Do you want to turn your photos into a beautiful slideshow with background music on your Windows 11 PC? Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, vacation memories, or a school project, creating a slideshow is a fun and creative way to share moments.
The good news? Windows 11 offers built-in tools like the Photos app and third-party options that make slideshow creation simple. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a slideshow with music on Windows 11 step by step — from choosing your pictures to adding music and exporting the final video.
📝 Quick Summary of Key Takeaways
-
You can create a slideshow in Windows 11 using the Photos app, PowerPoint, or third-party tools.
-
Adding music makes your slideshow more engaging.
-
Slideshows can be exported as a video file (MP4) and shared online.
-
You can use free stock music or your own audio files.
-
Advanced users may prefer apps like Filmora, Adobe Express, or Canva for customization.
Why Make a Slideshow with Music in Windows 11?
Slideshows are more than just pictures on a screen. They:
-
Help tell a story with transitions and music.
-
Make presentations and events more entertaining.
-
Allow you to share memories creatively.
-
Can be exported as videos for YouTube, social media, or emails.
Methods to Create a Slideshow with Music in Windows 11
We’ll cover multiple methods so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Method 1: Using the Windows 11 Photos App
The Photos app is pre-installed and offers a quick way to create slideshows.
Steps:
-
Open the Photos App
-
Press Start, type Photos, and hit Enter.
-
-
Select Your Pictures
-
Navigate to your albums or folders.
-
Hold Ctrl and click on the photos you want in the slideshow.
-
-
Create a Video Project
-
Click on New video > Automatic video with music.
-
Give your project a name.
-
-
Add Music
-
The app offers built-in soundtracks.
-
Click Background music and select one.
-
Or choose Custom audio to add your own music file.
-
-
Customize Transitions and Length
-
Adjust picture duration and transition effects.
-
Drag and drop to reorder photos.
-
-
Export the Slideshow
-
Click Finish video.
-
Choose resolution (1080p recommended).
-
Save as an MP4 file.
-
✅ Best for: Quick, easy slideshows with basic music.
Method 2: Using Microsoft PowerPoint
If you already use PowerPoint, it’s another great tool.
Steps:
-
Open PowerPoint
-
Create a blank presentation.
-
-
Insert Pictures
-
Go to Insert > Pictures and add your photos.
-
Use one picture per slide.
-
-
Add Transitions
-
Select a slide and go to the Transitions tab.
-
Choose effects like fade, wipe, or morph.
-
-
Insert Music
-
Go to Insert > Audio > Audio on My PC.
-
Choose your song.
-
Set it to play across slides.
-
-
Export as Video
-
Click File > Export > Create a Video.
-
Save as MP4.
-
✅ Best for: School projects, office presentations, and formal slideshows.
Method 3: Using Online Tools (Canva or Adobe Express)
If you prefer online editors, Canva and Adobe Express are excellent.
Steps in Canva:
-
Go to Canva.
-
Select Slideshow Video template.
-
Upload your photos.
-
Add music from Canva’s free library or upload your own.
-
Use drag-and-drop editing for animations.
-
Export and download the slideshow.
✅ Best for: Creative, social-media-friendly slideshows.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps (Filmora, Movavi, etc.)
For advanced editing, try apps like Filmora, Movavi, or Adobe Premiere Elements.
Features:
-
Professional transitions.
-
Background themes.
-
Voiceovers and captions.
-
Export in different resolutions and formats.
✅ Best for: Professional-quality slideshows.
How to Add Music to a Slideshow in Windows 11
Music adds emotion to your slideshow.
-
Built-in music: The Photos app includes free tracks.
-
Custom songs: Add MP3 or WAV files.
-
Royalty-free music: Use sites like Pixabay Music or YouTube Audio Library.
⚠️ Tip: Avoid copyrighted music if you plan to upload to YouTube or social media.
Comparison Table: Slideshow Methods in Windows 11
| Method | Ease of Use | Customization | Export Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photos App | Easy | Basic | MP4 | Beginners |
| PowerPoint | Moderate | Medium | MP4 | Students/Work |
| Canva/Adobe Express | Easy | High | MP4 | Creative projects |
| Filmora/Movavi | Advanced | Very High | MP4, AVI, MOV | Professionals |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
-
Music not playing? Ensure your file format is supported (MP3, WAV).
-
Slideshow too fast? Increase duration per slide in settings.
-
Export takes long? Lower video resolution (720p instead of 1080p).
-
File too large? Compress using tools like HandBrake.
Tips for a Great Slideshow
-
Keep slides 3–5 seconds long.
-
Use smooth transitions instead of flashy ones.
-
Match music mood with slideshow theme.
-
Add captions or text overlays for context.
Conclusion
Creating a slideshow with music in Windows 11 is simple with tools like the Photos app, PowerPoint, Canva, and Filmora. Whether you need a quick video for family memories or a professional presentation, you now know multiple methods to get the job done.
With just a few clicks, your photos can turn into a storytelling masterpiece backed by music.
FAQs: Making Slideshows with Music in Windows 11
1. Can I make a slideshow in Windows 11 without third-party apps?
Yes, the built-in Photos app lets you create slideshows with music easily.
2. Which format is best for saving slideshows?
MP4 is the most compatible and recommended format.
3. Can I use Spotify music in a slideshow?
No, Spotify tracks are DRM-protected. Use MP3 or royalty-free music instead.
4. How long should each slide last?
Around 3–5 seconds per photo is ideal for most slideshows.
5. Is there a free way to make professional-looking slideshows?
Yes, Canva and Adobe Express offer free templates with music.