Making a slideshow with music on Windows 11 isn’t as tricky as it first seems, but sometimes the process can be a bit fiddly, especially when you’re trying to sync everything up just right. The Photos app is usually the first port of call, but it doesn’t always handle audio the way you want — or it just won’t load your tunes. That’s when you might need to look for a workaround.
First off, open the Photos app from your start menu. Just type “Photos” into the search bar, and it’ll come up straight away. Once you’re in, click on New Video > New Video Project. This is where you’ll line up your images on a timeline. Honestly, this part’s pretty easy — drag your photos in, arrange ’em how you like, add some swanky transitions if you’re feeling fancy, and pick a theme that suits the mood.
But here’s where it gets a bit weird. To add music, most folks use the Background music button, which offers some built-in options. If those don’t cut it or you want a specific song, you’ll need to use Custom audio. That means grabbing your MP3 or WAV file and importing it. Usually, you do this via the project options or a dedicated audio track button, but heads up — sometimes it doesn’t work the first time around.
Why it’s handy: When you add your own soundtrack with Custom audio, you’re bypassing the limited library and adding your own tunes. It’s great if the in-app music isn’t quite right or if you’ve got a playlist in mind. Your audio will show up as a separate track in the timeline. On some setups, this works fine after restarting or updating the app, but occasionally, you might need to tweak some settings or fiddle with microphone/media permissions.
For example, if your custom audio isn’t showing up or won’t sync, check in Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone & media permissions. Make sure the Photos app has access to your music folder. If it doesn’t, Windows might be blocking it — and your tunes won’t load. Also, verify your files are in supported formats—MP3, WAV, AAC, stuff like that.
Once your music’s in, you’ll want to tweak how long each slide stays on screen so it lines up with the beat. Drag the edges of each photo in the timeline or set specific durations. It can be a bit of a pain, but I managed to get it just right after a few fiddles on one machine. On another, I needed to re-import the music files and restart the app. Windows can be a bit finicky sometimes.
When everything’s set, hit Finish Video and pick your resolution. It’ll take a little while to render, and then your slideshow’ll be ready to share or keep for later. The end result? A nice little presentation that combines your photos and tunes — perfect for showing off or saving for a rainy day.
If it’s still acting up, you might want to try a dedicated video editor like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve. Export your images as a video first (via Photos or even PowerPoint), then chuck in your music in one of those editors. Sometimes Windows’ native tools can be a bit limited for more precise timing or format support. Because, of course, Windows tends to make things a touch more complicated than they need to be.
Also, double-check your audio files aren’t DRM-protected or in unsupported formats. Converting your song to MP3 or WAV with a program like Audacity often sorts out weird issues. Keep Windows and the Photos app up to date too — bug fixes and updates can help iron out the glitches. And a quick reboot after updates can sometimes clear out any strange bugs.
How to Make a Slideshow with Music on Windows 11
Putting a slideshow with music together on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward but can get a bit frustrating now and then. Basically, it’s about arranging your pics, adding some tunes, and hoping everything lines up. If it doesn’t, swapping to a better-suited editor or checking permissions might be the way to go.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Launch it from the start menu or search bar. Once it’s open, go to New Video > New Video Project. You’ll see a blank timeline ready to add media.
Step 2: Add Your Photos
Hit ‘Add’ and select your pics. Drag them into your preferred order. If things get out of order, just move ’em around until it looks right. Drag and drop is the key here.
Step 3: Insert Music
Use the Custom audio button to get your own soundtrack in. If it doesn’t show up or is greyed out, check your permissions or re-import your files. Remember, some music files might be in unsupported formats, so converting them with Audacity or similar tools is a good idea.
Step 4: Fine-tune and Export
Adjust how long each photo stays on screen by dragging the edges in the timeline — you might need a little patience to get it syncing just right. When you’re happy, click Finish Video and pick your export options. Expect about 10 minutes for a basic HD vid.
Tips for Making a Slideshow with Music on Windows 11
- Try out different tunes until one really suits the mood.
- Trim your music if it’s too long or short — you don’t want awkward silences.
- Preview often, so you catch timing hiccups early.
- Adjust the slide durations to match your music’s beats or key moments.
- If your audio won’t load, check permissions — Windows can be a bit weird about media access sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a song that’s not in the Photos app?
Just drop your MP3 or WAV file into the project using Custom audio. If it doesn’t show up, double-check that the file isn’t protected or in a weird format.
Can I tweak the timing of each photo?
Sure can. Drag the edges of each image in the timeline to set how long it stays. For syncing with music, a bit of trial and error usually does the trick.
Can I add text to my slideshow?
Absolutely. Use the text overlay tools to add captions or titles over each pic.
What file formats does it support for export?
MP4 is the main one — works across most devices and platforms. Make sure your app’s up to date to avoid format issues.
Can I share my slideshow straight from the Photos app?
Yep! Once you’ve exported the video, just upload it to YouTube, Facebook, or email it around. Easy as.
Summary
- Open the Photos app
- Add your photos in the right order
- Import your favourite music with custom audio
- Adjust timings and sync with the beat
- Export your creation and share it around
Hopefully, this’ll save you a good chunk of hassle. Making slideshows with music on Windows 11 can be a pain if the app doesn’t cooperate, but once you know the tricks, it’s not too bad. Just remember, if things go a bit pear-shaped, trying a dedicated video editor or converting your audio files might be the way to go. Fingers crossed this helps you out.