How to Fix Slideshow Not Working in Windows 11

If your slideshow isn’t functioning properly in Windows 11, it can disrupt your workflow, hinder presentations, or just spoil your photo viewing experience. This guide walks you through simple, effective steps to troubleshoot and fix common issues causing slideshows to fail. Before starting, ensure your Windows 11 system is updated, and you have administrator access to make necessary changes.

What You’ll Need

• Windows 11 PC with administrative rights
• Internet connection (for updates and troubleshooting)
• Basic familiarity with Windows Settings and Control Panel
• Optional: Updated graphics drivers

Step-by-Step

1. Check and Update Windows 11
   • Click on the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
   • Navigate to Windows Update on the left sidebar.
   • Click ‘Check for updates’ and install any available updates. Restart your PC if prompted.
2. Verify the Slideshow Settings
   • Open the folder containing your photos.
   • Select the photos you want in your slideshow or select none to set a default.
   • Right-click any selected photo and choose ‘Slide show’ to see if it starts properly.
3. Ensure Windows Photos App is Working
   • Open the Photos app from the Start menu.
   • Try playing a photo slideshow within the app by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting ‘Slideshow.’
   • If it doesn’t work, consider resetting or reinstalling the Photos app via Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
4. Check Default Photo Viewer Settings
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
   • Scroll to ‘Photo Viewer’ and ensure Windows Photos is set as the default.
5. Update Graphics Drivers
   • Open Device Manager (right-click Start and select Device Manager).
   • Expand Display adapters.
   • Right-click your graphics card and select ‘Update driver.’
   • Choose ‘Search automatically for updated driver software.’
   • Follow prompts and restart if updates are installed.
6. Disable and Re-enable Windows Photo Viewer (Optional)
7. Restart your PC and test the slideshow again.

Common Mistakes

• Not updating Windows or drivers, leading to compatibility issues.
• Using an unsupported or corrupt photo viewer app.
• Incorrect default app settings for photos.
• Failing to restart after updates or driver installations.
• Trying to run slideshows with unsupported file formats.

Tips

• Always keep your Windows 11 and drivers up to date for the best compatibility.
• Use supported image formats like JPEG or PNG for slideshows.
• Clear cache or temporary files of the Photos app if issues persist.
• Try using a different folder or set of photos to rule out file corruption.
• Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Photos or Display issues via Settings > Troubleshoot.

Troubleshooting

If the slideshow still doesn’t work after following the steps above, consider these additional troubleshooting methods:

• Run the Windows Troubleshooter
  • Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Select ‘Playing Audio’ or ‘Photos’ if available, and click ‘Run.’
• Check for corrupt system files
  • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
• Reset the Photos App
  • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
  • Find Photos, select Advanced options, then click Reset.
• Check for malware or antivirus conflicts that might interfere with media playback.
• If none of these work, consider restoring Windows to a previous restore point before the issue started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my slideshow starting automatically?

This can happen if default apps are misconfigured or if the Photos app is corrupted. Ensure Windows Photos is set as the default viewer and try resetting the app.

Can unsupported image formats cause slideshow issues?

Yes. Stick to common formats like JPEG and PNG. Unsupported formats may prevent slideshows from functioning correctly.

How do I update my graphics drivers in Windows 11?

Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select ‘Update driver’ to search automatically for updates.

What should I do if Windows Update isn’t installing updates?

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter or manually download updates from the Microsoft website. Ensure your internet connection is stable.

Is there a way to fix a corrupt Photos app?

Yes, go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, select Photos, and click ‘Advanced options’ to reset or repair it.

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