XPS is a file format that Microsoft created to print content to a file very similar to PDF. It was originally introduced with Windows Vista, and even though it never really gained popularity it continued to ship with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
Now, starting with the April 2018 Update (version 1803), Microsoft is finally retiring support for the file format and removing the XPS Viewer app on new installations. This means that if you're doing an in-place upgrade from version 1709 (Fall Creators Update) to version 1803, you'll continue to have support for the format, but if you're setting up a new device, or do a clean installation, the XPS Viewer app will no longer be available.
Reader makes it easy to view documents, search for words and phrases, take notes, fill in forms, and print or share files. Also note that this app would be retired for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update 2017 and later. We recommend Microsoft Edge for reading PDF, Windows XPS Viewer for XPS and Windows Photos App for TIFF files. XPS is a Microsoft file format and only Microsoft products for Windows can actually create and edit them. You cannot use Office for Mac to view XPS documents on a Mac. You can however search online for xps document viewer for mac to locate a few free XPS readers.
If you're among those people who still use XPS files, and you can no longer find the app, you can get the XPS Viewer back using the Settings app.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to re-install the XPS Viewer app since it's no longer available after installing the April 2018 Update.
How to install the XPS Viewer app on Windows 10
Microsoft Xps Viewer For Mac Computer
In order to install the XPS Viewer app on Windows 10, do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Click on Apps & features.
Under 'Apps & features,' click the Manage optional features link.
Click the Add a feature button.
Select XPS Viewer from the list.
- Click the Install button.
After completing the steps, the XPS Viewer will install on your computer, and you'll once again be able to open files stored on your computer using this file format.
Converting XPS to PDF
While you can get this feature back, bear in mind that Microsoft is no longer maintaining it, as such it's now also a good time to convert those old XPS files to PDF or another file format.
Here's a quick way to convert your XPS files to PDF without having to resource to third-party apps:
- Open the XPS file using the XPS Viewer.
Click the Print button from the top-right.
Under 'Select Printer,' pick the Microsoft Print to PDF option.
- Click the Print button.
Once you've completed the steps, repeat the same steps for the remaining files you want to convert.
After converting the files to PDF, you can remove the XPS Viewer using the same instructions mentioned above, but on step No. 5, select XPS Viewer from the list, click the Uninstall button, and restart your device.
More Windows 10 resources
Microsoft Xps Viewer For Mac Download
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
UH OHMicrosoft Xps Viewer For Mac Windows
Microsoft may have delayed Windows 10X and Surface Neo beyond 2020
Xps 15
Microsoft's upcoming Windows 10X and Surface Neo products may not be shipping in time for the holiday after all, according to a new report from ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley. This means that other Windows 10X devices from third-party manufactures also won't be launching at the end of this year like originally planned. Microsoft's dual-screen Windows 10X effort has been put on pause.