This wikiHow teaches you how to view the contents of an XPS file. The XPS file format is similar to the PDF format in that it contains page layout information that is designed to display the same on all devices. However, since the XPS format is not as popular as the PDF format, XPS reviewer applications are hard to find. If you're using Windows 10, there's a built-in XPS reviewer that allows you to open and convert XPS files to PDF format. You can also open and convert XPS files to PDF documents via Google Drive on any computer, or use the XPS-to-PDF conversion website which is also accessible on your phone or tablet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using XPS Viewer on Windows
Step 1. Add XPS Viewer to the computer if necessary
Follow these steps to find out if XPS Viewer is already installed on your Windows 10 PC, and how to install it if the program isn't already available:
- Press the button " Windows ” + “ S ” to display the search bar.
- Type in manage optional and click " Manage optional features ” from the search results.
- If you see " XPS Viewer " in the list of installed features, you are ready to use the program.
- If not, click " Add a feature ” at the top of the window, check the box next to “XPS Viewer”, then click “ Install ” below the screen.
Step 2. Open XPS viewer
An easy way to open it is by typing xps into the Windows search bar (you can click the magnifying glass icon next to the “Start” button or press the shortcut “ Windows ” + “ S" if you don't see it) and select " XPS Viewer ” from the search results.
Step 3. Open the XPS document in the viewer application
To open a document, click the menu " File ” at the top of the reviewer window, select “ Open ”, and look for files ending in.xps extension. Select the file and click " Open ” to display it in XPS Viewer.
Double-click the XPS file on the computer to open it directly in XPS Viewer
Step 4. Save the file as a PDF document (optional)
If the XPS file is an important document and you think someone else should open or view it, it's a good idea to convert it to PDF and share/save the format. Here's how:
- Click the printer icon in the top right corner of the screen (to the left of the “Find” bar).
- Choose " Microsoft Print to PDF ” as a printer.
- Click the button " Print ”.
- You can see the “Save as type” menu has been set to the “PDF Document” option. Type in a file name, specify a save location, and select “ Save ”.
Method 2 of 3: Using Google Drive
Step 1. Visit
As long as you have a Google account, you can upload XPS documents to Google Drive for easy viewing in a web browser. This method can be followed on Windows and MacOS computers, as well as phones and tablets.
Step 2. Sign in to your Google account
If you're already signed in to your account, you'll usually be asked to verify your account password before displaying your Google Drive content. If you haven't already, you'll be asked to sign in to your account at this stage.
Step 3. Click + New
It's in the top-left corner of the Google Drive page.
Step 4. Click File upload on the menu
A file browsing window on the computer will open.
Step 5. Select the XPS file and click Open or Choose.
The selected file is a document ending in ".xps". If you download files from email or the internet, they are usually stored in the “Downloads” folder. After that, the file will be uploaded to Google Drive.
Step 6. Double-click or tap the XPS file that has been uploaded to Google Drive
The contents of the XPS file will be displayed in a web browser window.
Step 7. Save the file as a PDF document (optional)
You want your files to be more compatible so that people can see them easily? Here's how to re-download an XPS file as a PDF document:
- Click the printer icon in the upper-right corner of the screen (this procedure may differ on your phone or tablet; for best results, use a computer or refer to the method using the XPF to PDF site).
- Click the download button (down arrow above the horizontal line) in the upper-right corner of the print preview. You can see that the file type has now changed to PDF (ending with a.pdf file extension).
- Select a file storage location and click " Save ”.
Method 3 of 3: Using XPF to PDF Site
Step 1. Visit https://xpstopdf.com via a web browser
This website allows you to upload XPS files and convert them to PDF format. Because these formats are highly compatible, the XPS file conversion procedure can ensure that anyone who needs access to the file can open and view its contents.
Step 2. Click UPLOAD FILES
It's a blue button in the middle of the page.
Step 3. Select the XPS file and click Open or Choose.
This file ends with an ".xps" extension. If you download files from email or the internet, they are usually stored in the “Downloads” folder.
Step 4. Click the DOWNLOAD button on the XPS file
The file will be converted to PDF format and you will be prompted to save the conversion to your computer.
Step 5. Select a save location and click Save
The new PDF file (which is identical to the XPS file) will be saved to the computer.
