Microsoft XPS Document

XPS (XML Paper Specification) which previously codenamed “Metro”, is a document storage and viewing specification developed by Microsoft which defined formats and rules for distributing, archiving, rendering, and processing XPS documents. XPS format intends to compete with Adobe PDF format as both is displaying paginated, fixed-layout format electronic paper documents in page-by-page view of the document’s content as it would be printed.

In Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, to add in the capability to open to view and create XPS documents, you can download and install the Microsoft XML Paper Specification Essentials Pack. The file you will download and install on Windows XP (32) will be named: XPSEP XP and Server 2003 32 bit.msi

XPS document viewing and generation capabilities are included in Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0. With .NET Framework 3.0, the XPS files will open within Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher.

Microsoft XPS Document Writer requires Microsoft Core XML Services 6.0.

Windows 7 and higher will open XPS documents without any additional software or drivers installed.