How to Fix and Solve XPS File Opening Errors in Windows 10 and 11

Opening XPS files on Windows 10 and 11 can sometimes become a frustrating experience if errors occur. These files are often used for fixed-layout documents, similar to PDFs, but require specific software to open correctly.

Many users face issues such as the file not opening, error messages, or the system not recognizing the XPS format. Fortunately, these problems can usually be fixed with a few straightforward steps.

This guide will walk you through simple, clear solutions to get your XPS files opening smoothly again. Each step is explained to ensure even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end, you will have a better understanding of how to troubleshoot and resolve common XPS file opening errors on Windows 10 and 11.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Ensure your Windows operating system is updated to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs related to file handling.
Check that the XPS file you are trying to open is not corrupted. Try opening another XPS file to confirm.
Make sure you have an application capable of opening XPS files, such as the built-in XPS Viewer or a third-party program.
If you downloaded the file from the internet, verify it completed downloading properly and is not blocked by Windows security.

Step 1: Use the Built-in XPS Viewer

Windows 10 and 11 come with an XPS Viewer application that is designed specifically to open XPS files. However, this app might be disabled or uninstalled on your system.

How to Check if XPS Viewer is Installed

Click the Start button and type XPS Viewer in the search bar.
If you see the app in the list, try clicking it to open your XPS file.
If it doesn’t open, or the app is missing, proceed to the next step.

How to Install or Enable XPS Viewer

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Apps > Optional Features.
Click on Add a feature.
Scroll through the list and find XPS Viewer.
Select it and click Install.
After installation, try opening your XPS file again.

Why this is important: Without the XPS Viewer, Windows does not have a default way to open XPS files, which causes errors.

Step 2: Use an Alternative XPS Reader

If you prefer or if the built-in viewer does not work, you can use third-party software designed to open XPS files.

Microsoft Edge: The browser can open XPS files directly in some cases.
Third-Party Readers: Programs like NiXPS View or XPS Annotator are free and can open, view, and edit XPS files.

How to open with Microsoft Edge:

Right-click your XPS file.
Select Open with > Microsoft Edge.
If it opens, you can view the file here without needing additional software.

Step 3: Check File Associations

Sometimes, Windows may not associate XPS files correctly with the XPS Viewer or your preferred application.

Right-click the XPS file and select Properties.
In the General tab, look for Opens with: and click Change.
Select XPS Viewer or another app capable of opening XPS files.
Click OK to save changes.
Try opening the file again.

Why this helps: Correct file associations tell Windows which program to use when opening a file type.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) to Repair System Files

If the problem persists, there might be corrupted system files causing the XPS viewer or related components not to work properly.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. It will automatically repair any detected corrupted files.
Restart your computer and try opening the XPS file again.

Why run SFC? This tool fixes issues with Windows system files that could be affecting your ability to open XPS files.

Step 5: Convert XPS Files to PDF as an Alternative

If none of the above solutions work, converting the XPS file to a more widely supported format like PDF might be a practical workaround.

Use online converters by uploading your XPS file to trusted websites.
Use desktop software that supports XPS to PDF conversion.

Note: Be careful when uploading sensitive documents to online services; use offline tools if privacy is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an XPS file?

An XPS (XML Paper Specification) file is a fixed-layout document format created by Microsoft, similar to a PDF, used for sharing documents with consistent formatting.

Why won’t my XPS file open?

Common reasons include the absence of an XPS viewer app, corrupted files, incorrect file associations, or system errors.

Can I open XPS files on Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 11 supports XPS files through the XPS Viewer app, but you might need to enable or install it first.

Is XPS Viewer free?

Yes, XPS Viewer is a free built-in application in Windows, though it may need to be installed via Optional Features.

Are there alternatives to XPS Viewer?

Yes, Microsoft Edge can sometimes open XPS files, and there are third-party apps like NiXPS View and XPS Annotator available.

What if the XPS file is corrupted?

If the file is corrupted, it might not open regardless of the app. Try obtaining a new copy of the file.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still cannot open your XPS files, consider these last resort options:

Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for help with Windows and XPS-related issues.
Use a Virtual Machine: Sometimes older versions of Windows have better compatibility with XPS files. Running a virtual machine might help.
Seek Professional Help: If the files are critical, professional IT support can assist in recovering or converting the content.

Conclusion

Opening XPS files on Windows 10 and 11 is usually straightforward but can run into issues if the required software is missing or system settings are incorrect. Starting with enabling or installing the XPS Viewer, checking file associations, and using alternative apps often resolves most problems.

Running system repairs and considering file conversion can further help if basic steps fail. Always ensure your files are not corrupted and your system is up to date for the best experience.

By following the steps outlined here, you should be able to fix common XPS file opening errors and access your documents without hassle.