'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Missing XPS Essentials Pack on Windows 10
Question details
Users need a workaround to enable printing and document generation in older applications because the XPS Essentials Pack is no longer available on Windows 10.
- Product
- Windows XPS Viewer
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Attempting to print or generate documents from legacy software (like ProContractor Studio) that requires the discontinued XPS Essentials Pack.
- Observed behavior
- The printing process fails or the application throws an error because the required XPS Essentials Pack components are missing from the operating system.
Ensure you are logged into Windows 10 with an administrator account and have an active internet connection to download the necessary optional features.
Install XPS Viewer via Optional Features
Since Microsoft no longer distributes the XPS Essentials Pack, enabling the built-in XPS Viewer is the recommended method to restore XPS printing and viewing capabilities.
Windows 10 includes native alternatives to the discontinued XPS Essentials Pack. By adding the XPS Viewer through the Windows Settings, you can restore compatibility for most legacy programs that rely on XPS components.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon, or press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
Click on 'Apps' in the Settings menu, then select 'Apps & features' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Click on the 'Optional features' link located just under the Apps & features heading.
Click on 'Add a feature' at the top, type 'XPS Viewer' into the search bar, check the box next to it, and click 'Install'.
After installation, restart your computer. Additionally, repair or reinstall your application's printer driver to ensure it recognizes the newly enabled XPS capabilities.
Modernize Your Document Workflow with WPS Office
Avoid troubleshooting outdated legacy formats like XPS. WPS Office provides a modern, lightweight, and fully featured productivity suite with built-in PDF tools, allowing you to easily view, edit, and print documents without relying on discontinued system components.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Windows PC.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Export Directly to PDF: Open your documents in WPS Office and use the native 'Export to PDF' tool for universal printing and sharing, bypassing the need for legacy XPS drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the XPS Essentials Pack missing on Windows 10?
Microsoft discontinued the standalone XPS Essentials Pack and no longer distributes it for modern operating systems. Instead, XPS viewing capabilities have been integrated into Windows 10 as an optional feature.
Can I still view XPS files without the Essentials Pack?
Yes. You can view XPS files by installing the built-in XPS Viewer. Simply navigate to Settings > Apps > Optional features > Add a feature, and install the XPS Viewer.
What should I do if my legacy software still won't print after enabling XPS Viewer?
If printing still fails, try reinstalling or repairing the specific printer driver provided by your legacy application. Additionally, check if the software is fully compatible with your current Windows architecture (such as 64-bit or ARM processors).
