,
In a previous tutorial I mentioned the steps required to install XPS Viewer on Windows 10. But, some users complaining that they cannot install XPS Viewer, because the XPS viewer is not listed after pressing the ‘Add a feature’ button (Apps > Manage optional features > Add a feature), or cannot be installed.
This tutorial contains instructions on how to troubleshoot XPS viewer installation problems in Windows 10 1803 & 1809 versions.
How to Resolve XPS Viewer installation problems in Windows 10.
Method 1. Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
1. Open Programs and Features and then click Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Uncheck the Microsoft XPS Document Writer box and hit OK.
3. Now click the Turn Windows features on or off again and check the Microsoft XPS Document Writer box and click OK.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Try to install the XPS Viewer.
Method 2. Install XPS Viewer by using the DISM command.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. In command prompt, give the following command and press Enter.
- dism /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:XPS.Viewer~~~~0.0.1.0
Method 3. Download XPS Viewer from Windows Update instead of WSUS. (Windows 10 Pro & Enterprise).
If you ‘re using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, then apply the following steps in Group Policy Editor. *
* Note: If the computer belongs to a Domain, you need to modify the domain group policy settings (GPO) and then to run the «gpupdate /force» command, before installing XPS Viewer.
1. Open Group Policy Editor. To do that:
1. Press simultaneously the Windows + R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type gpedit.msc & Press Enter.
2. At the left pane navigate to:
- Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System
3. At the right pane double click at Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair
4. Set the policy to Enabled and then check the Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) box.
5. When done, click Apply and OK and restart your PC.
6. After restart, try to install the XPS Viewer by using the DISM method above.
7. After XPS viewer installation, open Group Policy Editor and revert back the changes.
That’s all folks! Did it work for you?
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Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Repairwin.com. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).
When you try to install XPS Viewer on Windows 10, you may see the error message “Can’t install XPS Viewer. The app can’t be installed on this PC.” This can be frustrating, especially if you’re looking to install XPS Viewer on Windows 10 to open XPS files. Luckily, the solution is pretty simple. In this article, you will learn how to fix the “Can’t install XPS Viewer. The app can’t be installed to this PC” error and get your XPS Viewer installation working correctly on your PC.
Read on if you want to know how to install XPS viewer on Windows 10.
# What Is XPS Viewer?
XPS Viewer is a free application for Windows that lets you view and interact with XPS (eXtensible Print Services) files. XPS files are a type of PDF format that Microsoft introduced with Windows Vista, and they can include all kinds of rich content like images, equations, and graphs.
You typically need a PDF reader like Adobe Reader or Preview to view these files. XPS Viewer doesn’t create these files; it only lets you open them.
If you are unsure what an XPS file is, you can read more about XPS files and how they work on Wikipedia.
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There are two ways you can install XPS Viewer.
- The first way is to use a third-party installer.
- The second way is to install the application manually.
This option is only available for Windows 10. If you want to install XPS Viewer on Windows 10 in the first method, you will have to use the latest version of the application on Microsoft’s website. You can either click here to go directly to the XPS Viewer download page or use the search box at the top right corner of your screen to type “XPS Viewer,” as shown below.
If you try to install XPS Viewer using the manual method we recommend, you will see the error message “Can’t install XPS Viewer. The app can’t be installed on this PC.” You don’t have the “Windows Application certification kit (app certification)” installed. You will have to install the app certification to install XPS Viewer.
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# Can’t Install XPS Viewer on Windows 10 Error Message
The error message “Can’t install XPS Viewer. The app can’t be installed to this PC” is displayed when you have an issue installing the XPS Viewer application. You may see this message if you have not installed the app certification, if you have a different version of the application that’s incompatible with Windows 10, or if you have other issues with the installation.
If you are trying to install XPS Viewer using the manual method, you may also see this error message. If this is the case, you will have to download the XPS Viewer application and install it manually.
Learn How to Fix “Can’t Install XPS Viewer. The app can’t be installed to this PC.”
To fix the “Can’t install XPS Viewer. The app can’t be installed to this PC” error, you must follow these steps. You can also check out our guide on fixing “Can’t install XPS viewer.”
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Download the Latest Version of XPS Viewer from Microsoft’s Website.
- First, visit the XPS Viewer download page. Look for the “Download latest version” section in the top-right corner of the page. Click on this section to visit the file download page for XPS Viewer.
- On the file download page, you will see two options. The first option is “Direct link to the latest download.” This is just a direct link to the latest version of XPS Viewer. It’s not a direct link to the latest version of the app certification.
- The second option is “Download the latest version of the app certification.” In this option, you will only find the latest version of the app certification. So make sure you click on this option.
- After you have downloaded the latest version of the application, you will have to install the app certification manually. It’s not installed by default.
- After installing the application certification, open the “Programs and Features” window in Windows.
- Find the “XPS Viewer” entry and right-click on it. Then, select “Uninstall” from the menu that pops up.
- Once you have uninstalled the application, you can try installing the latest version of XPS Viewer again.
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Conclusion:
If you are having trouble installing XPS Viewer on Windows 10, we recommend trying out the latest version of the application. And, If that doesn’t work, you can try installing the app certification manually. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the application. And if that doesn’t work, you can try a few online solutions. We hope this guide was helpful! Thank you for reading.
# FAQs- Can’t Install XPS Viewer Windows 10
-) However, How do I install XPS Viewer on Windows 10?
- Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard road.
- Go to Apps.
- Select the Apps & options tab.
- Click nonobligatory options.
- Click Add a feature.
- Select XPS viewer from the list.
- Select Install (installation takes some time).
- Once put in, right-click the associate degree XPS file and choose Open with.
-) will Windows ten support XPS Viewer?
We’re dynamic, the means you get XPS Viewer. The app is enclosed within the installation image in Windows ten, version 1709, and earlier versions. If you’ve got XPS Viewer and update to Windows ten, version 1803, no action is needed. You may still have XPS Viewer.
-) How do I open XPS files while not XPS Viewer?
- Sign in to Google Drive.
- Upload the XPS file.
- Double-click the XPS file to look at it.
- Click the printer icon.
- Click the transfer icon.
- Select a saving location and click on Save.
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-) will Adobe Reader open XPS files?
Adobe jock doesn’t support the gap of XPS files. It will support making a brand new PDF file from the associate degree XPS file, though that performance isn’t supported via the statement.
-) Do I open an associate degree XPS come in Chrome?
Google Chrome will scan XPS files and natively output PDF files, creating it convenient thanks to converting a file from XPS to PDF.
-) How do I open the associate degree XPS File online?
- Click within the file drop space to transfer the associate degree XPS file or drag & drop the associate degree XPS file.
- Once the transfer completes, you will be redirected to the viewer application.
- Scroll down or use the menu to navigate between pages.
- Zoom-in or zoom-out page read.
- Download supply file pages in PNG or PDF format.
Read Also: How To Disable Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service On Mac And Windows 10?
Arun is a self-published author and blogger with a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise on Tech with people who are looking to find the perfect content for their needs. He tries to furnish you with genuine content about gadgets & tech that can assist you with deciding whether a gadget is appropriate according to your requirements or not.
In windows 10 if you are trying to install XPS viewer and facing
difficulties while installing then there are couple of different ways to install XPS viewer software in windows 10,
so lets see in detail how to fix can’t install XPS viewer in windows 10 below.
How to Install XPS viewer in windows 10:
In windows 10 xps viewer can be installed manually and you
can add a feature and install xps viewer as an app and to access xps viewer in
windows 10 you need to follow below steps.
Step 1: Click on start menu and open windows settings
Step 2: Now click Apps
Step 3: click on manage optional apps features
Step 4: click on Add feature to add xps viewer
in windows 10.
That’s it this is how to check xps viewer is installed or
not and if not installed go ahead and install it via add a feature option in windows
10.
Can’t install XPS viewer windows 10:
Fix by Changing windows 10 feature settings On and OFF:
Step 1: Click start ->Type windows features in windows
search bar
Step 2: Click on windows 10 feature on and off.
Step 3: Locate Microsoft XPS document writer and uncheck it (if it is enabled, disable
it).
Step 4: Click ok and close.
Step 5: Now go ahead and turn on windows xps document
writer and check again (enable)
That’s it, once you have changed the settings and turn on
and off xps viewer feature of windows xps software features then you can go
ahead and install xps viewer windows 10 and you will not be facing any issue.
CMD command to fix Can’t install xps viewer windows 10:
Step 1: Press windows key + R and type cmd in run.
Step 2: Open CMD and run as administrator.
Step 3: In command promt type in : dism /Online /Add-Capability
/CapabilityName:XPS.Viewer~~~~0.0.1.0 and hit enter.
Step 4: Once you exectue above command go ahead and type in exit.
Can I install xps viewer in windows 10?
Yes! You can install in windows 10 by adding a feature in windows 10 settings apps feature (managing apps feature).
Ramanahttps://www.asavvyweb.com
Ramana Tula is a — Technical Content Writer and he is a Full stack Web and Android Developer also — SEO Manager and also manages Digital Marketing.
If you are unable to install XPS Viewer on Windows 10, it may be due to a conflict with another application or a problem with your computer’s configuration. Try the following steps to resolve the issue:
1. Temporarily disable any antivirus or security software on your computer. This may be necessary to allow the installation to complete successfully.
2. Download the XPS Viewer installer from Microsoft’s website and save it to your computer.
3. Right-click on the installer file and select «Run as Administrator» to launch the installation process.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. Once the installation is finished, you can re-enable your security software.
How do I manually install XPS Viewer on Windows 10?
How do I manually install XPS Viewer?
1. Download the XPS Viewer installer from Microsoft’s website.
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
3. Once the installation is complete, launch the XPS Viewer from the Start menu.
What happened to XPS Viewer Windows 10?
XPS Viewer Windows 10 was discontinued on January 15, 2020.
How do I enable XPS Viewer in Windows 10 20h2?
1. Open the Start menu and type «Features«.
2. Select «Turn Windows features on or off«.
3. Scroll down and check the box next to «XPS Viewer«.
4. Click «OK» and restart your computer.
How do I open XPS files in Windows 10 without XPS Viewer?
There are a few different ways that you can open XPS files in Windows 10 without XPS Viewer. One way is to use a file conversion tool to convert the XPS file into a PDF file, which can be opened with a PDF viewer like Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader. Another way is to use an XPS viewer like XPS Annotator or XPS Viewer Plus. Finally, you can use Microsoft Edge, the default web browser in Windows 10, to open XPS files.
How do I enable XPS on my laptop?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the process for enabling XPS on a laptop can vary depending on the make and model of the device. However, some tips on how to enable XPS on a laptop include checking the device’s BIOS settings and ensuring that the correct drivers are installed.
When was XPS Viewer removed?
XPS Viewer was removed in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709).
How do I download an XPS reader?
There are a few ways to download an XPS reader. One way is to go to the Microsoft Store and search for “XPS reader.” This should bring up a few different options for you to choose from. Another way is to do a search engine query for “XPS reader download.” This should also bring up a few different options for you to choose from. Once you have found an XPS reader that you would like to download, follow the instructions on the website to download and install the software.
What program opens .XPS files?
The program that opens .XPS files is called the Microsoft XPS Viewer.
Where is XPS Viewer EXE?
XPS Viewer is a free application that comes installed with Windows 10. To find it, type «XPS Viewer» into the search bar on the taskbar and select it from the results.
How do I open an XPS file in Windows?
To open an XPS file in Windows, you can use the XPS Viewer app that is built into the operating system, or you can use a third-party app like Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader.
1. To open an XPS file using the XPS Viewer app, first locate the file on your computer.
2. Right-click on the file and select «Open with.«
3. Choose «XPS Viewer» from the list of apps.
4. The file will now open in the app.
If you don’t have the XPS Viewer app installed on your computer, you can download it for free from the Microsoft Store.
What program is needed to open XPS files?
The program needed to open XPS files is a program that can open XML Paper Specification files. Some programs that can open XPS files include Microsoft XPS Viewer, Adobe Reader, and Foxit Reader.
How do I install XPS files?
XPS files are XML Paper Specification files that describe the layout, appearance, and printing properties of a document. They can be viewed and printed using the XPS Viewer, which is included with Windows.
To install an XPS file, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the XPS file and select Open With.
2. Choose XPS Viewer from the list of programs.
3. If XPS Viewer is not listed, click Choose another app, then select XPS Viewer from the list of programs.
4. Click OK.
Wondering how to enable XPS Viewer on Windows 10?
XPS is a file format similar to PDF that Microsoft released with the Windows Vista update in 2007. There wasn’t a big difference between the two in terms of features and interface, except that PDF offers enhanced portability.
Unfortunately, not many people were fans of XPS, and the company eventually abandoned the format. With the Windows 10 version 1803 update, users could no longer view XPS files unless the computer was upgraded from version 1709.
So, if you’ve set up a new device or performed a clean installation, XPS Viewer would not be available on your computer anymore. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of methods to reinstall or enable the app even if Windows no longer supports it.
So, let’s get to it right away!
1. Enable XPS Viewer on Windows 10 via Settings.
You need dedicated viewing software to read, print, or change the permissions of any file format. Since the latest system update has disabled the XPS Viewer, you’d have to reinstall it to view such files on your computer again.
Here’s how you can do that using Windows Settings:
- First, press Windows+i on your keyboard or type ’settings’ on the search bar to enter Settings.
- Now, from the multiple options appearing on your screen, select Apps.
- From the panel on the left side, click on Apps & features tab.
- From there, go to Optional Features under Apps & features on the right panel.
- Then, you’ll come across a list of features already enabled on your computer with an Add a feature option at the top-left corner of the window. Click on it.
- Use the search bar or scroll down to find XPS Viewer, then select it.
- Finally, click the Install button, and your computer will start downloading the feature.
Once downloaded, you should be able to open an XPS or OXPS file easily.
2. Use Command Prompt To Enable XPS Viewer.
Sometimes, users are unable to find the XPS Viewer listed when scrolling through the list of features in the Settings. Other times, the feature fails to install on your computer.
Whatever the reason, you don’t have to worry. Another method to enable XPS Viewer on Windows 10 is done through the Command Prompt. To do so, you’ll need to run the software as an administrator.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- To begin, open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom-left of the screen or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Now, type cmd in the search bar.
- Then, click on the Run as administrator option to run the app under full rights.
- When the Command Prompt window opens, type the following command and press Enter.
Dism /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:XPS.Viewer~~~~0.0.1.0
After that, XPS Viewer should get installed on your computer.
3. Use Windows Powershell To Enable XPS Viewer.
If you’re an old Windows user, you must be familiar with Windows PowerShell. It was first released in 2006 and is quite similar to Command Prompt. You can use this automation software to enable XPS Viewer.
Simply input the required command in the associated scripting language to perform the task.
These are the steps you should follow:
- Start by pressing Windows key+i or directly click on the Search Bar at the bottom left of the screen.
- Then, type Microsoft Powershell so that a list of options appears on the right panel.
- From there, click on Run as administrator since you need special permissions to perform tasks.
- When the app opens and you come across the PowerShell console, type the following command:
dism / Online / Add-Capability /CapabilityName:XPS.Viewer~~~~0.0.1.0
- Finally, press Enter to begin the installation.
XPS Viewer will then be downloaded on your computer and can easily be accessed on the Desktop.
4. Enable XPS Viewer From Windows Update.
If your computer has Windows 10 Pro or Windows Enterprise, the method to install XPS Viewer can be pretty different. Moreover, you’ll need to alter a few more settings in the Group Policy Editor if the computer you’re using belongs to a domain.
This is what you need to do:
- To start, type ’Run’ in the search box and click Open. You can also press the Windows key and R simultaneously as a shortcut.
- When the Run command box opens, type gpedit.msc and click OK.
- Scroll down the left pane and click on the drop-down arrow of Computer Configuration.
- Now, click on Administrative Templates and then on System.
- Then, select Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair on the right pane.
- In the next window, select Enabled and check the box that says Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
- Finally, click on Apply, then OK, and restart your computer.
You can then install the XPS Viewer like you would on any other computer with Windows 10.
5. Use Microsoft XPS Document Writer (MXDW).
Microsoft XPS Document Writer is a driver installed in Windows OS. You can use this to protect the XPS files’ content and print the documents even when Microsoft doesn’t support the format.
You need to enable the driver manually by following the steps below:
- First, type ’Control Panel’ in the search bar and click Open.
- Then, select Programs at the bottom-left of the window.
- From there, go to Programs and Features.
- Now, from the left pane, select Turn Windows Features on or off.
- Finally, a pop-up window will open. Scroll down and check the box next to Microsoft XPS Document Writer and click OK.
It will take only a couple of seconds for the MXDW to get installed. After that, a Print to XPS option will appear in print pages, and you can select it to save files in XPS format.
6. Use PDF Converter.
Although Microsoft no longer supports the XPS Viewer, you can still easily install it using one of the above methods. However, since there will be no more maintenance or updates on the program, it’s better to convert your XPS files to PDF format, so they remain readable even if the XPS Viewer crashes.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, right-click on the file you wish to convert and select Open with XPS Viewer.
- Then, click on the Printer icon at the top panel or press Ctrl+P on your keyboard.
- A selection box will then appear on your screen. From there, in the General tab, go to Microsoft Print to PDF under Select Printer.
- Lastly, click the Print button.
This will convert the format of your XPS file to PDF. Repeat the steps to convert the remaining files on your computer.
There you have it! A complete guide on how to enable XPS Viewer on Windows 10. Hopefully, at least one of the methods has proven to be successful. If you still have any confusion, leave a comment down below, and we’ll do our best to help you through it.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂
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Aimen Choudhry is an architecture student who has always been fascinated by science. She now finds her therapy researching and writing about the latest technology and the issues that come alongside. Otherwise, you’ll find her playing video games, listening to music, or watching fantasy/sci-fi movies.
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