Putting together a slideshow on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it’s a bit off sometimes how many different ways there are to stuff it up or make things harder than they need to be. If you’re just keen to chuck together a quick photo montage for family or a school project, the built-in tools like Photos or PowerPoint are your mates — but sometimes, they don’t behave the way you’d expect.
How to Make a Slideshow on Windows 11
This walkthrough is about using Windows 11’s own apps. They’re straightforward, quick as, and don’t need you to install any cobbled-together programs — unless you’re after fancy effects, then PowerPoint’s your go-to. Whether it’s for a birthday, a report, or just some cutesy cat photos, these steps should help you knock up something decent without losing your mind.
Step 1: Pick which tool to use
Most folks choose between the Photos app for a quick and dirty slideshow or PowerPoint if you want more control, like animations, text overlays, or fancy transitions. The Photos app is good when you wanna set and forget, but PowerPoint’s better if you’re planning to get a bit fancy or need more options.
Step 2: Open the program
Click Start, then find the app in your menu. If you’re using Photos, it’s the one with the flower icon. PowerPoint is part of the Office suite, so just locate it in Microsoft Office. Sometimes, the apps are hidden on your list — so, you can search for them or pin them to your taskbar for quicker access.
Step 3: Import your images
With Photos, hit Create > Custom Video with Music. In PowerPoint, you go to Insert > Photo Album. That’s the one. Basically, you’re chucking all your photos into a collection — sorting and ordering them can be a bit of a pain, but it’s worth it. On some setups, the Photos app might crash or have trouble finding all your pics first go, so make sure you save often.
Step 4: Spit it out with transitions and effects
This is the fun part, or the frustrating one, depending on how patient you are. In Photos, you can add music and tweak slide timings if you go to the editing panel. PowerPoint is the real playground — click on the Transitions tab and check out options like Fade, Wipe, or 3D effects. Tip: mess around with the timing — 1-2 seconds per slide usually feels right, but it depends on what you’re showing off.
Step 5: Save and share
Once it looks bonza, hit Export or Save As. In Photos, you’ll save it as a video — generally MP4 — so it’s easy to whack on social or embed somewhere. PowerPoint can save as a video or keep it as a PPTX file if you want to edit it later. Sometimes, Windows gets a bit temperamental with video formats, so choose one that’s compatible. On some machines, the export might hang or crash; just restart and try again. Typical Windows stuff, really.
And there you go, your slideshow’s ready to roll. You’ll get a decent flow, transitions, maybe some music — all the essentials for a quick gift or social share.
Tips for Making a Slideshow on Windows 11
- Try different transitions — themed or a bit out there — keeps it interesting. Or embarrassing, if you’re cheeky enough.
- Pick your tunes wisely. Something too loud or not in vibe, and it can distract. Keep it simple unless you’re aiming to make a statement.
- Don’t forget to Preview before the final export. Sometimes what looks right on your screen isn’t quite spot-on in the full version.
- Timing’s key. Not all slides need 5 seconds if it’s just a quick shot; sometimes less actually hits better.
- Save often — because Windows loves crashing just when you’re nearly done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add music to my slideshow in the Photos app?
Yeah, you can choose from built-in tunes or add your own. Just hit the music option when editing. But watch out — some tracks might not work when you’re exporting to certain formats.
How do I rearrange photos in PowerPoint?
Easy as — just drag and drop the images in the Photo Album dialog box or in the slide sorter view, which is hidden but dead handy once you find it.
What file formats can I export my slideshow as?
Photos usually exports as MP4 videos. PowerPoint can save as .pptx, .pdf, or videos, depending on what you need. Use MP4 if you just wanna share it quick-smart.
Can I edit the slideshow after I’ve made it?
Absolutely. Both apps support basic editing after saving — just reopen the project and tweak the pics, timing, music, or transitions as needed.
How do I add text overlays?
PowerPoint makes that dead easy — use Text Box under the Insert tab. In Photos, it’s a bit trickier but still doable if you embed text into slides before exporting.
Summary
- Pick your tool — Photos or PowerPoint.
- Open up and import your photos.
- Set transitions, chuck in some music if you like.
- Preview then save or export.
- Share it around and see the reactions.
Hopefully, this makes life a bit easier. Just remember, sometimes Windows throws a tanty, so save often and be ready to restart a few times. Good luck, and may your slideshow turn out way better than a shonky backyard effort.