How to Convert XPS to PDF Without Installing Software

The standard offline routes for XPS conversion — XPS Viewer on Windows, LibreOffice on Mac — both require a software install. On a locked work machine, a borrowed computer, or simply when you do not want extra software, the online converter is the cleaner option. It runs in your browser, needs no admin rights, and leaves nothing behind when you close the tab.

Why you might want to avoid installing anything

There are several common reasons to skip the install:

• Corporate or managed machines — IT policy may prevent installing optional Windows features or third-party apps.
• Borrowed or shared computers — installing LibreOffice or enabling XPS Viewer on someone else's machine is poor practice.
• Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Chromebook — no XPS viewer exists for these platforms at all, so there is nothing to install regardless.
• One-off conversion — installing software to convert a single file is disproportionate.

How the no-install conversion works

Open this page in any modern browser. The upload area accepts .xps and .oxps files up to 25 MB. Click to upload (or tap on a phone), choose PDF, and click Convert. The PDF downloads directly to your device.

Nothing is cached in the browser beyond the standard page load. No cookies are set for tracking. The file is handled server-side and deleted within 60 minutes.

What the offline alternatives involve

For comparison, the offline routes require:

• Windows XPS Viewer: add an optional Windows feature via Settings — requires the machine to be a Windows PC and, on managed machines, may need IT approval. Then print to Microsoft Print to PDF.
• LibreOffice on Mac: download and install a ~300 MB application package. Open the XPS read-only and export as PDF.
• libgxps-utils on Linux: one apt install command, but requires a Linux machine and terminal access.

All three are viable for regular use. For a quick, one-off conversion or on a non-Windows device, none of them is worth the setup time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need admin rights to convert XPS online?

No. The converter runs in your browser. No software is installed and no admin permissions are needed.

Does the online route work on a locked work computer?

In most cases, yes — it only requires browser access to the internet. If your organisation blocks external upload services, you would need to use the offline XPS Viewer route or request IT assistance.

Is this different from the XPS Viewer in Windows?

Yes. XPS Viewer is a Windows application you install to view XPS files, then print to PDF via Microsoft Print to PDF. This converter runs in the browser and does not require XPS Viewer.

Can I convert without software on a Mac?

Yes. The browser converter works on macOS in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox — no installation needed. LibreOffice is the offline alternative for Mac, but the online route requires nothing installed.

Last updated: June 2026