Ever double-clicked on an XPS file in Windows 11 only to get that “Windows can’t open this file” message? You’re not alone. While XPS files used to be Microsoft’s answer to PDFs, they’re not as commonly used today. That means Windows 11 doesn’t include an XPS viewer by default—but don’t worry, you can still open them easily.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through what XPS files are, how to open them in Windows 11, and alternative methods if you’d rather not use Microsoft’s viewer. By the end, you’ll be handling XPS files like a pro.
What is an XPS File?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s get clear on the “what.”
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XPS (XML Paper Specification): A file format created by Microsoft as an alternative to PDF.
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.XPS vs .OXPS:
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.XPS – The original format (older Windows versions).
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.OXPS – The newer “OpenXPS” version (introduced with Windows 8).
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Basically, think of XPS as a digital printout. It preserves document layout, fonts, and graphics—just like a PDF.
Why Can’t Windows 11 Open XPS Files by Default?
Windows 7 and 8 came with the XPS Viewer pre-installed. But in Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft made it optional since most people now use PDFs. That’s why you need to manually enable or install the viewer if you want to open XPS files.
Methods to Open XPS Files in Windows 11
There are several ways to go about this. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Install the XPS Viewer (Microsoft’s Official Tool)
This is the most straightforward method—adding back the built-in XPS Viewer.
Step 1: Open Optional Features
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to Apps → Optional features.
Step 2: Add XPS Viewer
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Scroll down and click Add a feature.
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In the search box, type XPS Viewer.
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Select it and click Install.
Step 3: Open XPS File
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Once installed, simply double-click an XPS file.
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It will now open in XPS Viewer, just like PDFs open in Edge.
✔️ Pros: Official Microsoft tool, lightweight.
❌ Cons: Requires extra installation step.
Method 2: Convert XPS to PDF
If you’d rather not install extra software, you can convert the XPS file to PDF and open it in any browser.
Step 1: Use Microsoft Print to PDF
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Right-click the XPS file → Open with → XPS Viewer (after installation).
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Press Ctrl + P to open the Print menu.
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Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
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Save the file as a PDF.
Step 2: Open PDF in Edge
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Now just double-click the PDF—it’ll open in Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or any other PDF viewer.
✔️ Pros: Universally compatible format.
❌ Cons: Requires conversion step.
Method 3: Use Third-Party XPS Viewers
Don’t want to use Microsoft’s solution? No problem—several free tools exist.
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XPS Annotator – Lets you view and add notes.
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STDU Viewer – Lightweight, supports multiple formats.
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CoolUtils XPS Viewer – Free and simple.
✔️ Pros: Extra features (annotations, printing).
❌ Cons: Some may contain ads or limited functionality.
Method 4: Use Online Converters
If you don’t want to install anything, just upload your XPS file to an online converter.
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Popular tools: Zamzar, Online2PDF, CloudConvert.
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Convert to PDF or DOCX for easy access.
✔️ Pros: No installation required.
❌ Cons: Not safe for sensitive files (uploads to the cloud).
Troubleshooting: Common XPS File Issues
Even after installing the XPS Viewer, you might hit some roadblocks. Let’s fix them.
Problem 1: XPS Viewer Doesn’t Show Up
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Re-check in Optional features if it’s installed.
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Restart your PC after installation.
Problem 2: File Doesn’t Open Even with Viewer
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The file may be corrupted. Try another XPS file.
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Use online converters to recover readable content.
Problem 3: Compatibility with .OXPS
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Some older apps only support .XPS, not .OXPS.
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Convert using Microsoft’s XPS Document Converter or third-party tools.
Tips for Working with XPS Files
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If you regularly work with XPS, keep the XPS Viewer installed permanently.
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For one-time access, converting to PDF is quicker.
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Avoid using online tools for sensitive data (privacy concerns).
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If sharing with others, always convert to PDF—since not everyone has an XPS viewer.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Requires Install? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| XPS Viewer | Easy | Yes | Frequent users |
| Convert to PDF | Medium | No (after setup) | Sharing files |
| Third-Party Viewer | Easy | Yes | Advanced features |
| Online Converter | Very Easy | No | Quick one-time use |
Final Thoughts
Opening XPS files in Windows 11 is easier than it looks. While Microsoft doesn’t include the viewer by default anymore, you can quickly add it via Optional Features. If you prefer not to, converting the file to PDF is a solid workaround.
For everyday use, stick with the XPS Viewer. But if you only have the occasional XPS file, conversion tools or third-party apps will save you time. Either way, you’re no longer stuck staring at a useless file.
FAQs
Q1: Can I open an XPS file in Microsoft Edge?
No. Edge no longer supports XPS files directly. You’ll need the XPS Viewer or convert to PDF.
Q2: Does Windows 11 Home support XPS Viewer?
Yes. It’s available for all editions through Optional Features.
Q3: Are XPS files still used today?
Not much—PDF has taken over, but some government and corporate documents still use XPS.
Q4: Can I open XPS files on my phone?
Yes, with third-party apps from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, but not natively.
Q5: Which is better—converting XPS to PDF or installing the viewer?
For long-term use, install the viewer. For occasional use, converting to PDF is simpler.