How to View and Use PDF, XPS, and TIFF Files with the Reader App in Windows

The Reader app, developed by Microsoft, is included in the standard Windows experience, making it a handy tool for viewing various document formats such as PDF, XPS, and TIFF. Although many users rely on third-party applications for this purpose, the Reader app offers a user-friendly and integrated solution available in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

Contents

  1. How to Start the Reader App in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
  2. How to Open PDF, XPS, and TIFF Files in the Reader App
  3. How to Open Multiple Files Simultaneously in the Reader App
  4. How to Open Files in a New Window in the Reader App
  5. How to Print Files from the Reader App
  6. How to Rotate Files in the Reader App
  7. How to View Bookmarks Inside a File and Use Them in the Reader App
  8. How to Save the File with a Different Name in the Reader App
  9. How to Jump to a Certain Page in Your File Using the Reader App
  10. How to Switch Between Viewing Modes in the Reader App
  11. How to Search Through a PDF or XPS Document in the Reader App
  12. How to Highlight Text and Add Notes in the Reader App
  13. Conclusion
NOTE: This guide applies to computers and devices running Windows 10 and Windows 8.1.

How to Start the Reader App in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

In Windows 8.1, the Reader app comes bundled with the operating system. Here’s how to start it:

  1. Locate the app through your list of applications and click on its shortcut.
  2. Alternatively, type its name on the Start screen and select it from the results.
  3. For Windows 10 users, look for the app in the Apps list or type "reader" into Cortana's search box.

How to start the Reader app in Windows

How to Open PDF, XPS, and TIFF Files in the Reader App

If the Reader app is set as the default application for PDF, XPS, and TIFF files, simply double-click on the file to open it.

If you need to set the Reader app as the default for these formats, check out this guide: The easy way to set your default apps in Windows 8.1 & Windows 10.

Opening files in the Reader app

How to Open Multiple Files Simultaneously in the Reader App

The Reader app allows simultaneous opening of multiple documents. Here's how:

  1. Open the first file, then right-click or swipe upwards on the screen.
  2. Click the "Open another file" button.
  3. Select "Open file in new tab" from the dropdown menu.

NOTE: You can only open five files at a time; exceeding this limit will close the oldest file.

How to Open Files in a New Window in the Reader App

If you need to view two files simultaneously, start by opening the first file. Then, right-click on it and select the "Open in a new window" option from the menu that appears.

Open in a new window

Conclusion

The Microsoft Reader app offers a straightforward and effective way to manage and view your PDF, XPS, and TIFF files. With a range of functionalities, from opening multiple files to printing, this guide provides you with all the essential tips to enhance your productivity. For further information, please refer to the relevant sections in this article.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

37 Comments

  1. Rachel B. -

    Am I the only one who thinks the Reader app is underrated? It handles files really well

  2. Huyền Lizzie -

    So happy I stumbled upon this article! It’s been a lifesaver for my projects dealing with various file formats

  3. Tina W. -

    I just want to say how grateful I am for articles like this! They empower users to explore tech

  4. Nancy Green -

    If anyone’s having trouble with XPS files, the Reader app is super intuitive! You won’t regret trying it

  5. Bobby H -

    The interface of the Reader app is clean and simple. Makes my life so much easier!

  6. Petey the Cat -

    After reading this, I’m going to give the Reader app a shot for my school projects. Fingers crossed

  7. Jessie & Friends -

    This guide is so well-explained! I will definitely be sharing it with my study group

  8. Rudy Tech -

    I totally agree! I shared this with my colleagues so they could ease their workloads too

  9. Chloe99 -

    If you're struggling with PDFs, definitely read this! It changed my approach to file management!

  10. David 1234 -

    Pretty cool info! I just used the Reader app for XPS files and it worked great! Highly recommend!

  11. Tommy -

    Great read! You should also check out the settings for better performance

  12. Kathy White -

    I’ve found that the Reader app really streamlines my workflow with PDFs. Love it!

  13. Sarah082 -

    I was curious about the different file types. This answered a lot of my questions about viewing methods!

  14. Owen & Co -

    I used to feel lost with file types. This guide made everything clear! Thanks!

  15. Kevin -

    Anyone else think that reading PDFs on a computer is better than on mobile? Just me

  16. Mèo con -

    Wow, I can't believe I was missing out on how to view TIFF files easily! Thanks for the guide

  17. Jenna -

    If anyone has tips on organizing all these files using the Reader app, I'd love to hear them!

  18. Rachel -

    I wish I had known this sooner! I wasted so much time trying to convert files before finding this method

  19. Hương KT -

    I really appreciate the step-by-step instructions! It makes it so easy to view files without stress.

  20. Andy IT -

    Came here looking for info and ended up learning something new today! Thanks!

  21. Sara Wilson -

    Question! Can the Reader app annotate PDF files as well? I need to add comments for my study notes.

  22. Beta Geek -

    Can’t wait to try out the Reader app for TIFF files! I was always using separate software for that!

  23. Linda M. -

    Why didn’t I find this sooner? It’s such a lifesaver for anyone dealing with documents

  24. Claire -

    Does anyone know if the Reader app supports batch printing for PDF files? That would be a game changer!

  25. Mike 45 -

    OMG! I just tried it out and it works like a charm! I'm going to share this with my friends

  26. Zoe xoxo -

    Just tried using the Reader app for PDFs, and I love the new features! Makes reading so much easier

  27. Quang vn -

    Could someone explain how to set this app to default for all PDF files? I find it quite annoying switching every time

  28. Linh mèo -

    I had no idea TIFF files could be opened with the Reader app. How many other formats am I missing

  29. Emily Smith -

    This article is super helpful! I never knew I could use the Reader app to view TIFF files. Just what I needed!

  30. John Doe -

    Thanks for sharing this! I've always struggled with PDF files, but it looks like the Reader app makes it easier to manage them

  31. Frank IT -

    I use the Reader app daily for my work, and these tips are going to be super useful

  32. Max The Dog -

    This article made me feel like a tech wizard! Thanks for breaking everything down!

  33. Gerry P -

    I wish I'd known about all these features earlier. The Reader app has totally upgraded my document handling

  34. Sam Lee -

    I've been using the Reader app for months and didn’t realize it could handle TIFFs. Such a nice surprise

  35. Nick J. -

    For those who still have questions about using the Reader app, there are tons of forums online for troubleshooting

  36. Cathy C. -

    Just had an issue with a corrupt PDF and learned the Reader app could help recover it. Amazing!

  37. Panda Paws -

    I love how user-friendly the Reader app is! It seriously saved me a lot of headaches this week

Leave a Comment

Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Installing more RAM is the most effective solution to speed up your computer. Even if your computer is new, after only a few years of use, you will have to install more RAM to ensure better speed. In addition, new operating systems also require more memory. When a computer does not have enough RAM, it will exchange data streams with the hard drive, and that is the reason why your system runs slowly.

Instructions for canceling Gemini Advanced subscription

Instructions for canceling Gemini Advanced subscription

Gemini Advanced is a paid subscription from Google that gives you access to more advanced AI models. After signing up for the Gemini Advanced plan, if you no longer need to use it, you should cancel the Gemini Advanced plan, according to the article below.

Instructions for installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine, installing Windows 11 on VMware

Instructions for installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine, installing Windows 11 on VMware

In this article, WebTech360 will guide you how to install and experience Windows 11 on VMWare virtual machine.

How to group layers in Canva

How to group layers in Canva

Grouping layers in Canva makes your design more professional and also makes it easier to edit and work with your design.

Instructions for turning on communication safety to protect children using iPhone

Instructions for turning on communication safety to protect children using iPhone

Safe Communication will blur sensitive images received on your child's iPhone via Messages, AirDrop. Here's how to use Safe Communication on iPhone.

DTCL Season 14 Marksman Squad, DTCL Season 14 Marksman Build

DTCL Season 14 Marksman Squad, DTCL Season 14 Marksman Build

Marksmen return in TFT season 14 and are still a powerful class with outstanding long-range physical damage.

How to fix sound errors on Windows 10, fix Win 10 sound errors

How to fix sound errors on Windows 10, fix Win 10 sound errors

Some computers after upgrading to Windows 10 version have the problem of losing sound. We can check the audio device connections to the computer, or adjust the sound settings on the operating system.

How to use sounds in ScratchJR

How to use sounds in ScratchJR

In this article students will learn how to add sounds and use sounds in ScratchJR for each of their characters.

Instructions for learning English on ScratchJR

Instructions for learning English on ScratchJR

ScratchJR helps students create command-based programs for characters, and you can use it to build a foreign language learning program on ScratchJR.

How to create and manage iMessage iPhone chat groups

How to create and manage iMessage iPhone chat groups

The iPhone iMessage group chat feature helps us text and chat more easily with many people, instead of sending individual messages.

Instructions for setting nicknames for friends accounts on TikTok

Instructions for setting nicknames for friends accounts on TikTok

TikTok has an option to set a nickname for your friends' accounts to choose a name that is easier to remember in your friend list. This article will guide you to set a nickname for your friends' accounts on TikTok.

Guide to improving services and search in Edge

Guide to improving services and search in Edge

Search and service improvement is a setting in Microsoft Edge that lets the company use your web search data to improve your search and web experience.

Instructions to change Weibo password on phone, computer

Instructions to change Weibo password on phone, computer

Weibo accounts also have options to edit the account, such as changing the Weibo password. Here are instructions for changing the Weibo password.

How to write stylish text on Claude AI

How to write stylish text on Claude AI

Claude AI now allows you to choose from a variety of text writing styles so users get the text they need.

How to recover deleted messages on iPhone, recover iPhone messages fastest

How to recover deleted messages on iPhone, recover iPhone messages fastest

There are several ways to recover deleted messages on iPhone, using iCloud, using iTunes, and using third-party apps.