It’s interesting that you’ve noticed the XPS Viewer isn't as prominently featured in Windows 11 as in previous versions. Microsoft has indeed shifted focus over the years, and the XPS format has gradually been overshadowed by more universally adopted file types like PDF. In Windows 11, the XPS Viewer isn't installed by default, but you can still access it if needed.
To install the XPS Viewer on Windows 11, you can:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features.
- Click on Add a feature.
- Search for XPS Viewer in the list and check it.
- Click Install, and the system will handle the rest.
Regarding whether Microsoft is moving away from XPS, it's a bit nuanced. XPS was initially pushed as an alternative to PDF, but it hasn't gained the same traction. PDFs have become the industry standard for document sharing due to their flexibility, cross-platform compatibility, and wide range of features. Microsoft’s ongoing support for PDFs, integrated into tools like Microsoft Edge, Windows, and Office, suggests a preference for formats with broader acceptance and versatility.
As for alternatives to XPS Viewer, there are free third-party applications like SumatraPDF or even some integrated capabilities in Office or browser-based viewers like Edge that can handle various document types, including PDFs.
From my experience, unless you have a specific need for XPS files, transitioning to PDF for your document handling can be more beneficial in the long term. PDFs offer better compatibility across different devices and platforms. However, if you're in a workflow still reliant on XPS, knowing how to enable the viewer is key.
I’m curious, what are the primary uses or sources for your XPS files? Maybe there could be additional tools or workflows to consider that can optimize your document handling on Windows 11. If you need more information on specific alternatives, I’d be happy to delve deeper!