XPS, or XML Paper Specification, is a Windows document format and print pathway designed to preserve page layout, fonts, and graphics across devices. In practice, Windows applications can generate XPS-like output as part of rendering, printing, or export workflows, so it often sits inside the same document pipeline that handles PDFs and print preview.
In cyber security, XPS matters because document rendering is an attack surface. Malformed files, unexpected fonts, or buggy converters can trigger crashes, data corruption, or denial of service in desktop apps, print services, and drivers. Defenders also care about XPS because it can be used to test whether an update has broken output paths, to isolate risky document-processing components, and to reduce exposure by limiting untrusted document handling. In short, XPS is not just a file type; it is part of the Windows graphics and print stack that can affect both reliability and security.