I cannot open a XPS file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with XPS files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening XPS will be resolved!
XPS File Extension
- File type XML Paper Specification Format
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Layout Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) XPS file?
The XPS page template file contains ZIP compressed data about the appearance of the page, such as text formatting and layout of graphics. Usually, this extension is used to protect the file from unauthorized editing, or to provide the correct way to print - the file cannot be edited once saved.
How to open XPS file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with XPS extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports XPS files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open XPS files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support XPS files
Step 2. Verify whether XPS files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports XPS files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with XPS files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support XPS files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open XPS files with the selected program.
Changing XPS file association in registry
File association for XPS files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check XPS file for other errors
- XPS file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening XPS files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected XPS file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For XPS files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
