XPS files open in Windows with built-in tools, but you may need a free reader on Mac or Linux

XPS (XML Paper Specification) is a document format Microsoft created to work like PDF — it preserves fonts, images, and layout so a document looks the same on any computer. Windows 10 and 11 open XPS files automatically in the built-in XPS Viewer. On Mac or Linux, you'll need to download a free reader or convert the file to PDF first.

The fastest way to open an XPS file depends on what device you're using and what you want to do with it. If you just need to read it, your operating system probably has a tool ready. If you need to edit it or use it elsewhere, you have other options.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 include XPS Viewer, which opens XPS files directly — just double-click the file.
  • Mac users can download Xpdf or convert XPS to PDF using an online converter, since macOS doesn't include a native XPS reader.
  • Linux users can install a package like Ghostscript or use an online converter to view XPS files.
  • You can print an XPS file to PDF from any operating system to make it readable on any device.

Opening XPS files on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 come with XPS Viewer already installed. To open an XPS file, right-click it and select "Open with" — XPS Viewer should appear in the list. If it doesn't, click "Choose another app" and scroll down to find it. You can also double-click the XPS file directly if Windows recognizes it as an XPS document.

XPS Viewer lets you read, zoom, rotate, and print the document. You cannot edit text or images inside XPS Viewer itself — it's a reader, not an editor. If you need to change the content, you'll need to convert the file to a different format first.

Windows 7 and earlier versions do not include XPS Viewer. If you're on an older Windows machine, download the free XPS Viewer from Microsoft's website or use an online converter to turn the XPS file into PDF.

Opening XPS files on Mac

macOS does not include a built-in XPS reader. Your fastest option is to convert the XPS file to PDF using a free online converter — search "XPS to PDF converter" and upload your file. Most converters are free and don't require you to create an account. The converted PDF will open in Preview, which comes with every Mac.

If you prefer a dedicated reader, download Xpdf (free, open-source) or Ghostscript (also free). Both run on Mac and can open XPS files directly. Installation requires using the command line, so this route is better if you work with XPS files regularly and are comfortable with Terminal.

Opening XPS files on Linux

Linux distributions vary, but most do not include XPS support by default. The easiest path is to install Ghostscript, a free tool that handles many document formats including XPS. On Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, open Terminal and type sudo apt-get install ghostscript, then press Enter. On Fedora or Red Hat systems, use sudo dnf install ghostscript instead.

Once installed, you can open XPS files by right-clicking them and selecting "Open with Ghostscript," or by typing gv filename.xps in Terminal. If you prefer not to install software, use an online XPS-to-PDF converter and open the result in your default PDF reader.

Converting XPS to PDF for wider compatibility

If you need to share an XPS file with others or use it on multiple devices, converting it to PDF is often simpler than installing readers. PDF is more widely supported across operating systems and devices. Online converters like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert are free and work on any computer with a web browser.

To convert using an online tool, visit the converter website, upload your XPS file, select PDF as the output format, and download the result. The process usually takes less than a minute. No software installation is needed, and you don't have to create an account on most sites.

If you have the original application that created the XPS file (for example, Microsoft Office or a design program), you may be able to open the source document and export it as PDF directly. This method gives you more control over the output quality.

Printing XPS files to PDF

On any operating system, you can convert an XPS file to PDF by opening it and using "Print to PDF." On Windows, open the XPS file in XPS Viewer, click the print icon, and select "Print to PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF" from the printer list. On Mac, open the converted PDF in Preview, go to File > Print, and click the PDF dropdown menu at the bottom left, then select "Save as PDF." On Linux, open the file in Ghostscript or another viewer and print to a PDF printer if your system has one configured.

This method works even if you don't have a dedicated XPS reader installed, as long as you can open the file in some application. The resulting PDF will look identical to the original XPS file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit text inside an XPS file?

XPS Viewer and most free XPS readers are read-only — they don't let you edit the document. Convert the XPS to PDF or another editable format first, or open the original source file if you have it. Some PDF editors can modify XPS-converted files, but the process requires additional software.

Why did someone send me an XPS file instead of a PDF?

XPS was designed as Microsoft's alternative to PDF, but PDF became the standard instead. XPS is less common now. If you received an XPS file, you can ask the sender to convert it to PDF, or do it yourself using an online converter — it takes about a minute.

Is it safe to use online XPS converters?

Most established online converters are safe, but avoid uploading sensitive documents (tax returns, medical records, legal papers) to unknown websites. If your file contains private information, convert it locally using Ghostscript or another desktop tool instead, or ask the sender for a PDF version.

What if the XPS file won't open?

The file may be corrupted, or your reader may not support that version of XPS. Try opening it in a different reader — if you're on Windows, try a free online converter instead of XPS Viewer. If the file is corrupted, ask the sender for a fresh copy or request the document in PDF format.