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.DOCX file extension

To open .DOCX files on Windows, open with Microsoft Word by double-clicking the file.

.docx files are text documents that can be opened with Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, or Google Docs. To open a .docx file, use any compatible office suite on your device.

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Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description plausibly matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps. Not every step was tested on every OS version.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: external links should point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; not every detail is individually sourced.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless. Pages without “Reviewed by” have not been through this editorial pass yet.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .DOCX files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .DOCX files safely.

Windows

  1. Open with Microsoft Word by double-clicking the file.
  2. If Word is not installed, use LibreOffice Writer or Google Docs online.

Recommended software: Microsoft Word · LibreOffice Writer (free) · Word for the web (free with a Microsoft account)

Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Open with Microsoft Word for Mac or Apple Pages.
  2. Alternatively, use LibreOffice for a free option.

Recommended software: Pages (built in) · Microsoft Word · LibreOffice Writer (free)

Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Open with LibreOffice Writer or OnlyOffice.
  2. Ensure compatibility by installing Microsoft core fonts.

Recommended software: LibreOffice Writer (free) · OnlyOffice Desktop Editors (free)

Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Open using Microsoft Word app or Apple Pages from the Files app.

Recommended software: Pages (free) · Microsoft Word (free for viewing) · Google Docs

Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Use Microsoft Word mobile app or Google Docs to open the file.

Recommended software: Google Docs · Microsoft Word (free for viewing)

Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Avoid opening DOCX files from unknown email attachments.
  • Check document properties for suspicious links or content.
  • Disable macros unless you trust the source of the document.

Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .DOCX files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • Formatting issues when opened in different software
  • Corrupted DOCX file
  • "Word found unreadable content in file.docx. Do you want to recover the contents of this document?"
  • The document opens in Protected View and you cannot edit it

Fix steps

  1. Ensure all necessary fonts are installed.
  2. Use the original software for editing if possible.
  3. Convert the document to PDF for consistent viewing.

Repair a damaged .DOCX file

If the file opens with errors or not at all, a dedicated repair tool can often rebuild it. Work on a copy and keep the original file untouched.

Wondershare Repairit (Files and Photos)

Repairs damaged Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and ZIP files as well as corrupt photos.

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Recover a deleted or lost .DOCX file

If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.

Wondershare Recoverit

Windows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .DOCX to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .DOCX files into formats your software supports.

What is a .DOCX file?

DOCX is a file format introduced by Microsoft as part of the Office Open XML standard. It uses a combination of XML and ZIP compression to store documents with text, images, and other media. This format is designed for compatibility and efficient storage.

Background

The DOCX file format was introduced by Microsoft in 2007 with the release of Office 2007, replacing the older DOC format. It was developed as part of the Office Open XML standard to provide a more open and flexible file format that could be used across different platforms and applications. DOCX files are popular in business, education, and personal use for creating and sharing documents that include text, images, tables, and other multimedia elements. The format's use of XML allows for better data recovery and integration with other software systems. As a compressed format, DOCX files are generally smaller in size compared to their predecessors, making them easier to share and store. Additionally, the format supports advanced features like comments, track changes, and various layout options, making it a versatile choice for document creation.

Common MIME types: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document

Known aliases: .word

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .DOCX format.

Common .DOCX issues

Formatting issues when opened in different software

Fonts and styles may appear differently across various office suites.

  1. Ensure all necessary fonts are installed.
  2. Use the original software for editing if possible.
  3. Convert the document to PDF for consistent viewing.

Corrupted DOCX file

The file may not open or display an error message.

  1. Use the 'Open and Repair' feature in Microsoft Word.
  2. Attempt recovery through cloud storage version history.

"Word found unreadable content in file.docx. Do you want to recover the contents of this document?"

Word shows this when part of the file's XML is damaged, often after an interrupted download, a sync conflict or a crash while saving.

  1. Click "Yes" to let Word recover what it can, then save the result under a new name.
  2. If that fails, use File → Open → Browse, select the file and choose "Open and Repair" from the Open button's arrow.
  3. Open the file in LibreOffice Writer or Word for the web; they sometimes read files Word rejects.
  4. As a last resort, rename a copy to .zip and extract word/document.xml; it contains the raw text.

The document opens in Protected View and you cannot edit it

Word marks files from the internet or email as untrusted and opens them read-only.

  1. Check that the file comes from a trusted sender.
  2. Then click "Enable Editing" in the yellow bar at the top.

FAQ

Can DOCX files contain viruses?

While DOCX files themselves are not executable, they can contain malicious macros or links. Always scan files from untrusted sources.

How can I convert a DOCX file to PDF?

Use the 'Save As' or 'Export' feature in Microsoft Word or LibreOffice to convert the file to PDF.

Similar file extensions

Compare related formats in the same category to find the right tool faster.

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