Tools Links Login

How to Open and Read XPS Files on Windows

The XPS (XML Paper Specification) file format is a digital document format developed by Microsoft. It is similar to the PDF format and is designed to represent a fixed-layout document. The main purpose of XPS is to provide a way to create, share, print, and archive documents while maintaining their formatting and layout across different systems and devices.

Key Features of the XPS Format

Use Cases for XPS

How XPS Compares to PDF

While XPS and PDF are both designed for document presentation and archiving, they have some differences:

How to View XPS Files

Let's explore some simple and effective ways to view XPS files on your Windows 10 machine.

1. Using the XPS Viewer

Windows comes with a handy built-in tool called the XPS Viewer, although it may not be installed by default on all systems. If you don't see the XPS Viewer, you can easily add it by following these steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Head over to "Apps" and then click on "Optional features."
  3. Click on "Add a feature" at the top of the page. In the search box, type "XPS Viewer," select it, and click "Install."

Once installed, opening an XPS file is as simple as double-clicking the file, which will automatically launch the XPS Viewer.

2. Opening XPS Files in Microsoft Edge

Did you know that Microsoft Edge, the default web browser in Windows 10, can also open XPS files? This feature is particularly convenient since Edge is already installed on most Windows 10 computers. To use Edge as your XPS viewer, you can:

This method is quick and doesn't require any additional installations.

3. Exploring Third-Party Software

If you're looking for more features or a different user experience, several third-party applications can open XPS files. Here are a few popular choices:

These programs can be downloaded from their respective websites, providing additional functionality and user-friendly interfaces.

4. Converting XPS to PDF

If you prefer working with PDF files or need to share documents with others who may not have XPS support, converting your XPS files to PDF is a great option. You can use online conversion tools, or software like Adobe Acrobat, or even a virtual PDF printer that supports XPS files.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the built-in XPS Viewer, Microsoft Edge, a third-party program, or opt for converting your XPS files to PDF, Windows 10 offers plenty of options for reading XPS files. With these simple solutions, you can access and view your XPS documents without any hassle.

About this post

Posted: 2024-08-04
By: dwirch
Viewed: 85 times

Categories

Attachments

No attachments for this post


Loading Comments ...

Comments

No comments have been added for this post.

You must be logged in to make a comment.