controls on your slides. Follow these steps to enable the Developer tab of the Ribbon in PowerPoint 2016:

1. Access the File menu, and select Options, as shown highlighted in blue within Figure 1.
2. 
   Figure 1: Options within File menu
2. This brings up the PowerPoint Options dialog box, as shown in Figure 2. Make sure that Customize Ribbon option (highlighted in blue within Figure 2) is selected within the sidebar. Within the Customize the Ribbon section, locate and select the Developer check-box (highlighted in red within Figure 2).
3. 
   Figure 2: Developer check-box selected
3. Once done, click the OK button (highlighted in green within Figure 2 above).
4. You have now enabled the Developer tab of the Ribbon, as shown in Figure 3, below.
5. 
   Figure 3: Developer tab enabled in the Ribbon