How to Open an XPS File on Windows 11 (and on a Mac or Phone)

Double-click an .xps file on a newer Windows 11 PC and Windows asks which app to use — because XPS Viewer isn't installed any more on most new computers. Here are your options, fastest first.

1. Open it in your browser

No install, works the same on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and phones. The file is read on your computer and never uploaded.

2. Add Microsoft's XPS Viewer to Windows 11

Microsoft still offers XPS Viewer as an optional extra:

1. Open Settings › System › Optional features.
2. Next to Add an optional feature, click View features.
3. Search for XPS, tick XPS Viewer, click Next, then Install.

It needs an internet connection and, on work computers, may be blocked by your IT department.

3. Convert it to PDF once

If someone keeps sending you XPS files, save each one as PDF (XPS to PDF) — PDFs open everywhere, including in Edge, which every Windows 11 PC has.

On a Mac, iPhone or Android

There is no built-in XPS app on these systems. Option 1 above works in Safari and Chrome; after opening, Save as PDF gives you a file the Files app and Preview understand.

Why do I have an XPS file at all?

Windows can "print" any document to an XPS file (the Microsoft XPS Document Writer printer), and Word and Excel can save as XPS. Older scanners, banking software and accounting programs also produce them.