Install an XPS Printer in Windows 11
Have you ever tried to print a document in Windows 11 and noticed that the Microsoft XPS Document Writer printer is missing? If so, you’re not alone. This virtual printer is useful when you want to save a document as an XPS file instead of printing it on paper.
Windows 11 may not show the XPS printer because the optional feature is disabled, the printer has been removed, or a Windows component needs to be restored. Fortunately, you can usually fix the issue through Windows Settings, Control Panel, or an elevated command prompt.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install the XPS printer in Windows 11, enable the required Windows feature, and print XPS files.
Install XPS Printer in Windows 11
The Microsoft XPS Document Writer is a virtual printer that saves documents as XML Paper Specification (XPS) files. It doesn’t print on physical paper. Instead, it creates a digital document that preserves the page layout, fonts, and formatting.
To install the XPS printer in Windows 11, open Settings > System > Optional features, look for the XPS-related feature, and install it if available. If the printer is still missing, check Windows Features or use the Add Printer wizard to add the Microsoft XPS Document Writer manually.
The exact steps depend on your Windows 11 version and which optional components are available.
Follow the methods below in order, checking whether the printer appears before moving to the next method.
Step 1: Check Whether the XPS Printer Is Already Installed
Before installing anything, check whether Microsoft XPS Document Writer is already available on your PC. Sometimes the printer is installed but simply isn’t selected in the application you’re using.
Press Windows + I to open Settings. Select Bluetooth & devices, then click Printers & scanners.
Look through the installed printer list for Microsoft XPS Document Writer. If you find it, select it to view its available options. You don’t need to install it again if it is already working.
If the printer isn’t listed, open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and open it. Select Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers to check the available printers there.
If you still can’t find Microsoft XPS Document Writer, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Check Windows Optional Features
Windows 11 lets you add certain components through its Optional features settings. Checking this section is a good way to determine whether a relevant XPS component is available on your computer.
Open Settings > System > Optional features. Depending on your Windows 11 version, you may see an option to view or add optional features.
Select View features or Add an optional feature, whichever appears on your screen. Use the search box to look for XPS.
If an XPS-related feature that you need appears in the results, select it and click Next, followed by Add or Install. Wait for Windows to finish installing it.
Keep in mind that not every Windows 11 installation lists Microsoft XPS Document Writer as a separate optional feature. If your search returns no relevant result, don’t assume something is broken. Continue with the next method.
Step 3: Enable the Relevant Windows Feature
Windows Features provides another place to check optional Windows components. The available entries can vary by Windows version, so you may not see every XPS-related option mentioned in older tutorials.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type optionalfeatures and press Enter.
The Windows Features window will open. Review the list for an XPS-related component, such as XPS Viewer, if it is available.
Select the checkbox for the component you need, then click OK. Windows may download or configure the required files. Wait for the operation to finish and restart your PC if prompted.
It’s important to understand that XPS Viewer and Microsoft XPS Document Writer are different components. XPS Viewer opens and reads XPS files, while Microsoft XPS Document Writer creates XPS files from applications that support printing. Installing the viewer alone will not necessarily restore the virtual printer.
If the printer remains missing after enabling the available feature, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Add the XPS Printer Through the Add Printer Wizard
If Microsoft XPS Document Writer is missing from your printer list, you can check whether Windows offers it through the manual printer installation wizard.
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select Add device next to the option to add a printer or scanner.
Wait for Windows to search for available devices. If Microsoft XPS Document Writer appears, select it and follow the on-screen instructions.
If it doesn’t appear, look for the option to add a device manually. Depending on your Windows 11 build, this may appear as Add manually or through a link indicating that the printer you want isn’t listed.
Choose the appropriate manual installation option and continue through the wizard. Windows may offer options to add a local printer, select a port, or choose a printer driver.
Do not select a random physical printer driver or create an unrelated printer simply to make the process finish. Microsoft XPS Document Writer requires the appropriate XPS printer components and driver. If the wizard doesn’t offer a suitable option, move to the next method instead of forcing an incompatible configuration.
Step 5: Check Windows System Files
If the XPS printer used to work but disappeared after a Windows update or system change, damaged Windows files may be contributing to the problem.
To check for system file corruption, open the Start menu and search for Terminal. Right-click Windows Terminal and select Run as administrator. Approve the permission prompt if it appears.
In the terminal window, enter the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to finish. Windows will report whether it found corrupted files and whether it repaired them.
If Windows reports that some files couldn’t be repaired, run the following command in the administrator terminal:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Allow the process to complete. It may take several minutes, and an internet connection may be required to obtain repair files.
Once the commands finish, restart your computer. Check Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners again.
These commands can repair Windows components, but they do not guarantee that the XPS printer will be reinstalled automatically. If it remains missing, continue with the final troubleshooting step.
Step 6: Check Windows Updates and Restore Missing Components
An outdated Windows installation or a failed update can sometimes affect optional components and printer functionality.
Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install applicable updates, then restart your computer if Windows asks you to do so.
After restarting, check Optional features and Windows Features again for any relevant XPS components. Also revisit Printers & scanners to see whether Microsoft XPS Document Writer has returned.
If the printer is still missing, check Microsoft’s official support documentation for your Windows 11 version. On managed work or school computers, an administrator may have disabled optional features or restricted component installation.
Avoid downloading XPS printer drivers from unfamiliar websites. If Windows doesn’t provide a supported way to restore the printer, consult Microsoft support or your organization’s IT administrator before attempting more advanced changes.
How Do I Print XPS Files in Windows 11?
Once you have an XPS file, you can open it using a compatible viewer and send it to a physical printer if needed. You don’t necessarily need Microsoft XPS Document Writer just to read an existing XPS document.
Step 1: Open the XPS File
Locate the XPS file in File Explorer. Double-click it to see whether Windows opens it with an installed XPS-compatible application.
If Windows asks you to choose an app, select an application that supports XPS files. If you don’t have a suitable viewer, check whether XPS Viewer is available under Settings > System > Optional features and install it if offered.
Step 2: Print the Document
After opening the file, press Ctrl + P if the viewer supports printing. Alternatively, look for a Print option in the application’s menu.
Select your physical printer from the available devices, adjust the page range and other settings, and click Print.
If the viewer doesn’t support printing, try opening the document in another compatible application or converting it using a trusted tool that supports XPS files.
Step 3: Save a Document as an XPS File
If you want to create an XPS file, open the document in an application that supports printing, such as Microsoft Word.
Press Ctrl + P to open the print screen. If Microsoft XPS Document Writer appears in the printer list, select it and click Print.
Choose a filename and save location when prompted, then save the file. Your document will be saved as an XPS file instead of being sent to a physical printer.
FAQs
1. Why is Microsoft XPS Document Writer missing in Windows 11?
It may have been removed, disabled, or affected by a Windows component or update issue. Check Optional features, Windows Features, and the Add Printer wizard.
2. Is XPS Viewer the same as XPS Document Writer?
No. XPS Viewer opens and reads XPS documents, while Microsoft XPS Document Writer creates XPS files through an application’s print function.
3. Can I install an XPS printer without downloading a driver?
Windows may provide the necessary components, depending on your version and configuration. Check the available Windows features and printer installation options before looking for external drivers.
4. Can I print an XPS file on a regular printer?
Yes, provided your XPS viewer or another compatible application supports printing. Open the file, select Print, and choose your physical printer.
Summary
Installing the XPS printer in Windows 11 starts with checking your installed printers and available Windows features. If Microsoft XPS Document Writer is missing, check Optional features, Windows Features, and the Add Printer wizard.
You can also run system repair commands and install applicable Windows updates if the printer disappeared unexpectedly.
Remember that XPS Viewer and XPS Document Writer serve different purposes, so choose the component that matches your needs.