Can I Delete Microsoft XPS Document Writer? A Complete Guide

The Microsoft XPS Document Writer (MXDW) – that unassuming printer option lurking in your printer list – often sparks a common question: can I delete it? This guide delves deep into the MXDW, examining its purpose, its potential benefits, and, of course, whether you can safely uninstall it without causing problems. We’ll unravel the mystery surrounding this often-overlooked component of Windows.

What Exactly Is the Microsoft XPS Document Writer?

Think of the MXDW as a virtual printer. Instead of sending a document to a physical printer, it “prints” your document to an XPS file. XPS stands for XML Paper Specification, and it’s Microsoft’s attempt at creating a document format similar to Adobe’s PDF. It preserves the formatting of your document, ensuring it looks the same regardless of the computer or operating system used to view it. It’s essentially a digital snapshot of your document.

Its Purpose: More Than Just Printing to a File

The primary function of the MXDW is to create XPS files. These files are useful for a variety of purposes:

• Archiving Documents: XPS files are excellent for preserving the original formatting of important documents, such as legal contracts or financial statements.
• Sharing Documents: You can share XPS files with others, knowing they will see the document as intended, regardless of their installed software.
• Digital Signatures: XPS files support digital signatures, making them suitable for documents requiring authentication.
• Compatibility: While less prevalent than PDF, XPS remains supported in various applications and operating systems, providing a level of cross-platform compatibility.

The Advantages of Keeping the Microsoft XPS Document Writer

While you can remove it, there are several reasons why you might want to keep the MXDW installed:

• Simplified Document Preservation: Creating an XPS file is often as simple as selecting “Print” and choosing the MXDW as your printer. It’s a straightforward way to archive documents.
• Format Consistency: XPS files guarantee that your document’s formatting, including fonts, images, and layout, remains intact across different devices and platforms.
• Accessibility: Many document viewers support XPS files, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
• Small File Sizes: XPS files are often smaller than equivalent PDF files, making them easier to share and store.

Potential Drawbacks and Why You Might Consider Deleting It

Despite its benefits, there are a few downsides associated with the MXDW that might lead you to consider its removal:

• Obsolete Format: The XPS format is less popular than PDF. While it’s supported, it’s not as widely used, and you might find yourself frequently converting XPS files to PDF for broader compatibility.
• Limited Software Support: While most modern operating systems support XPS, some older applications might not.
• Unnecessary for Many Users: If you rarely, if ever, create XPS files, the MXDW might simply be taking up space on your system.
• Potential for Confusion: Having multiple “printer” options, including MXDW, can occasionally lead to confusion when selecting the correct printer.

Can You Safely Uninstall the Microsoft XPS Document Writer? The Answer Revealed

Yes, you can safely uninstall the Microsoft XPS Document Writer. It’s not a core component of Windows, and its removal generally won’t cause any significant system issues. However, it’s crucial to understand the process and potential consequences.

How to Uninstall MXDW: A Step-by-Step Guide

Uninstalling the MXDW isn’t as straightforward as uninstalling a typical application. It’s managed through the “Optional Features” section of Windows. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button, then click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps: Click on “Apps.”
3. Select Optional Features: In the Apps section, click on “Optional features.”
4. Locate the XPS Viewer: Scroll through the list of installed optional features until you find “Microsoft XPS Document Writer.”
5. Uninstall: Click on the XPS Document Writer entry, and then click the “Uninstall” button.
6. Restart (Optional): A restart might be prompted to complete the uninstallation process.

What Happens After Uninstallation?

After uninstalling the MXDW, you will no longer have the option to “print” to an XPS file. Any application that relied on the MXDW will no longer be able to create XPS documents directly. However, your system will continue to function normally, and you will still be able to use your other printers and applications.

What to Do Before Deleting the MXDW: Important Considerations

Before you proceed with the uninstallation, take a moment to consider these points:

• Do you regularly create XPS files? If you frequently use the MXDW, consider whether the inconvenience of its removal outweighs the benefits.
• Do you have software that specifically relies on XPS? While rare, some specialized applications may depend on XPS functionality.
• Create a System Restore Point: This is always a good practice before making system changes. It allows you to revert your system to its previous state if something goes wrong.

Alternatives to the Microsoft XPS Document Writer

If you decide to remove the MXDW, or if you simply prefer alternatives, several options are available for creating documents that preserve formatting and can be shared easily:

• PDF Printers: Numerous free and paid PDF printer drivers are available. These work similarly to the MXDW, but they create PDF files instead of XPS files. Popular examples include PDFCreator and CutePDF Writer.
• Cloud-Based Document Services: Services like Google Docs and Microsoft Office Online allow you to create and share documents in a variety of formats, including PDF, with the added benefit of cloud storage and collaboration features.
• Saving Directly to PDF: Many modern applications, such as Microsoft Word and LibreOffice, offer the option to save directly to PDF, eliminating the need for a virtual printer.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with MXDW

While generally stable, the MXDW can sometimes encounter issues:

• MXDW Missing from Printer List: If the MXDW is not appearing in your printer list, try restarting your computer. If the issue persists, check the “Optional Features” section in Settings to ensure it’s installed. You can also try reinstalling it from there if it’s missing.
• Error Messages During Printing: If you encounter errors while trying to “print” to XPS, ensure that your system has enough disk space and that the XPS viewer is correctly installed.
• Slow Printing to XPS: Large documents or complex formatting can sometimes slow down the creation of XPS files. Try simplifying the document or using a PDF printer for improved performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible that deleting the MXDW will cause a blue screen of death?

No, deleting the Microsoft XPS Document Writer is highly unlikely to cause a blue screen of death (BSOD). It’s a relatively isolated component, and its removal shouldn’t interfere with critical system functions.

Will I lose any important files if I uninstall the MXDW?

No. Uninstalling the MXDW will not delete any of your existing files. It only removes the ability to “print” to an XPS file. Your existing documents will remain untouched.

Can I reinstall the MXDW if I later decide I need it?

Yes, you can easily reinstall the Microsoft XPS Document Writer through the “Optional Features” section in Settings, just as you uninstalled it.

Does removing the MXDW free up a significant amount of storage space?

No, the Microsoft XPS Document Writer occupies a negligible amount of storage space. Its removal will not free up a noticeable amount of disk space.

Are there any security risks associated with keeping or deleting the MXDW?

Generally, no. The MXDW itself doesn’t pose any significant security risks. However, as with any software, it’s always advisable to keep your operating system and installed features updated to address any potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: Making the Right Decision

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to delete the Microsoft XPS Document Writer is a personal one. If you rarely, if ever, use the MXDW and prefer to work with PDF files, removing it is a safe and straightforward way to declutter your printer list. However, if you appreciate the convenience of creating XPS files, or if you work with documents that require digital signatures, keeping the MXDW installed makes sense. Carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages, consider your workflow, and make the choice that best suits your needs. You now have all the information you need to make an informed decision about the Microsoft XPS Document Writer.