Start Powerpoint with a blank slide without title/subtitle

I've seen a lot of stuff on the net but nothing that seems to solve the issue summarized in the title of this post.
Any idea?

I have used PowerPoint for many years as a classroom instructor.
The key is to change the Master Slide Template used by PowerPoint when opening a blank document.
I engaged Copilot for some help here and it came up with the following:

My Original Question------ Can I change the default Slide Master in Power Point to start Power Point with a totally blank page?

Copilot's response------

Yes — you can make PowerPoint always start with a completely blank slide by creating your own custom Slide Master and saving it as the default template. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

🛠 How to Set a Totally Blank Slide as the Default​

1. Start Fresh
   
   • Open PowerPoint and choose Blank Presentation.
2. Edit the Slide Master
   
   • Go to View → Slide Master.
   • In the left pane, select the top (largest) slide — this is the master.
   • Delete any placeholders (title, subtitle, etc.) so it’s truly blank.
   • If you want all layouts blank, delete or clear the layouts under the master as well.
3. Adjust Page Setup (Optional)
   
   • Still in Slide Master view, go to Slide Size → Custom Slide Size to set orientation, dimensions, or background color.
4. Save as a Template
   
   • Close the Slide Master view (Slide Master → Close Master View).
   • Go to File → Save As.
   • Choose PowerPoint Template (.potx)*.
   • Save it in the Custom Office Templates folder (PowerPoint will usually suggest this location).
5. Make It the Default
   
   • Go to File → New → Custom → Custom Office Templates.
   • Right-click your blank template and choose Set as Default Theme.

Result​

From now on, when you open PowerPoint or create a new presentation, it will start with your blank slide — no title box, no subtitle, just a clean slate.


HTH,
telepro21

telepro21 said:

1. Make It the Default
   • Go to File → New → Custom → Custom Office Templates.
   • Right-click your blank template and choose Set as Default Theme.

Click to expand...

At this stage (Custom Office Templates) I don't have the option to save as default. A right click offers only Preview, Create and Pin to list...

This solution took some research.
One must have created a custom theme saved as a .potx file.
Then be sure to close the Master Slide view in PP so that you can see the Design menu tab at the top of the PP main window.
Then on the Design tab you will find a small downward arrow to open the Themes box to display all your themes and your newly created Custom Theme. While this display is open, Right-click on your custom theme and choose Set as Default Theme.

Attached is a screenshot.

This seems to have worked. Thanks a lot!