How To Open OXPS Files Effectively on Windows 11: A Complete Guide

Opening an OXPS file on Windows 11 isn’t as complicated as it sounds, but yeah, you gotta know the little tricks. Sometimes Windows doesn’t have the XPS Viewer enabled by default, and that’s where things get tricky. Not sure why Microsoft decided to hide it behind optional features, but here we are.

Opening an OXPS File in Windows 11

If an OXPS file pops up and you’re scratching your head wondering what to do, here’s the deal. First, check if you’ve got the XPS Viewer installed. Because on some setups, it’s just not there until you add it manually. Path: Settings > Apps > Optional Features. Scroll down and hit Add a feature. Look for XPS Viewer, select it, and install. It’s a tiny download, so shouldn’t take long.

Once installed, finding and opening the OXPS file gets easier. You can just double-click the file, and Windows should pick up XPS Viewer as the default. But if it doesn’t or if you want to be sure:

Right-click the OXPS file
Select Open with
Choose XPS Viewer

If you want to make XPS Viewer your go-to for these files, right-click the OXPS, pick Open with > Choose another app, then check Always use this app to open OXPS files. Windows is weird about default apps sometimes, so this helps prevent future headaches.

Converting to PDF — Why bother?

This isn’t mandatory, but on one setup it worked, on another… well, not so much. Converting to PDF can sometimes be a lifesaver if you wanna share or access it easily on other devices. To do this, you can just open the file in XPS Viewer, hit File > Print, and select Microsoft Print to PDF as your printer. It’ll prompt you for a save location, and boom, PDF done. Easy, right? Just note that sometimes the print option acts a little funky if your driver isn’t updated or if the file’s kinda funky itself.

What to Expect

After following these steps, you should have your OXPS file open, readable, and optionally converted. If the file refuses to open, double-check that XPS Viewer is installed and set as default. Also, remember, on some machines, the XPS Viewer might need a reboot or a quick log-off to start working properly. Not sure why, but rebooting sometimes kicks things into gear.

Tips for Opening an OXPS File in Windows 11

If the XPS Viewer isn’t there, install it via Settings > Apps > Optional Features.
Converting to PDF is a decent backup for sharing around.
Use File Explorer to find your file, then right-click to open with XPS Viewer if it doesn’t open by default.
Set XPS Viewer as the default program for OXPS files just to make life easier — right-click > Open with > Choose another app > Always use this app.
Keep Windows updated. Because of course, Windows has to make stuff harder than it needs sometimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an OXPS file?

Basically, it’s Microsoft’s little cousin of PDF — a fixed-layout document designed for sharing protected or formatted content. They’re kinda like XPS files, just with that extra ‘O’ for open or related to some Microsoft wacky format.

Why can’t I open an OXPS file directly?

Most likely, you’re missing the XPS Viewer. Or the default app isn’t set. Sometimes Windows just doesn’t include it unless you ask for it explicitly, which is kinda annoying.

Can I convert OXPS to another format?

Yes, just open it in XPS Viewer, then go to File > Print and choose Microsoft Print to PDF. Done deal. Voila, PDF.

Is there an alternative to XPS Viewer for opening OXPS files?

Sure, third-party apps like FreeXPS or third-party PDF viewers that support OXPS can help. But honestly, if you just want quick viewing, XPS Viewer is usually enough.

How do I set XPS Viewer as my default for OXPS files?

Right-click the file, pick Open with > Choose another app, find XPS Viewer, check Always use this app, and that’s it. Next time, double-click, and it opens automatically.

Summary

Install XPS Viewer if it’s not there.
Find your OXPS file in File Explorer.
Open with XPS Viewer or set it as default.
Convert to PDF if needed for sharing.
Reboot if things aren’t acting right.

Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because, yeah, dealing with obscure formats is never fun, but at least this way, it’s manageable.