How do I move the Thumbnail/Navigation/slide pane from the right side to the left side.

Go to (view) menu, then (view Direction), and choose (Left to Right).

Depending on the languages you have installed you may not see to View Direction Options. You should be able to add Right to Left and Left to Right to the QAT though from Options >> QAT or clicking the arrow right of the QAT > More Commands

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Microsoft PowerPoint MVP 2007-2023
Free Advanced PowerPoint Tips and Tutorials

1. Press Alt + F11
2. Press Ctrl + G
3. Type "ActivePresentation.LayoutDirection=ppDirectionLef tToRight"
4. Press enter and then close the window
It worked for me

That is correct but probably easier to just add Left to Right and Left to Right to the QAT

__________________
Microsoft PowerPoint MVP 2007-2023
Free Advanced PowerPoint Tips and Tutorials

is there a way to make this rule apply for all new windows of powerpoint opened?
im trying to get the preview window to show up on the right, which worked by doing "ActivePresentation.LayoutDirection=ppDirectionRig htToLeft". i have now since opened a new file and it is back on the left. do i have to reapply this rule for each new document?