How to View an XPS File

Opening an XPS or OXPS file is straightforward on Windows, but on every other platform — Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux, Chromebook — there is no built-in reader. This page lists the options for each platform and explains why converting to PDF is the practical universal method.

Windows: install the optional XPS Viewer

The Microsoft XPS Viewer is the native option on Windows. It was bundled by default through Windows 10 version 1703, then became an optional feature from Windows 10 v1709 (Fall Creators Update, October 2017). Windows 11 ships without it entirely.

To install it on Windows 11 or recent Windows 10 builds: open Settings → Apps → Optional features → Add a feature, search for XPS Viewer, and click Install. See the full install guide for Windows 11 or the how to open XPS on Windows 11 page for more detail.

The Viewer handles both .xps and .oxps. Once installed, double-clicking either extension opens the file directly.

Converting to PDF: the universal method

Converting to PDF works on every platform without installing any XPS-specific software. A PDF opens in Preview on Mac, Adobe Acrobat Reader on Windows, the default browser on Android, Files on iOS — everywhere. The converter above accepts .xps and .oxps up to 25 MB, runs in the browser, and requires no account.

This is the right approach on macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS, where there is no native XPS support at all.

Mac: LibreOffice or convert online

Apple's Preview application cannot open XPS files. Quick Look shows no preview for .xps. The only desktop option on macOS is LibreOffice (version 4.4 or later, released 2015), which opens XPS files in read-only mode and can export them to PDF via File → Export As → Export as PDF. Converting online is simpler if you do not already have LibreOffice installed. See the detailed Mac guide.

Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS

Linux: The open-source libgxps library powers XPS rendering in Evince (GNOME Document Viewer) and Okular (KDE). On Debian/Ubuntu, sudo apt install libgxps-utils provides the xpstopdf command-line tool for offline conversion without a GUI.

Android (including Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel): there is no native XPS reader in Android. Most Play Store 'XPS viewer' apps are wrappers around an upload service. Converting online or opening the converted PDF in the default Files app is the cleaner route.

iOS / iPadOS: The Files app and Mail show .xps as a generic attachment with no preview. Convert to PDF; the result opens in any PDF app including the built-in Files viewer.

Chrome OS: No native XPS reader. Convert online; the PDF opens in Chrome's built-in viewer immediately after download.

Frequently asked questions

Can I view an XPS file on a Mac?

Not with Apple's built-in tools — Preview cannot open XPS files. LibreOffice 4.4 or later can open them in read-only mode. Otherwise, convert to PDF first; the result opens in Preview without any extra software.

What is the XPS Viewer and where do I get it?

The XPS Viewer is a Microsoft application that opens .xps and .oxps files. On Windows 11 it must be added via Settings → Apps → Optional features → Add a feature → XPS Viewer. See the install guide for step-by-step instructions.

Can I view an XPS file on my iPhone?

Not directly — iOS has no built-in XPS support. Convert the file to PDF first; the PDF opens in the Files app, Safari, or any PDF reader app on iOS.

Does Google Drive preview XPS files?

No. Google Drive has no XPS preview. Download the file, convert it to PDF, and re-upload the PDF if you want to store a viewable version in Drive.

Is there a free XPS viewer for Windows?

Yes — the Microsoft XPS Viewer is free and built into Windows. On Windows 10 v1709 and later, and on Windows 11, you need to install it as an optional feature first.

Last updated: June 2026