- Broad format support: Open about 500 document, image, media, archive, ebook, email and 2D CAD formats.
- Automatic detection: Identify the file type and load the matching viewer module.
- Office and text editing: View, edit and print supported Word, Excel and text files.
- Conversion tools: Convert images and ebooks and extract common archive formats.
- Windows Store delivery: Install and update the app through Microsoft Store.
Universal File Viewer
Lightweight Windows app for opening hundreds of file formats quickly
Updated August 11, 2026
Universal File Viewer Overview
Universal File Viewer is a Windows Store application for opening about 500 document, image, audio, video, archive, email, ebook, and 2D CAD formats. It detects the file type and loads a matching viewer.
The app can also edit some Word, Excel, and text files, convert images and ebooks, and extract common archives. Its exact tools depend on the format, so it works best as a broad file utility rather than a replacement for every specialist editor.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | $0 | Many supported formats remain available after the trial |
| Seven-day full trial | $0 for 7 days | Access to all supported formats |
| Premium | In-app price not publicly shown | All formats and full feature set |
The download is free and all formats are available during a seven-day trial. Many formats stay free afterward, while Premium unlocks the remaining formats and features; Microsoft Store does not show the public in-app amount.
Pricing source: Universal File Viewer on Microsoft Store
Pros
| Compared with | Why this product may fit better |
|---|---|
| FreeFileViewer | Universal File Viewer lists about 500 formats and includes Office, email, CAD, archive and disc support. FreeFileViewer covers fewer modern use cases and does not offer the same broad Windows Store package. |
| File Viewer Plus | Many formats remain free after Universal File Viewer's trial, so an occasional user can start without buying a desktop license. File Viewer Plus charges for its fuller editing and conversion workflow. |
| Files by Google | Universal File Viewer can edit some Word, Excel and text files and can inspect email and CAD formats. Files by Google manages Android storage well, but it is not a Windows desktop viewer for those jobs. |
Cons
| Compared with | Where this product may fall short |
|---|---|
| FreeFileViewer | FreeFileViewer presents its supported viewer as a continuing free product. Universal File Viewer opens every format only during a seven-day trial, then asks for Premium on a subset. |
| File Viewer Plus | File Viewer Plus publishes its license prices and has a more established batch conversion workflow. Universal File Viewer does not show the Premium amount on its public Store page, which makes the final cost harder to compare. |
| Files by Google | Files by Google works on Android and is built for phone storage, sharing and cleanup. Universal File Viewer is Windows-only, so it cannot help with the same mobile files away from a PC. |
Reviews
- Microsoft Store reviews: Microsoft Store lists 3.7/5 from 1,395 ratings. A current August 2026 review says the app opened files that had previously been inaccessible, while the listing itself makes clear that every format is available only during the seven-day trial and a subset later requires Premium.
