How to access XPS Viewer in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update

XPS is a file format that Microsoft created to print content to a file very similar to PDF. It was originally introduced with Windows Vista, and even though it never really gained popularity it continued to ship with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

Now, starting with the April 2018 Update (version 1803), Microsoft is finally retiring support for the file format and removing the XPS Viewer app on new installations. This means that if you're doing an in-place upgrade from version 1709 (Fall Creators Update) to version 1803, you'll continue to have support for the format, but if you're setting up a new device, or do a clean installation, the XPS Viewer app will no longer be available.

If you're among those people who still use XPS files, and you can no longer find the app, you can get the XPS Viewer back using the Settings app.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to re-install the XPS Viewer app since it's no longer available after installing the April 2018 Update.

How to install the XPS Viewer app on Windows 10

In order to install the XPS Viewer app on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps.
  3. Click on Apps & features.
  4. Under "Apps & features," click the Manage optional features link.

  1. Click the Add a feature button.
  1. Select XPS Viewer from the list.

  1. Click the Install button.

After completing the steps, the XPS Viewer will install on your computer, and you'll once again be able to open files stored on your computer using this file format.

Converting XPS to PDF

While you can get this feature back, bear in mind that Microsoft is no longer maintaining it, as such it's now also a good time to convert those old XPS files to PDF or another file format.

Here's a quick way to convert your XPS files to PDF without having to resource to third-party apps:

  1. Open the XPS file using the XPS Viewer.
  2. Click the Print button from the top-right.

  1. Under "Select Printer," pick the Microsoft Print to PDF option.

  1. Click the Print button.

Once you've completed the steps, repeat the same steps for the remaining files you want to convert.

After converting the files to PDF, you can remove the XPS Viewer using the same instructions mentioned above, but on step No. 5, select XPS Viewer from the list, click the Uninstall button, and restart your device.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

Latest in Windows 10
Windows 10 Find My Device
How to enable Find My Device on Windows 10 to recover your PC if it's ever lost or stolen
Outlook Client Hero
Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there's (almost) nothing you can do about it
Windows 10 Start menu on HP ZBook Studio G4
Microsoft will retroactively downgrade this part of Windows 10 next month
Former Microsoft Executive Vice President Terry Myerson stands in front of a presentation about Windows 10
Microsoft addresses the 'elephant in the room,' discusses upcoming end of Windows 10 support
Surface Hub 2S
Windows 10 for PCs is not the only version of Windows to reach end of support this year
Windows Insider program settings
Microsoft shuts down the Windows 10 Beta Channel just five months after reopening it
Latest in How-to
Atomfall
Can I play Atomfall on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other gaming handhelds?
Windows 11 answer file
How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11
The First Berserker: Khazan
Is The First Berserker: Khazan on Xbox Game Pass?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Xbox Game Pass?
A close-up of Hazel in South of Midnight
Is South of Midnight on Xbox Game Pass?
Atomfall screenshot
Atomfall: How to grab the best melee weapon and melee perk right away