How to download Microsoft XPS Essentials- package

Sofie Z 0 Reputation points
2026-06-22T12:58:27.99+00:00

Hello

When trying to add a printout of my PDF into OneNote, it tells me I have to download the Microsoft XPS Essentials- package. When I click "yes", then i get to the Microsoft Download Center where it says that the download doesn't exist. I've seen someone explain that it was taken down due to the fact that this function is automatically part of Windows 10. I am using Windows 11 and it does not work for me anymore, even though it was just working a little while ago. I would appreciate some help :)

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For education | Windows

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  1. Helen Luu 2,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-22T15:12:36.4+00:00

    Hello @Sofie Z,

    It appears that you are experiencing an issue when inserting a PDF file using the “File Printout” feature in OneNote.

    To better assist you, could you please provide the following details:

    • Which version of OneNote are you using (OneNote 2016/2021/2024 or OneNote for Microsoft 365)?
    • Does this issue occur with all PDF files, or only with specific ones?
    • If possible, could you share how the PDF files were created (for example, generated from an application or received from another user)?

    Additionally, you may try saving a .docx file as a PDF, then attempt to insert it again using the File Printout feature to see if the issue persists. If it cannot reproduce the issue, it could be a problem of the PDF file. Therefore, you can refer to Solution 2 in the following article and try the suggested steps: Troubleshoot when you can't insert a PDF Printout in Class Notebook - Microsoft Support

    Please let me know if there are any updates or if you need further assistance.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-22T12:58:42.8433333+00:00

    In this scenario, instead of trying to install the old Microsoft XPS Essentials Pack, use one of the supported workarounds for inserting PDFs into OneNote on Windows 11.

    A reliable method is to print the PDF to OneNote from a browser:

    1. Open the PDF in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
    2. Select File > Print.
    3. Choose Send to OneNote 2016 as the printer.
    4. When prompted, select the section or page in OneNote where the PDF printout should be inserted.
    5. Select OK.

    This bypasses the XPS requirement and inserts the PDF pages as a printout directly into OneNote.

    If the PDF still cannot be inserted as a printout from OneNote itself, also ensure a PDF viewer that can print (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader) is installed and set as the default, then try again.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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