Tips to open DOCX file
Can't open the DOCX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DOCX files as well as a list of programs that support DOCX files.
DOCX file extension
| File Name |
Microsoft Word Open XML Document |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Text Files |
The DOCX file is supported on 5 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DOCX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DOCX file on each system platform.
What is DOCX file?
A .DOCX file is a Microsoft Word document. It is the main format used by this application since version 2007. The format is the successor to the .DOC format. Although the newer format is also supported by other office suites, many people are used to using .DOC files to ensure compatibility. A .DOCX file is actually a ZIP archive that contains files based on the Open XML specification. Functionally, this allows for greater possibilities and faster operation of the application.
How to open DOCX file?
The main problem with Microsoft Word Open XML Document is that the DOCX file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open DOCX, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DOCX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Microsoft Word
In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Word application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Word into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support DOCX files.
Programs to open DOCX file
Remember to download programs supporting DOCX files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Word with DOCX files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the DOCX file to open in the Microsoft Word application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the DOCX file with the Microsoft Word application.
Step 3. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version
If, however, after binding Microsoft Word with Microsoft Word Open XML Document there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DOCX file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
The DOCX file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the DOCX file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file DOCX or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected DOCX files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the DOCX files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged DOCX files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DOCX files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. It is best to move DOCX to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DOCX file again. However, some background programs may block the DOCX file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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