How to Make a Slideshow on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Slideshows are a fantastic way to showcase your photos, whether it’s a family trip, wedding, business presentation, or classroom project. Luckily, Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to create beautiful, professional-looking slideshows without needing expensive software.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to make a slideshow on Windows 11 using built-in tools like Photos app, File Explorer, and PowerPoint, as well as third-party apps if you want extra features. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to build, customize, and present a slideshow effortlessly.

Table of Contents

Why Create a Slideshow in Windows 11?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about why slideshows are so popular:

Easy storytelling – Perfect for sharing memories or creating visual reports.
Time-saving – Instead of flipping through photos, they play automatically.
Professional appeal – Useful for business pitches and project presentations.
Customizable – Add music, transitions, and animations to make it engaging.

Method 1: Create a Quick Slideshow Using File Explorer

If you just want a fast, no-fuss slideshow:

Open File Explorer (Win + E).
Navigate to the folder with your photos.
Select the images you want.
Right-click one and choose Show more options > View > Slide show.

Your slideshow will start instantly in full screen, cycling through the images.

👉 This is the easiest method, but it has no customization options (no music, no transitions).

Method 2: Make a Slideshow Using the Photos App

Windows 11’s Photos app offers more control.

Open Photos app from Start menu.
Click on Albums > New Album.
Select the photos you want and click Create.
Customize with:
- Title – Give your slideshow a name.
- Music – Add built-in background tracks.
- Themes & styles – Apply transitions and animations.
Click Play to view your slideshow.

This method is perfect for family or personal slideshows with simple effects.

Method 3: Use PowerPoint for a Professional Slideshow

For business presentations, school projects, or detailed slideshows, PowerPoint is your best friend.

Steps:

Open Microsoft PowerPoint.
Select Blank Presentation or a template.
Click Insert > Pictures > This Device to add images.
Add one photo per slide.
Use Transitions tab to add slide effects.
Use Animations tab for text or object movements.
Add Audio > Background music for extra flair.
Click Slideshow > From Beginning to play.

👉 PowerPoint lets you add charts, videos, and text—great for work and school.

Method 4: Make a Slideshow with Video Editor (Clipchamp)

Windows 11 includes Clipchamp, a built-in video editor that’s great for slideshows.

Open Clipchamp from Start menu.
Click Create a new project.
Drag your photos into the timeline.
Add transitions between images.
Insert music or narration.
Export your slideshow as a video file.

This is ideal if you want to share your slideshow online or upload it to YouTube.

Method 5: Use Google Photos (Online Slideshow)

If your photos are stored in the cloud:

Go to Google Photos.
Select photos and click + Create > Movie.
Choose a theme or create custom.
Add music and save.

This works on any device and is great for sharing slideshows online.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Apps for Extra Features

If you want advanced customization, try apps like:

Icecream Slideshow Maker – Easy interface, music, and effects.
Movavi Slideshow Maker – Professional templates and transitions.
ProShow Gold (legacy) – Advanced effects and animations.

These are better if you want more cinematic slideshows.

How to Add Music to Your Slideshow

A slideshow without music feels incomplete. Depending on your method:

Photos app – Select Music > Background track.
PowerPoint – Go to Insert > Audio > Audio on My PC.
Clipchamp – Drag music into the timeline.

👉 Pro tip: Choose royalty-free music if you plan to share your slideshow online.

How to Save and Share a Slideshow

Once your slideshow is ready:

Photos app – Export to video file.
PowerPoint – Save as .pptx or export as video.
Clipchamp – Export as .mp4.

You can then:

Upload to YouTube.
Share on Facebook/Instagram.
Send via email or cloud storage.

Tips for a Perfect Slideshow

Keep it short and engaging (3–5 minutes is ideal).
Use consistent transitions (avoid too many flashy effects).
Add captions if needed for context.
Use high-quality photos for best results.

Common Problems and Fixes

Slideshow not starting in File Explorer? → Ensure photos are supported formats (JPG, PNG).
Photos app crashes? → Update the app from Microsoft Store.
Music not playing in PowerPoint? → Check audio settings and file compatibility.

Conclusion

Creating a slideshow on Windows 11 is easier than ever. Whether you want a quick slideshow in File Explorer, a customized album in Photos app, or a professional presentation in PowerPoint, you now have multiple ways to do it. And with tools like Clipchamp or third-party apps, you can even export beautiful slideshow videos ready to share with the world.

So go ahead—gather your photos, add some music, and turn your memories into a story worth sharing!

FAQs

Q1. Can I make a slideshow without downloading any apps?
Yes! You can use File Explorer or the built-in Photos app.

Q2. Can I add videos inside my slideshow?
Yes, PowerPoint and Clipchamp let you mix photos and videos.

Q3. What’s the best way to share a slideshow with friends?
Export it as a video file (.mp4) and share via YouTube, Google Drive, or email.

Q4. Can I create an automatic slideshow on my desktop background?
Yes! Go to Settings > Personalization > Background > Slideshow.

Q5. Which method is best for business presentations?
Use PowerPoint since it allows charts, text, and professional animations.