Tips to open OXPS file

Can't open the OXPS file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open OXPS files as well as a list of programs that support OXPS files.

OXPS file extension

File Name OpenXPS Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Layout Files

The OXPS file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the OXPS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the OXPS file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is OXPS file?

An .OXPS file is a document with a defined page appearance. It is a technology similar to a .PDF file. The .OXPS format is a sister format to .XPS, however these files are independent and incompatible with each other. Exactly .OXPS is based on an .XPS file, but is developed and certified by an external organization, and its prototype is the work of Microsoft. From the user's perspective, most software reads both formats simultaneously, including the Windows XPS Viewer and Word.

How to open OXPS file?

The most common problem when using OpenXPS Format is that a specific OXPS is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open OXPS, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the OXPS file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install NiXPS View

In this case, you should first verify that the NiXPS View application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing NiXPS View into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open OXPS files.

Step 2. Create association of NiXPS View with OXPS files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the OXPS file still does not use the NiXPS View program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the OXPS file with the NiXPS View program.

Step 3. Update NiXPS View to the latest version

If, however, after binding NiXPS View with OpenXPS Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the NiXPS website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the OXPS file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the OXPS file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our OXPS file. However, remember that not every infected OXPS file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of OXPS file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair OXPS file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file OXPS except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move OXPS to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the OXPS file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.