We recently created a GPO that allowed us to copy a custom PPT template into the Office2013 templates folder however, we have now been asked if its possible to have that template be the default template that is presented every time a user launches PowerPoint 2013 ?  Is that possible?  Where would I have to point the GPO to copy the template to?  Any help would be appreciated.

Hi,

My understanding is that you want to start a PowerPoint 2013 based on a custom template. Am I right? If yes, please try the steps:

Open a template file or a presentation based on the template you want to use as your default, then.

1. Choose File | Save As.
2. Click Computer then click Browse.
3. Choose PowerPoint Template (*.potx) in the Save as type: dropdown list box. PowerPoint automatically takes you to C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Documents\Custom Office Templates. Which isn't what we want. So ...
4. Browse to C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates instead. Substitute your user name for [YourUserName].
5. Name the file Blank (or Blank.potx) and click Save.
6. Try it out:  Choose File | New and choose the new Default Theme to make sure PowerPoint uses your new template (yep, PPT wants to call it Theme, but it's a template).

Reference:

http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ01010_Create_your_own_default_presentation.htm

Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

If we want to do it via GPO, we can use Files Extension to distribute the potx file. For more detail information, please refer to the following link:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc771102.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

Hope it's helpful.

Regards,

George Zhao
TechNet Community Support