Turning XPS Files into PDFs Without Hassle
If you need to share a document with anyone who doesn't have an XPS viewer, converting XPS to PDF is the quickest solution. The built‑in Windows tools let you turn an XPS file into a universally readable PDF without third‑party software, while still keeping layout intact.
Why Convert XPS to PDF in the First Place?
Most professionals choose PDF because it embeds fonts, supports annotations, and opens on every operating system. Unlike XPS, which is tied to Windows' print pipeline, PDF retains vector graphics and searchable text when viewed on macOS or Linux. Converting also sidesteps the security warnings that some email clients raise for XPS attachments, making collaboration smoother.
Step‑by‑Step Guide Using Free Windows Tools
Open the XPS file in the default XPS Viewer, then select Print. Choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" as the printer, set paper size, and click Print. In the Save dialog, name the file and confirm. This method requires no extra download and produces a PDF that matches the screen view pixel‑for‑pixel, because the virtual printer captures the exact raster output of the viewer.
How to Preserve Formatting and Metadata
When you print to PDF, the viewer writes the document's original metadata—author, title, and creation date—into the PDF's XMP block. To verify, open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat and inspect File > Properties. If you need to retain custom tags or embedded XPS document structure, enable the "Document information" checkbox in the Print dialog; Windows preserves these fields automatically.
Can Online Converters Keep Your Data Secure?
Reputable online converters such as Zamzar or Convertio use HTTPS and delete files after one hour, but they still transmit the document to external servers. For confidential material, a self‑hosted conversion service like LibreOffice's command‑line tool keeps data in‑house. Always review the privacy policy: a service that states "no storage" and provides a TLS‑encrypted upload is the safest bet for occasional conversions.
Batch Converting Multiple XPS Documents Efficiently
PowerShell can loop through a folder of XPS files, invoking the same print‑to‑PDF routine via the PrintUI.dll COM object. A one‑liner—Get-ChildItem *.xps | ForEach-Object {Start-Process -FilePath $_.FullName -Verb Print -ArgumentList "/d\Microsoft Print to PDF"}—creates PDFs in the same directory. This approach scales to hundreds of files without manual clicks, and the resulting PDFs inherit the original filenames with a .pdf extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
how do i convert xps to pdf on windows 10?
Use the built‑in XPS Viewer, choose Print, and select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer. The file saves instantly as a PDF, preserving layout and metadata without extra software.
can online converters keep my xps file secure?
Only if the service uses HTTPS and deletes files after processing. For highly confidential documents, a local converter or self‑hosted tool is safer than any web‑based option.
is it possible to batch convert multiple xps files to pdf?
Yes, PowerShell scripts can automate the Print to PDF process for entire folders. The script loops through each XPS file, prints it to the virtual PDF printer, and saves the output with matching filenames.