How to print emails or save them as XPS with the Mail Windows 8 app

Win 8 Mail print

Although the Mail app for Windows 8 was designed to be simple to use, the new Microsoft application model has moved to a chromeless design, where apps are center focus and settings are hidden away from the end-user.

This means that many features for new users will remain hidden until they do a search online and learn how perform certain task like, for example, the task of sending a message to a local printer or just save an email as XPS file format — the equivalent to PDF file format, but it is a Microsoft owned technology –.

If this is your case follow these simple steps to print your emails:

How to print emails as XPS using Mail

  1. Open the Mail app.

  2. Use the Windows key + C keyboard shortcut to bring charms, and click/tap Devices.

  3. Select the printer.

    Devices > Mail > printer

    Adjust the printer’s settings or if you need to access the advanced printer configuration, simply click More settings. When you are done configuring the settings, click back arrow button and then hit Print.

    Print message Mail Mail print advanced settings

If you need to print a message as file, simply use the Microsoft XPS Document Writer option and save the email to your desktop as an XPS file.

Even though this was a pretty simple task, you can do the same even quicker by simply using the Windows key + P keyboard shortcut, selecting the printer and clicking Print.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].