Windows

How to Use the Filmstrip Feature in Windows 11 Photos App

Richard Nov 28, 2023 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read

How to Use the Filmstrip Feature in Windows 11 Photos App

Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional

Nov 28, 2023 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read Reviewed Mar 19, 2026

The Microsoft Photos app is a built-in tool that helps you view, edit, and organize your pictures. You can include and display your photos stored on OneDrive within the app.

You can use the Photos app to replace an image background, remove an image background, import photos and videos, show iCloud in the app, change mouse wheel behavior, and more.

A new update added a “Filmstrip” feature. It shows small preview images at the bottom of your screen. This helps you look at other photos in the same folder quickly. You can also pick several photos at once to compare them.

Why use the Filmstrip?

Using the Filmstrip makes it much faster to browse through a large folder of pictures. Instead of closing one photo to open another, you can just click on the previews at the bottom. It saves time and makes finding the right photo much easier.

What happens when done?

Once you finish, you will have a clean, organized way to flip through your photo library without leaving the main viewing window.

How to turn on the Filmstrip

Open the Photos app on your computer.
Open any photo or video from your folders.
Look at the bottom left corner of the window. Click the Show Filmstrip icon.
Alternatively, you can just press the F key on your keyboard.

Once the Filmstrip is active, you will see a row of small image thumbnails at the bottom of your screen.

Show Filmstrip icon in the Windows 11 Photos app interface

To hide the Filmstrip, simply click the toggle button again or press the F key once more.

Note: This feature does not require administrative privileges to use.

Reference: Microsoft

Summary

The Filmstrip feature in the Windows 11 Photos app is a simple tool that displays a row of thumbnails at the bottom of your screen. By pressing the “F” key or clicking the toggle icon, you can quickly scroll through and compare multiple images in the same folder. This makes managing large photo collections much faster and easier.

How do I enable Filmstrip in Windows 11 Photos app?

To enable Filmstrip in the Windows 11 Photos app, open a photo or video from a folder, then either press the 'F' key or click the 'Show Filmstrip' toggle button located at the bottom left of the window. The filmstrip will then display thumbnail previews of other photos in the same folder at the bottom of your screen.

What is the Filmstrip feature in Windows 11 Photos?

Filmstrip is a feature in the Windows 11 Photos app that displays thumbnail previews of images at the bottom of the window, allowing you to quickly preview and compare other photos in the same folder. This feature helps users navigate through multiple photos and select images for comparison without having to open each one individually.

Is Filmstrip enabled by default in Windows 11 Photos app?

No, Filmstrip is turned off by default when you open a photo in the Windows 11 Photos app. You will need to manually enable it by pressing the 'F' key or clicking the toggle button in the bottom left corner to start using the feature.

How do I hide the Filmstrip in Windows 11 Photos?

To hide the Filmstrip in Windows 11 Photos, simply toggle the 'Show Filmstrip' button again at the bottom left of the window or press the 'F' key. The thumbnail previews will disappear, and you'll return to the standard photo viewing mode.

Why is Filmstrip useful for photo editing in Windows 11?

Filmstrip is useful because it allows you to quickly preview and compare multiple photos in the same folder without opening each one individually, which streamlines your workflow when working with many images. The larger scrollbar and thumbnails positioned below the photo also improve usability, making it easier to navigate and select the exact image you need.

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