Creating a slideshow with music on Windows 11 isn’t as complicated as it seems, but sometimes the process trip-ups, especially when you’re trying to get everything synced just right. The Photos app is usually the go-to, but sometimes it doesn’t handle audio the way you’d like or just refuses to load your custom tunes. That’s when you start looking for workarounds.
First off, open the Photos app from your start menu. You can just type “Photos” into the search bar, and it pops right up. Once in, click on New Video > New Video Project. This is where you’ll assemble your images into a timeline. Honestly, this part is pretty straightforward — drag your photos in order, add some fancy transitions if you’re feeling fancy, and choose a theme that matches your vibe.
But here’s where things get weird. To add music, most folks click on the Background music button, which offers some built-in options. If those ain’t enough or you want a specific song, you need to use Custom audio. That means grabbing your MP3 or WAV file and importing it. Typically, you’d do this through the project options or a dedicated audio track button, but be warned — sometimes it just doesn’t work the first time.
Why it helps: When you add your own soundtrack via Custom audio, you’re bypassing the limited library and getting your personal tunes in. It applies when the in-app music isn’t fitting or you have a special playlist in mind. Expect that your audio will appear as a separate track in the timeline. On some setups, this works fine after a restart or updating the app, but occasionally, you might need to dig into related settings or even fiddle with audio permissions.
For example, if the custom audio isn’t appearing or won’t sync, it’s worth checking in Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone & media permissions. Make sure the Photos app has access to your music folder. If not, Windows might be blocking it, and the music won’t load. Also, make sure your music files are in supported formats—MP3, WAV, AAC, stuff like that.
Once your music is added, you’ll want to manually adjust how long each slide stays on screen to keep it in sync with your music beats. Drag the edges of each photo in the timeline or set explicit durations. It’s kind of annoying, but on one machine, I managed to get the timing just right after a couple of fiddles. On another setup, I needed to re-import the music files and restart the app. Windows sometimes makes it a bit more complicated than it needs to be.
After all that, hit Finish Video and pick your resolution. Expect a brief render, and then your slideshow is ready to go. The result? A pretty nice little presentation that combines your images and sounds, perfect for sharing or saving for later.
If that didn’t help, here’s what might: Using an external video editor like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve. Export your images as a video first (using the Photos app or even PowerPoint), then add your music in a dedicated editor. Sometimes, Windows’ native tools just don’t cut it for more advanced timing or formats. Because of course, Windows has to make everything just a little harder than it should be.
Another one to try: Make sure your audio files are not DRM-protected or in an unsupported format. Sometimes, converting your song to MP3 or WAV with a tool like Audacity fixes weird issues. Also, keep Windows & the Photos app updated, because bugs get fixed in new versions, and sometimes, just a reboot after updates clears odd glitches.
How to Make a Slideshow with Music on Windows 11
Creating a slideshow with music on Windows 11 is both simple and annoying at times. Basically, it involves arranging your pics, pulling in some tunes, and hoping everything lines up. When that doesn’t happen, switching to a dedicated editor or fiddling with 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 loaded, go to New Video > New Video Project. You’re in the right spot if you see a blank timeline with the option to add media.
Step 2: Add Your Photos
Click on ‘Add’ and pick your images. Drag them into the sequence you want. If stuff gets out of order, just move things around until it looks good. Trust me, dragging and dropping is key here.
Step 3: Insert Music
Use the Custom audio button to insert your personal soundtrack. If you don’t see it or it’s grayed out, check permissions or try re-importing the files. Keep in mind, some music might be in an unsupported format, so converting with tools like Audacity helps.
Step 4: Fine-tune and Export
Adjust each photo’s display time by dragging the edges in the timeline; you might have to get a little precise if you want it perfectly in sync. Once happy, hit Finish Video and choose your export settings. Expect about a 10-minute wait for a standard HD video.
Tips for Making a Slideshow with Music on Windows 11
- Try different tunes until one clicks with the mood.
- Trim your music down if it’s too long or too short — avoid awkward silences.
- Preview often — makes catching timing glitches easier.
- Adjust photo durations to match your beats or key moments in the song.
- Don’t forget to check permissions if audio refuses to load—Windows can be weird about media access sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a song that’s not in the Photos app?
Drop your MP3 or WAV file into the project via Custom audio. If it doesn’t show up, make sure the file isn’t protected or in a weird format.
Can I adjust the timing of each photo?
Yup, drag the edges of images in the timeline to set how long they stay. For syncing with music, it helps to play around a bit until it feels right.
Is it possible to add text to the slideshow?
Definitely. Use the text overlay options to add titles or captions over individual images.
What file formats are supported for export?
Most often, MP4 is the default and supported across everything. Make sure your app is updated to avoid format issues.
Can I share my slideshow directly from the Photos app?
Once exported as a video, just upload it to YouTube, Facebook, or email. Easy enough.
Summary
- Open the Photos app
- Add your photos in order
- Import your favorite music using custom audio
- Adjust durations and sync with the beats
- Export and share
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Making slideshows with music on Windows 11 can be kinda frustrating if the app doesn’t cooperate, but once you know the tricks, it’s doable. Just keep in mind, if things act weird, trying a dedicated video editor or converting your audio files might save the day. Fingers crossed this helps.