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How to Fix XPS Option Not Enabled Error in Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Experiencing the “XPS Option Not Enabled” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating. This issue often prevents users from printing or saving files in the XPS format. Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed troubleshooting steps to get the XPS option working again. No technical background is required to follow these instructions.

By the end of this article, you will understand what causes the error and how to resolve it effectively. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Follow along carefully to restore full functionality to your Windows 11 system.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before we begin troubleshooting, please ensure the following:

  • Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Sometimes, updates fix underlying bugs.
  • Administrative Access: You will need administrator rights to enable or disable Windows features.
  • Printer Status: Confirm that your printer is properly connected and turned on if the issue occurs when printing.
  • Check for Third-Party Software: Some antivirus or system optimization programs can block printer features.

Step 1: Enable the XPS Services in Windows Features

The most common cause of the “XPS Option Not Enabled” error is that the XPS services are disabled. Windows 11 allows you to turn features on or off, and sometimes XPS services might be turned off by default.

Here’s how to enable them:

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type optionalfeatures and press Enter. This opens the Windows Features window.
  3. Scroll down and look for “XPS Services” and “XPS Viewer”.
  4. Check the boxes next to both options if they are unchecked.
  5. Click OK to apply changes. Windows may take a few moments to enable the features.
  6. Restart your computer to ensure changes take effect.

Why is this important? The XPS Services allow your system to create, view, and print XPS documents. Without these features enabled, the option won’t be available.

Step 2: Use the Print to XPS Document Printer

If enabling the features didn’t solve the problem, check whether the “Microsoft XPS Document Writer” printer is installed correctly. This virtual printer is what lets you save files as XPS documents.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Look for Microsoft XPS Document Writer in the list.
  4. If it’s missing, click Add device and then select Add manually.
  5. Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
  6. Select Use an existing port and choose PORTPROMPT: from the dropdown.
  7. Under Manufacturer, select Microsoft. Under Printers, select Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
  8. Complete the wizard and finish the installation.

This step ensures that the system has the necessary printer driver to handle XPS documents.

Step 3: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common printing problems.

To run the Printer troubleshooter:

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Printer in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

Running this tool can fix configuration issues that might prevent the XPS option from working.

Step 4: Check for Corrupted System Files

Sometimes, system file corruption causes features like XPS to malfunction. Using the System File Checker (SFC) tool can repair damaged files.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Start menu, type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the command window, type the following and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan may take some time. If it finds corrupted files, it will attempt to repair them automatically.

After the scan completes, restart your computer and check if the XPS option is enabled.

Alternative Method: Reset Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs. If it is stuck or not working correctly, the XPS option might be disabled.

To reset the Print Spooler:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down and find Print Spooler.
  3. Right-click it and select Stop.
  4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS.
  5. Delete all files inside this folder to clear the print queue.
  6. Return to the Services window, right-click Print Spooler, and click Start.

Try using the XPS option again after this reset.

FAQs About XPS Option Not Enabled Error

Q: What is the XPS option in Windows 11?

A: The XPS option allows you to create, view, and print documents in the XML Paper Specification format, similar to PDF.

Q: Can I use XPS documents without the Microsoft XPS Document Writer printer?

A: No, this virtual printer is required to save files in XPS format on Windows.

Q: Why does the XPS option disappear after an update?

A: Sometimes Windows updates disable optional features like XPS services, requiring you to re-enable them manually.

Q: Is XPS still supported in Windows 11?

A: Yes, though Microsoft encourages using PDF, XPS support remains available as an optional feature.

Q: Can third-party antivirus software block the XPS option?

A: Yes, some security programs might interfere with printing features. Temporarily disabling them can help identify this issue.

When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options

If you have tried all the above steps and the XPS option is still not enabled, consider the following:

  • Perform a System Restore: Roll back your system to a date when the XPS option was working.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for expert help.
  • Use Alternative Formats: Convert your documents to PDF using other virtual printers if XPS is not critical for your needs.
  • Reinstall Windows Features: As a last option, you may need to repair or reinstall Windows 11 to fix deep system issues.

Conclusion

The “XPS Option Not Enabled” error in Windows 11 is usually caused by disabled features or printer configuration issues. Starting with enabling XPS Services and verifying the Microsoft XPS Document Writer printer often solves the problem quickly.

Running built-in troubleshooters and scanning for system file corruption further helps resolve underlying issues. Resetting the Print Spooler service can also clear stuck print jobs that block XPS functionality.

If these steps do not fix the error, advanced options like system restore or contacting Microsoft Support may be needed. Armed with this guide, you should be able to restore your XPS printing and saving capabilities with ease.

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