Open files with DOCX extension quick and easy. 4 steps
It can be very frustrating when you have a DOCX file and you cannot open it. But do not worry, in most cases solution to your problem is very simple. Follow the instruction in steps 1-4 listed below and you should be able to solve your problem and open the DOCX file with ease.
DOCX File Extension
- File type Microsoft Word Open XML Document
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Text Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) DOCX file?
The .DOCX extension is characteristic of text documents created in Microsoft Word, which is part of the Office Suite. The file created in the Open XML format stores XML files compressed into the .ZIP format, and the _rels, docProps and Word folders that store the correct content of the document, formatting information as well as graphics and other elements present in the document.
How to open DOCX file?
DOCX file icon should be displayed in a manner characteristic to the program which supports such file type. If DOCX file icon is of the form of generic blank page icon or similar it means that given format is not associated with any program installed on the system. Below are listed some of the most popular causes of such situation
Check the DOCX file for errors
- No program that supports DOCX files is installed on the system
- No program that supports DOCX files is associated with this extension (system registry has no entries related to programs that should be used to open DOCX files)
- The file is of unknown or unverified origin and is most probably infected. In such case user must exercise extreme caution in order not to allow the virus propagate to other files in the system (follow the instructions displayed in the dialog box in your antivirus software.
- DOCX file may be incomplete, which will prevent the system from opening it (this could be the case with file downloaded from the internet or copied from other sources)
- The file is corrupted
How to solve encountered problems?
In order to solve the following problems, follow the instructions:
Step 1. Select, download and install relevant software. The list of programs supporting files with DOCX extension can be found below:
Programs that can open DOCX files
Step 2. Associate software supporting DOCX with this file format
- Right-click on the DOCX file
- Select "Open with" option
- Choose appropriate program from the list and select the location where the program is installed
- Confirm your selection by clicking on the "OK" button
Step 3. Scan the DOCX file using an antivirus software
Step 4. Verify whether the file has been properly downloaded from the internet or copied from an external storage medium. If not, then re-download or copy the file again.
In 95% of cases following these steps should solve problems with DOCX files. Sometimes, although rarely, the cause of encountered problems may be different.
Last resort – an IT expert
Should all the above-mentioned solutions fail to resolve problems with DOCX file extensions, there is one last thing you can do – contact an IT expert. You can also try to contact one of the developers of software that supports DOCX files.
