How to fix XPS print error: Memory allocation failure

by Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Editor-in-Chief
Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming... read more
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  • There's nothing more confusing than an XPS print error: Memory allocation failure, especially if you're new to printers.
  • But there's an easy fix for this one, and we're guiding you step by step, so keep reading.
  • We've documented a lot of common issues with various brands in a separate printers section.
  • There's a fix for any trouble you might have with your computer, apps, or peripherals, and you should find in our Troubleshooting Hub.
xps printer error memory allocation failure

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XPS stands for XML Paper Specification, which is an alternative to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). This is a format that comes with any Windows OS, since Windows also offers extensive support. 

XPS is also the preferred document format in the current versions of Windows since it can be read from multiple programs. While you can create .xps files using any program that you can print from, you can only view XPS documents by using an XPS Viewer.

Unfortunately, when it comes to printing XPS documents, users have reported an error that they frequently get, no matter the printer they’re using: XPS Print Error: Memory allocation failure.

How do I fix an XPS print error?

The error is oftentimes caused by mismatch issues in the operating system related to the printer driver.

Consequently, the successful solution applied in this case proved to be changing the default XPS driver or class driver with the manufacturer’s PS printer driver or a PCL printer driver.

memory allocation failure printer

Note that when you install a printer, if you allow Windows to do all the settings, it will automatically install the XPS driver. 

  1. On your device, open Settings.
  2. Click on Devices > Printers & Scanners > your printer > Manage Printer >Printer Properties > Advanced tab.
  3. If you don’t see an alternative to the printer driver (i.e. if you did not install PCL or PS driver components during the printer installation) > go to your printer’s manufacturer site.
  4. Search for the universal printer driver or PostScript driver.
  5. Download and install. Make sure it is the v3 version, not v4, since v3 is more flexible.
  6. During the installation, you might be prompted to provide your IP address so have it at hand.
  7. You might have to reboot the computer.

Additionally, users also suggested to change PDL settings (Printer Drive Language) from PCL XL to PCL 5e (also found in Printer Properties, as shown above).

We hope that this solution helped you fix the XPS printing error. If you have any further suggestions, please submit them in the comments section below.

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