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How can I start a photo slideshow with random sequence and adjustable speed like Win 10?

Gergely Lovász 20 Reputation points
2025-11-18T17:31:46.7766667+00:00

In Windows 10 one of the best functions was starting a slideshow directly from the folder I wanted the slideshow from. The order of pictures could be randomized, speed set among slow, medium, fast.

In Windows 11 Photos app I can start a slideshow but no option for speed nor randomization. I used this function every day.

How can I use this function in Win 11 which was a built in function in a previos Win version?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics
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  1. Stefano Sirri 3,170 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-18T19:00:34.71+00:00

    Hi Gergey,

    Thank you for reaching out!

    My name is Stefano, Microsoft Q&A Independent Advisor and it’s my pleasure to assist you today.


    Windows 11 removed the classic Windows 10 slideshow features (random order + adjustable speed) from the Photos app.

    Many people relied on it, and unfortunately it has not been restored as of Windows 11 24H2.


    Have you tried to download the previous Photos app, now called Photos Legacy?

    It has more slideshow options, but both shuffle and timing are no longer embedded.
    Direct Microsoft Store download link:

    https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NV2L4XVMCXM?hl=en-gb&gl=US&ocid=pdpshare


    Besides, since the built-in Photo viewer is limited, you might do one of the following:

    1. Use the Desktop Background Slideshow function (if you would like to change your desktop background with shuffle images and setting a time) • In Settings > Personalization > Background, choose Slideshow. • Select the folder of images, choose “Shuffle” (random) and set the interval (e.g., 10 minutes, 30 seconds). • This works for desktop backgrounds, though not for a full-screen slideshow viewer. • See: “Setting the speed of a Photos slideshow” thread, which mentions you can set interval via the desktop background method. • Limitation: If you want full-screen presentation with transitions, this may not apply.
    2. Use a third-party slideshow viewer or editor • As mentioned in forums, users recommend dedicated software if you need shuffle + adjustable speed. • Example: PhotoStage Slideshow Software (free version available) was suggested or IrfanView. • These tools often provide: random/shuffle, custom timing per slide, transitions, full-screen mode.

    Note: These are non-Microsoft websites and softwares. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.


    Since many users would like to have the features back in Windows 11 default Photo App, I suggest you leave a feedback at this direct link:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/send-feedback-to-microsoft-with-the-feedback-hub-app-f59187f8-8739-22d6-ba93-f66612949332

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  1. Mike Joseph 0 Reputation points
    2026-02-02T18:19:34.4433333+00:00

    I built an app called Rando that might help here. A photographer friend asked me to build something that would randomly surface photos from her massive archives - she was drowning in decision paralysis trying to pick images for social media.

    Randomness is baked into the core - point it at your folders and it randomizes everything. No shuffling or sorting needed. There's a full slideshow mode with keyboard controls for navigating, pausing, zooming, etc.

    One feature you might find useful: it can run different random slideshows on multiple monitors simultaneously. Each screen shows different photos cycling independently - great for ambient displays, events, or just filling up a multi-monitor setup with memories.

    It's not free - I've spent hundreds of hours on it, so it's about the price of a coffee. But there's a 7-day free trial if you want to test it, or grab a month and cancel if it's for a one-time thing.

    Available on both the Microsoft Store (Windows 10/11) and Mac App Store.

    Link: https://www.randopicker.com

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