Microsoft XPS Document Writer Driver

Microsoft XPS Document Writer is a virtual printer that saves printable content as an XPS document instead of sending it to a physical printer. Its Microsoft driver connects compatible applications to the Windows print system, allowing you to preserve a document’s page layout for sharing or archiving. The feature is available in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, although installation options and supported output formats vary by version.

Key Features

• Print-to-file capability: Create XPS documents from applications that offer a standard Print command, without connecting any printing hardware.
• Layout preservation: Retain page formatting, fonts, and graphics in a fixed-layout document designed to display consistently in a compatible viewer.
• Windows printing integration: Select Microsoft XPS Document Writer from the printer list and adjust available settings, such as paper size and orientation, before saving.
• Local document creation: Save output directly to a folder on your computer without relying on an online conversion service. Some Windows versions also offer OpenXPS (.oxps) output.

How to Install

1. Check whether it is already installed. Open the printers section in Windows Settings or Control Panel and look for Microsoft XPS Document Writer. If it appears, try printing a short document before reinstalling anything.

1. Enable the built-in Windows feature. Search the Start menu for “Turn Windows features on or off.” Locate Microsoft XPS Document Writer or XPS Services, depending on your Windows version, select it, and confirm. Administrator permission may be required.

1. Let Windows apply the changes. Follow any prompts and restart if requested. This component is normally supplied through Windows, so a separate driver download is usually unnecessary.

1. Add the virtual printer if it is still missing. Open the Add printer wizard and choose the manual or local printer option. Where available, select the PORTPROMPT: port, then choose Microsoft as the manufacturer and Microsoft XPS Document Writer as the printer model. The wizard’s wording differs across Windows versions.

1. Verify the installation. Open a document, choose Print, select the XPS writer, and save the output to a familiar folder. Use a compatible XPS viewer to check the result; the viewer is a separate component and may need to be enabled or installed.

If Windows cannot find the component, use Windows Update or your organization’s approved Windows installation source rather than an unrelated printer driver.