Top 10 XPS Viewer Tools for Windows in 2025The XML Paper Specification (XPS) format remains a niche but important document format for fixed-layout page representation, similar in intent to PDF. Although Microsoft’s built-in XPS Viewer has been phased in and out of Windows releases, a variety of third‑party tools and utilities continue to support viewing, printing, and sometimes editing XPS files. This article reviews the top 10 XPS viewer tools for Windows in 2025, highlighting key features, pros and cons, and typical use cases to help you choose the best option.
1. Microsoft XPS Viewer (built-in / optional feature)
Microsoft’s own XPS Viewer has historically been the default choice for opening XPS files on Windows. In recent Windows versions it’s offered as an optional feature you can enable.
Key features
- Native integration with Windows print pipeline.
- Basic navigation, zoom, search, and printing.
- Simple UI familiar to Windows users.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Native Windows support | Limited editing capabilities |
| Lightweight and stable | Occasionally hidden as an optional feature |
| Reliable rendering of Microsoft-created XPS files | Minimal annotation or conversion tools |
Best for: Users who only need to view and print XPS files without extra functionality.
2. XPS Viewer (from Microsoft Store)
A modern app version available via the Microsoft Store that offers an updated interface and better support for touch devices.
Key features
- Touch-optimized interface and smoother navigation.
- Support for recent Windows UI conventions.
- Often updated separately from the OS.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern UI and touch support | Feature set similar to classic viewer |
| Easier installation via Store | May require Microsoft account for Store access |
Best for: Tablet or hybrid device users who prefer a Store-managed app.
3. NiXPS Viewer
NiXPS Viewer focuses specifically on the XPS/XPS document formats and provides a robust feature set for power users.
Key features
- Fast rendering engine with accurate layout reproduction.
- Navigation, thumbnails, text copy, and printing.
- Supports batch operations and command-line usage.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accurate rendering | Interface less polished than mainstream apps |
| Batch and CLI tools for automation | Limited annotation features |
Best for: Users who need reliable rendering and automation for many XPS files.
4. STDU Viewer
STDU Viewer is a lightweight document viewer that supports multiple formats, including XPS, PDF, TIFF, and DjVu.
Key features
- Tabbed interface for opening multiple documents.
- Text selection, search, and bookmarks.
- Low memory footprint.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multi-format support | Freeware with occasional nag screens in older versions |
| Tabbed documents and small footprint | Limited advanced XPS-specific tools |
Best for: Users who work with many document formats and want a single lightweight viewer.
5. Sumatra PDF
Sumatra PDF is a minimal, open-source document viewer that also supports XPS files among others. It’s prized for speed and simplicity.
Key features
- Extremely fast startup and rendering.
- Portable versions available — no installation required.
- Keyboard-driven navigation and small binary size.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very fast and portable | Feature-light; no editing or annotations |
| Open-source and privacy-friendly | Renderable fidelity varies with complex XPS files |
Best for: Users who prioritize speed and portability over advanced features.
6. Foxit PDF Reader (with XPS plugin/conversion)
Foxit primarily targets PDF but offers tools and plugins to convert or open XPS files, integrating them into a more feature-rich document workflow.
Key features
- Advanced annotation, form filling, and collaboration tools.
- Conversion utilities to transform XPS into PDF for fuller support.
- Enterprise deployment and security controls.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich feature set once converted to PDF | Conversion step adds complexity |
| Good for enterprise workflows | May be heavier than lightweight viewers |
Best for: Teams and users who need advanced annotation and collaboration after converting XPS files.
7. Nitro PDF Reader / Pro
Nitro’s tools focus on PDF but provide import/conversion pathways from XPS. Nitro Pro adds editing, OCR, and advanced document tools.
Key features
- Convert XPS to PDF, then edit, sign, or annotate.
- Batch conversions and robust enterprise features (Pro).
- User-friendly ribbon interface.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful post-conversion editing | Paid product for full features |
| Good UI for Windows users | Conversion can slightly alter complex layouts |
Best for: Users who need to convert XPS into editable PDFs and perform advanced document processing.
8. Universal Document Converter / Print-to-PDF drivers
Rather than a dedicated viewer, virtual printers and converters let you “print” XPS to PDF or image formats from any viewer, increasing compatibility.
Key features
- Install as a virtual printer to convert on the fly.
- Create PDFs, JPEGs, PNGs, and more from XPS print jobs.
- Useful as a compatibility bridge.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Turns XPS into widely supported formats | Requires extra step of printing/conversion |
| Works with any app that prints | Some converters are paid |
Best for: Users who need to distribute XPS content to audiences that prefer PDF or image formats.
9. Google Drive / Chrome (via conversion)
Chrome and cloud services can render many document types. Uploading an XPS to cloud storage or using Chrome extensions can provide quick viewing or conversion.
Key features
- Cloud-based preview and basic rendering.
- Convert XPS to PDF using web tools or extensions.
- Access from any device with a browser.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Platform-independent access | Privacy concerns if using third-party web converters |
| No local installation required | Rendering fidelity varies |
Best for: Quick viewing or sharing when local apps aren’t available; avoid for sensitive documents unless trust is ensured.
10. PDF-XChange Editor (with import features)
PDF-XChange Editor is a capable PDF suite that can import XPS via conversion and provides many editing and annotation tools afterward.
Key features
- Convert and edit XPS content in a powerful editor.
- OCR, annotations, stamps, and form handling.
- Good performance and customization options.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Feature-rich after conversion | Conversion step and potential formatting differences |
| Strong editing and annotation toolset | Some advanced features are paid |
Best for: Users who want a strong editing environment after converting XPS documents into PDF.
How to choose the right XPS viewer in 2025
- If you only need to view and print: Microsoft XPS Viewer or Sumatra PDF.
- If you want touch/microsoft-store convenience: XPS Viewer (Microsoft Store).
- If you need batch automation/CLI: NiXPS Viewer.
- If you need heavy editing or collaboration: convert XPS to PDF and use Foxit, Nitro, or PDF-XChange Editor.
- If you need cross-platform access or quick sharing: use cloud conversion or Chrome previews, but consider privacy.
Quick tips
- Converting XPS to PDF often improves compatibility, but check layout fidelity after conversion.
- For sensitive documents avoid untrusted web converters; prefer local tools or trusted enterprise software.
- Keep multiple tools available: a lightweight viewer for quick checks and a converter/editor for workflows.
This list focuses on tools available and relevant in 2025 and balances native XPS support with practical workflows (conversion to PDF) where broader functionality is needed. If you want, I can create short installation and usage guides for any of the tools above — tell me which one.
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