Making a slideshow on Windows 10 is surprisingly straightforward, especially with the built-in Photos app, which most people already have. But sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned — maybe the app crashes, or your images don’t display in the right order, or the music won’t sync. If you’ve run into these snags, don’t worry; there are a few tricks that can help fix common issues and get your project back on track. Because Windows and the Photos app aren’t always perfect, I’ll walk through some practical methods to troubleshoot and improve your slideshow process, so you can finally get that fun or heartfelt presentation ready to show off. These fixes range from simple tweaks to more involved adjustments, but each one addresses typical problems like app glitches, export errors, or sluggish performance. Expect to learn how to reset the Photos app, clear cached data, or even use alternative ways to create your slideshow if you’re stuck. The goal is to streamline your workflow and avoid frustration — so let’s dive into what might solve your hurdles and let that slideshow shine.
How to Make a Slideshow on Windows 10
Fix 1: Reset or Repair the Photos App
Sometimes, Windows’ Photos app just refuses to cooperate, especially after updates or system changes. Resetting it can wipe out glitches that cause crashes or freezing. It’s kind of weird, but resetting the app often fixes bugs on the spot. For this, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Photos, click on it, then hit Advanced options. From there, choose Reset. This basically restores the app to its factory state without deleting your pictures, but it’s a good starting point when the app acts wonky.
On some setups, the app only misbehaves once, then works fine after the reset. If it still acts up, repairing it (if available) might help. Just under the same menu, look for a Repair button. This helps fix corrupt files or internal issues without deleting your data.
Fix 2: Clear the Photos Cache and Temporary Files
If resetting didn’t do much, maybe it’s the cache causing headaches. Windows keeps temporary files, cache data, and thumbnails that can get corrupted over time. Clearing these can often fix sluggish slideshow creation or weird errors. To do this, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History.You can also go to Settings > Storage > Temporary files and clear app caches from there. Alternatively, use a tool like CCleaner to clean up leftover cache files, but just be cautious.
After clearing the cache, restart your PC and open the Photos app again. Sometimes, it’s that simple, and the slideshow creation becomes smoother.
Fix 3: Use Windows Movie Maker or Alternative Software
Honestly, if the Photos app gives continuous grief, another approach is to switch gears entirely. Windows Movie Maker (which is a bit outdated but still works) or free tools like Shotcut or VSDC Free Video Editor can be better for more control and stability. They let you import your images, drag them in order, add music and effects, and export the slideshow without all the app crashes.
To get Movie Maker, you might have to download an unofficial version since Microsoft phased it out, or look for other free editors. These tools usually have simpler interfaces, so sometimes they’re easier to troubleshoot than the Photos app. Plus, they tend to give more options like overlaying text, transitions, and fine-tuning timings, which the Photos app isn’t very good at.
Fix 4: Check for Windows and Drivers Updates
Sometimes, a Windows update or outdated graphics driver can mess with media apps. Double-check you’re on the latest version of Windows — go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Outdated drivers, especially for your GPU, can cause display issues during slideshow rendering or playback. To update drivers, open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager), expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select Update driver. Running the latest updates fixes bugs that might be interfering with slideshow processing.
On some machines, this fixes crashes or visual glitches, making slideshow creation more reliable.
Summary
- Reset or repair the Photos app from Settings > Apps if it crashes or misbehaves.
- Clear cache and temporary files, possibly using cleanup tools, to fix sluggish performance.
- If issues persist, consider alternative video editors like Windows Movie Maker or free software.
- Update Windows and graphics drivers to prevent compatibility problems.
Wrap-up
Playing around with Windows’ built-in tools is usually enough, but sometimes you’ll bump into hiccups that require these behind-the-scenes fixes. It’s kind of a hit-or-miss thing — on some systems, a simple reset cures everything; on others, you’ll need to take a few extra steps or switch tools. Hopefully, these methods save some time and frustration. Windows isn’t perfect, but with a little patience and tinkering, most slideshow problems can be sorted out. Fingers crossed this helps get that great collection of photos finally onto the screen in a nice, smooth slideshow — without the app throwing errors or crashing halfway through.