How to Add the Slide Show Option to the Context Menu in Windows 11

We show you how to add the Slide Show option to the context menu in Windows 11, allowing you to easily view photos as a slideshow. Follow our step-by-step guide to enable or remove this feature.

Windows 11 offers a sleek interface and a host of personalization options, yet some useful features, like the ability to quickly start a slideshow directly from the context menu, aren’t enabled by default. The “Slide Show” context menu option lets you play selected images in a folder as a slideshow, making it a convenient tool for both casual users and professionals.

This guide walks you through adding or removing the “Slide Show” option in the context menu, using two straightforward methods: downloadable .REG files for quick configuration or manual editing of the Windows Registry for more control. Both approaches require administrator privileges but are simple enough for anyone with basic computer knowledge to execute.

By following this tutorial, you’ll be able to enable the Slide Show feature and customize your photo viewing experience in Windows 11. We also give you additional methods to view photos in a slideshow (such as using the Photos app, PowerPoint, Clipchamp) or setting a slideshow as your desktop background.

How to Add or Remove the Windows 11 Slide Show Explorer Option Using .REG Files

Using .REG files is the quickest and easiest way to add or remove the Slide Show option in the context menu in File Explorer. These files contain pre-configured registry commands that automatically implement changes without the need for manual edits. This method is ideal for users who prefer a streamlined and error-free process.

Steps to Add or Remove the Slide Show Option in File Explorer

  1. Download the required .REG file
     
    Visit the provided link to download the compressed file named Add_Remove_Slide_Show_Context_Menu_in_Windows11.zip.

  2. Extract the .REG files
     
    Locate the downloaded ZIP file on your computer, right-click on it, and select “Extract All”. Choose a folder where you want to save the extracted files.
     
    01.1 Windows 11 - File Explorer _ Extract All Zip Folder
  3. Browse to your desired extraction location and click “Extract”
     
    Choose where you want to extract the files and click “Extract“. This prepares the files for use.
     
    01.2 Windows 11 - File Explorer _ Extract All Zip Folder - Browse - Extract

  4. Add the Slide Show option (if desired)
     
    Double-click the file “Add_Slide_Show_to_Context_Menu_in_Windows11.reg” to add the Slide Show option to the context menu.
     
    01.3 Windows 11 - File Explorer _ Open Reg File

  5. Press “Yes” to the Registry Editor pop-up
     
    Confirm the action in the Registry Editor pop-up by clicking “Yes“. This will apply the registry changes needed to restore the classic File Explorer.
     
    01.4 Windows 11 - File Explorer _ Open Reg File - Continue
  6. Press “OK” to the success dialog
     
    After confirming, a success dialog will appear. Restart your PC or log out and back in to apply the changes and enjoy the classic File Explorer interface.

    01.5 Windows 11 - File Explorer _ Open Reg File - Continue - Accept

  7. Test the context menu.

    Right-click on an image file, click “Show more options” and ensure the “Slide Show” option appears in the expanded menu. If removed, verify that it no longer appears.

  8. Delete the downloaded files (optional)

    Once you’ve applied the changes, you can delete the downloaded .REG files to free up space.

How to Add or Remove the Windows 11 Slide Show Explorer Option  in the Windows Registry Manually

For users who prefer a hands-on approach, manually editing the Windows Registry offers more control over customization. This method allows you to precisely adjust registry settings to enable or disable the “Slide Show” option in the context menu. However, it requires careful execution, as incorrect edits can affect system functionality. Always back up your registry before proceeding.

Steps to Add or Remove the Slide Show Option in File Explorer using Regedit

  1. Open the Registry Editor
     
    Press “Win + R” on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type “regedit” and press Enter”. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant access.
  2. Navigate to the registry key location
     
    In the Registry Editor, use the left-hand navigation pane to browse to the following path:
     

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell
  3. Create a new subkey for the Slide Show option
     
    Right-click the shell” key, select New”, and then choose Key”. Name the new key “Windows.slideshow”.
  4. Add necessary values to the new key
     
    Click on the newly created Windows.slideshow” key. On the right-hand side, right-click in the empty space and choose New > String Value” using the following names and give them the specified values:

    String Values

    • “CanonicalName”

      Value: {73BCE053-3BBC-4AD7-9FE7-7A7C212C98E6}

      • This identifies the action and links it to the system’s pre-defined functionality for slideshows.
    • “CommandStateHandler”

      Value: {880ac964-2e34-4425-8cf2-86ada2c3a019}

      • This handles the state of the command, ensuring the menu option behaves as intended.
    • “Description”

      Value: @shell32.dll,-31288

      • Points to the system resource that provides a localized description for the “Slide Show” option.
    • “Icon”

      Value: imageres.dll,-5347

      • Specifies the icon displayed next to the “Slide Show” option in the context menu.
    • “MUIVerb”

      Value: @shell32.dll,-31287

      • Specifies the localized text for the menu option, ensuring “Slide Show” appears in your system language.
    • “VerbToInvoke”
      Value: slideshow

      • Specifies the command to execute when the “Slide Show” option is selected.

    DWORD Value

    • “MediaTypeFlags”

      • Right-click in the empty space and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
      • Name it MediaTypeFlags and set its value to 5 (this defines the applicable media types for the action, such as image files).
  5. Add a subkey for the command handler
     
    Right-click on the Windows.slideshow” key, select New”, and then choose Key”. Name the new key “command”.
  6. Add a “DelegateExecute” value to the command key
     
    Click on the command” subkey. On the right-hand side, right-click in the empty space and choose New > String Value”. Name it “DelegateExecute” and set its value to:
     

    {80c68d96-366b-11dc-9eaa-00161718cf63}
  7. Test the changes
     
    Close the Registry Editor and right-click on an image file. Click “Show more options” to see if the “Slide Show” option appears.
  8. Remove the Slide Show option (if needed)
     
    To remove the Slide Show option, navigate to:
     

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT*\shell\Windows.slideshow

    Right-click on the “Windows.slideshow” key and select “Delete”. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

How to View Photos in a Slideshow Using File Explorer

Apart from other methods to created slideshows on Windows, File Explorer offers a straightforward way to view images in a slideshow without opening a separate app. This method is ideal for quickly showcasing photos stored in a folder with minimal setup. It uses Windows’ built-in slideshow feature, available via the context menu.

Steps to View Photos in a Slideshow Using File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer
     
    Press “Win + E” to open File Explorer. Navigate to the folder containing the images you want to display.
  2. Select the images for the slideshow
     
    If you want to include all the images in the folder, proceed to the next step. To select specific images, hold “Ctrl” and click on each image you want to include.
  3. Start the slideshow
     
    Right-click on one of the selected images and choose Show more options” (if using Windows 11). From the expanded context menu, click Slide show”.
  4. Control the slideshow playback
     
    Once the slideshow begins, use the following controls:
     
    Right-click during the slideshow to reveal options like Pause or Play.
    Use the arrow keys to navigate forward or backward through the images.
  5. End the slideshow
     
    Press Esc” on your keyboard or right-click during the slideshow and select Exit” to close the slideshow.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Slide Show Context Menu Option in Windows 11

1. Why is the “Slide Show” option not appearing in the context menu?

The absence of the “Slide Show” option may indicate an issue with the registry configuration or incomplete application of the .REG file. Double-check that the .REG file was executed successfully and that you have administrator privileges on the computer. If using the manual registry method, ensure all keys and values, such as MUIVerb” and VerbToInvoke”, were entered correctly. Restart your computer to ensure the changes are applied. Additionally, make sure the images in the folder are in supported formats like JPEG, PNG, or BMP, as incompatible files may prevent the option from appearing.

2. How do I fix slideshow not working on Windows 11?

If the slideshow feature isn’t working, start by verifying that the folder contains compatible image files (e.g., JPEG, PNG, BMP). For desktop slideshows, ensure that the “Let slideshow run when on battery power” setting is enabled under Settings > Personalization > Background”. If you’re using the Photos app, reset it by going to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps”, selecting Photos, and clicking on Advanced options > Reset”. Finally, update your Windows version to ensure compatibility and address any bugs in the operating system that may affect slideshow functionality.

3. Can I use the “Slide Show” option for OneDrive files?

Yes, but the images must be downloaded to your local device. OneDrive files that are stored only in the cloud will not work with the “Slide Show” feature. To make the images available offline, right-click on the desired files or folder in File Explorer, and select “Always keep on this device”. This will download the files to your local storage, allowing them to be included in the slideshow.

4. How do I change the transition speed in a slideshow?

For desktop background slideshows, transition speed can be adjusted in Settings > Personalization > Background” by selecting an interval under the “Change picture every” dropdown menu. Options range from 1 minute to 1 day, depending on your preference. Unfortunately, for slideshows initiated via File Explorer or the Photos app, the transition speed is fixed and cannot be modified. If you require more control, consider using third-party slideshow tools with customizable timing options.

5. Is there a shortcut to start a slideshow in File Explorer?

Yes, you can quickly start a slideshow in File Explorer by selecting the images you want to include and pressing Alt + Enter” on your keyboard. This will immediately launch the slideshow feature. Ensure that you’ve selected compatible image files and that no unrelated file types are included, as this could cause the shortcut to fail.

6. Can I play a slideshow across multiple monitors?

For desktop background slideshows, Windows 11 automatically spans the images across all connected monitors. Each monitor will display a different image from the slideshow if multiple monitors are configured. However, slideshows initiated through the context menu or the Photos app are limited to the primary monitor.

7. What file formats are compatible with the “Slide Show” feature?

The “Slide Show” feature supports standard image formats such as JPEG, PNG, BMP, and GIF. Other less common file types may not be compatible, so it’s recommended to convert them into a supported format. RAW image files require additional software or the free “Raw Image Extension” available in the Microsoft Store to be compatible with Windows 11 slideshows.

8. Can I restore default settings if I encounter issues with the registry?

Yes, restoring the default settings is straightforward. You can reapply the `.REG` file to remove the “Slide Show” option or manually delete the Windows.slideshow” registry key under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell”. If you suspect broader registry corruption, use File > Import” in the Registry Editor to restore a previously saved backup. As a last resort, consider using Windows System Restore to revert your computer to a state before the changes were made.

9. Is there a way to create a slideshow with music or advanced transitions?

Windows 11’s built-in slideshow feature is limited to basic functionality and does not include music or advanced transitions. For a richer experience, use third-party tools like PhotoStage, Canva, or Google Photos, which allow you to add background music, custom transitions, and text overlays. If you have Microsoft PowerPoint, you can also use it to create a professional slideshow with these features.

10. Can I remove the “Slide Show” option if I don’t need it anymore?

Yes, removing the “Slide Show” option is easy. Run the provided Remove_Slide_Show_from_Context_Menu_in_Windows11.reg” file to delete the associated registry entries automatically. Alternatively, navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Windows.slideshow” in the Registry Editor and delete the key manually. Restart your computer after making these changes to ensure they take effect.

Related: How to Make a Slideshow on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Creating a slideshow on Windows 11 and Windows 10 can be a fun and creative way to compile memories, present information, or share a story through images and music. Both operating systems provide users with intuitive tools that simplify the process, making it accessible even for those without any technical background. In our other guide, we show you how to make a slideshow from photos in Windows, covering various pieces of in-built software and how to use them.
 
https://winbuzzer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Featured-1-696x395.jpg.webp

Related: How to Set a Video as a Live Desktop Wallpaper in Windows

If you prefer using a video as a live desktop wallpaper instead of a wallpaper slideshow, there are various ways to achieve this in Windows 11 and Windows 10. In our other guide we show you two different methods that should work well on most systems.
 

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus has been covering the tech industry for more than 15 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and is the founder and managing editor of Winbuzzer.com.
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