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.