How to Set Your Desktop Background as a Slideshow

By Christopher Published June 13, 2023

In our world of digital customization, the ways we can personalize our computer experiences are endless. From choosing our system's theme to adjusting our screen's brightness based on the time of day, the opportunities to make our desktops our own are always expanding. One of the most powerful ways to utilize this is by setting your desktop background as a slideshow.

An Ever-Changing Canvas

Setting your desktop background as a slideshow allows your computer screen to become an ever-changing canvas, a constant stream of visuals that can breathe life into your everyday computing tasks. Whether you use images of your favorite holiday spots, family photos, or abstract digital art, creating a desktop background slideshow can make every interaction with your computer a unique experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Desktop Slideshow

While the exact steps to setting your desktop background as a slideshow may vary depending on your operating system, we will walk you through the process for the three most popular systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Windows 10

Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize from the dropdown menu.
Select Background from the left-hand menu.
In the Background dropdown menu, select Slideshow.
Click on Browse and select the folder containing the images you want to use.
Choose your preferred image change frequency by selecting an option from the Change picture every dropdown menu.
To randomize the order in which the images appear, toggle on Shuffle.
Click on Save changes.

macOS

Click on the Apple icon at the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
Click on Desktop & Screen Saver.
Under the Desktop tab, click the "+" button to add the folder containing the images you want to use.
Tick the Change picture box, then select the frequency at which you want the images to change.
To randomize the order in which the images appear, tick the Random order box.

Linux (Ubuntu)

Right-click on your desktop and select Change Background.
Click the Add Picture or Add Pictures Folder button to select the images or the folder you want to use.
Once your images are added, click on Background.
Select Wallpaper Slideshow from the dropdown menu.
Choose your preferred image change frequency by adjusting the Change wallpaper every setting.
To randomize the order in which the images appear, toggle on Random order.

Making the Most of Your Slideshow

Creating a desktop slideshow is about more than just switching between different images - it's about creating a dynamic and personalized visual experience. Here are some tips to make the most out of your slideshow:

Image Selection: Choose images that are high-quality and have a resolution that fits your screen. This will prevent any blurriness or pixelation.
Variety: Include a variety of images in your slideshow. This keeps your background fresh and exciting.
Frequency: Adjust the change frequency according to your preference. A new image every minute can be exciting, but it might also be distracting. Find a balance that works for you.
Theme: Consider creating themed slideshows. This can make your desktop background more than just a collection of images – it can turn it into a storytelling platform.

Conclusion

Turning your desktop background into a slideshow opens up a new realm of personalization for your computer. It's not just about creating a moving picture show, but about bringing your personality, interests, and stories into your digital space. With the right selection of images and settings, your desktop can become an ever-evolving canvas of visuals that bring joy, inspiration, and creativity to your everyday tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use online images for my slideshow?

Yes, you can use online images for your desktop slideshow as long as they are downloaded and saved in a format that your computer can read. Remember to respect copyright laws when using online images.

Can I set different slideshows for multiple monitors?

Yes, both Windows and macOS allow you to set different slideshows for different monitors.

How many images can I include in my slideshow?

There is typically no limit to the number of images you can include in your slideshow. However, using a large number of high-resolution images might impact your computer's performance.

Can I use GIFs in my slideshow?

While GIFs can be used in a slideshow, they will not display their animation. They will appear as static images.

Can I include videos in my slideshow?

Videos cannot be included in a desktop background slideshow using the native settings of most operating systems. However, third-party applications may offer this functionality.