The fastest way to open a DOCX file depends on what you have installed

A DOCX file is a Word document created by Microsoft Office 2007 or later. If you double-click a DOCX file and nothing happens, or you see an error, your computer either doesn't have the right program installed or doesn't know which program to use. The easiest solution is usually the one you already have: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a free alternative like LibreOffice.

On Windows, DOCX files open in Microsoft Word by default if Word is installed. On Mac, the same is true. If you don't have Word, you can open DOCX files in Google Docs (free, online, no installation needed), Microsoft Word Online (free with a Microsoft account), or free desktop programs like LibreOffice or WPS Office. Each route takes a different amount of time and works differently, so the right choice depends on whether you want to edit the file, just read it, or keep it in a specific format.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice all open DOCX files without any conversion or special steps.
  • Google Docs and Word Online are free and require no installation, but you need an internet connection and a free account.
  • LibreOffice and WPS Office are free desktop programs that work offline and open DOCX files exactly as they appear in Word.
  • If a DOCX file won't open by double-clicking, you can right-click it, choose "Open with", and pick a program from the list.
  • Microsoft Word costs money, but Word Online (part of Microsoft 365) is free if you have a Microsoft account.

Opening a DOCX file in Microsoft Word

If you own Microsoft Word (either as a standalone purchase or through Microsoft 365), opening a DOCX file is automatic. Double-click the file and it opens in Word. If it doesn't, right-click the file, select "Open with", and choose Microsoft Word from the list. On Windows, Word appears as "Microsoft Word" or "Word". On Mac, it appears as "Microsoft Word".

If you have Word installed but the file still won't open, the file may be corrupted or the file extension may be wrong. Try opening Word first, then going to File > Open and navigating to the file manually. If Word opens the file successfully this way, the problem is just that Windows or Mac doesn't know to use Word by default — you can fix this by right-clicking the file, choosing "Open with" > "Choose another app" (Windows) or "Get Info" > "Open with" (Mac), selecting Word, and checking the box that says "Always use this app".

Opening a DOCX file in Google Docs (free, online)

Google Docs opens DOCX files in your web browser and requires no installation. Go to docs.google.com, sign in with your Google account (or create one free), and click the "File upload" button or drag and drop a DOCX file onto the page. Google Docs converts the file to its own format and opens it for editing. You can download it back as a DOCX file at any time by going to File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).

Google Docs works on any device with a web browser and an internet connection, including phones and tablets. The trade-off is that you need to be online to edit, and some complex formatting from Word (like certain styles or tracked changes) may not display exactly as they do in Word. For most everyday documents, Google Docs handles DOCX files well enough that you won't notice a difference.

Opening a DOCX file in Word Online (free with a Microsoft account)

Microsoft Word Online is a free version of Word that runs in your web browser. Go to office.com, sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one free), and upload a DOCX file or open one from your OneDrive storage. Word Online looks and works much like the desktop version of Word, and it preserves formatting more accurately than Google Docs does.

Like Google Docs, Word Online requires an internet connection and a free account. The advantage over Google Docs is that Word Online is made by Microsoft and handles Word formatting more reliably. The disadvantage is that some advanced features (like mail merge or certain macros) don't work in the online version. For reading and basic editing, Word Online is usually the better choice if you already have a Microsoft account.

Opening a DOCX file in LibreOffice (free, desktop program)

LibreOffice is a free, open-source office suite that opens DOCX files on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Download it from libreoffice.org, install it, and double-click a DOCX file — it opens in LibreOffice Writer. LibreOffice handles most DOCX files accurately, though very complex formatting or embedded objects may not display exactly as they do in Word.

LibreOffice works offline and doesn't require an account. It's a good choice if you want a free desktop program that feels similar to Word. The learning curve is minimal if you've used Word before. You can save files as DOCX, PDF, or LibreOffice's native format (.odt). LibreOffice is slower to start than Word and uses more memory, but for occasional use it's a solid free alternative.

Opening a DOCX file in WPS Office (free, desktop program)

WPS Office is a free office suite available on Windows and Mac that opens DOCX files in a program called Writer. Download it from wps.com, install it, and double-click a DOCX file to open it. WPS Office is designed to look and work very similarly to Microsoft Office, so if you're familiar with Word, the interface will feel familiar.

WPS Office works offline and doesn't require an account. The free version includes ads, but you can remove them with a paid subscription. Like LibreOffice, WPS Office handles most DOCX files well, though complex formatting may not be perfect. WPS Office is lighter and faster than LibreOffice, making it a good choice if your computer is older or has limited memory.

Setting a default program to open DOCX files

If you have multiple programs installed that can open DOCX files, you can choose which one opens by default when you double-click a file. On Windows, right-click a DOCX file, select "Open with" > "Choose another app", pick the program you want, and check the box that says "Always use this app to open .docx files". On Mac, right-click a DOCX file, select "Get Info", click the dropdown next to "Open with", choose your program, and click "Change All".

If you don't see your preferred program in the list, it may not be installed, or it may not be registered to open DOCX files. Install the program first, then try again. If it still doesn't appear, you can usually open the program manually and then open the file from within the program using File > Open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I see an error message when I try to open a DOCX file?

The most common error is "Windows cannot open this file" or "The file is not supported". This usually means no program on your computer is set to open DOCX files. Install one of the free programs listed above (Google Docs, LibreOffice, or WPS Office), or install Microsoft Word. If you already have one of these installed, try right-clicking the file and choosing "Open with" to pick the program manually.

Can I open a DOCX file on my phone?

Yes. On iPhone or iPad, download the free Microsoft Word app or Google Docs app from the App Store, then open the DOCX file from your email, cloud storage, or Files app. On Android, download the free Microsoft Word app or Google Docs app from Google Play, then open the file the same way. Both apps let you read and edit DOCX files.

What's the difference between DOCX and DOC?

DOC is an older Word format from before 2007. DOCX is the newer format. All modern programs open both, but DOCX files are smaller and more compatible. If you have an old DOC file, you can open it in any of the programs listed above, and you can save it as DOCX if you want.

Will the formatting stay the same when I open a DOCX file in a different program?

Most formatting stays the same in Google Docs, Word Online, LibreOffice, and WPS Office. However, very complex formatting (like certain styles, tracked changes, or embedded objects) may not display exactly as it does in Microsoft Word. For everyday documents, the difference is usually not noticeable.

Do I need to convert a DOCX file to open it?

No. DOCX files open directly in any of the programs listed above without conversion. You only need to convert a DOCX file if you want to save it in a different format, like PDF or plain text.