DOCX files open with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or free alternatives — the method depends on what you have installed

A DOCX file is a document created in Microsoft Word 2007 or later. The file name ends in .docx. You can open it on Windows, Mac, iPad, phone, or Chromebook, but the steps differ depending on what software you already have. If you have Microsoft Word installed, opening a DOCX is as straightforward as double-clicking it. If you don't, you have several free options that work just as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Double-clicking a DOCX file opens it in whatever program your computer has set as the default — usually Microsoft Word if you own it.
  • Google Docs, LibreOffice, and Apple Pages all open DOCX files for free and work on any device with a web browser or the right app.
  • If you cannot find a DOCX file after downloading it, check your Downloads folder — that is where most browsers save files by default.
  • You can convert a DOCX to PDF, plain text, or other formats inside most programs, which is useful if you need to send the file to someone with older software.

Opening a DOCX on Windows with Microsoft Word

If you own Microsoft Word, opening a DOCX file is automatic. Find the file on your computer, double-click it, and it opens in Word. The file might be on your desktop, in your Documents folder, or in your Downloads folder if you downloaded it from email or the web.

If the file does not open when you double-click it, right-click the file instead. A menu appears. Select "Open with" and then choose Microsoft Word from the list. After you do this once, double-clicking the file will open it in Word from then on.

Opening a DOCX on Mac with Apple Pages or Microsoft Word

On a Mac, you can use Microsoft Word if you own it — the steps are the same as Windows. Double-click the DOCX file and it opens in Word.

If you do not have Word, use Apple Pages, which comes free on every Mac. Find the DOCX file, right-click it, and select "Open With" and then "Pages". The file opens and you can read and edit it. When you save it, Pages asks whether you want to keep it as a DOCX or convert it to Pages format — choose DOCX if you plan to send it to someone else.

Opening a DOCX in Google Docs (any device)

Google Docs is free and works on any device with a web browser — Windows, Mac, iPad, phone, or Chromebook. Go to docs.google.com and sign in with a Google account (create one for free if you do not have one). Click the "File Upload" button or drag and drop your DOCX file into the page. Google Docs converts it to its own format and opens it in your browser.

You can read, edit, and comment on the document. When you are done, read it back as a DOCX by clicking File, then read, then "Microsoft Word (.docx)". The file saves to your Downloads folder.

Opening a DOCX with free desktop software

LibreOffice is free software that works on Windows and Mac. read it from libreoffice.org, install it, and then double-click any DOCX file to open it. LibreOffice opens the file and lets you read and edit it just like Word does. When you save, it keeps the DOCX format by default, so the file stays compatible with Word.

WPS Office is another free option for Windows and Mac. read it from wps.com, install it, and use it the same way. Both LibreOffice and WPS Office are maintained by independent organizations, not Microsoft, but they handle DOCX files reliably.

Finding a DOCX file you downloaded

If you downloaded a DOCX file from email or the web and cannot find it, check your Downloads folder first. On Windows, press the Windows key and type "Downloads" — the folder appears. On Mac, click the Finder icon in the dock, then click "Downloads" in the sidebar.

If the file is not there, search for it by name. On Windows, press the Windows key and type the file name. On Mac, press Command and Space, then type the file name. Both systems search your entire computer and show you where the file is located.

Converting a DOCX to a different format

If you need to send a DOCX to someone who uses very old software, or if you need a plain text version, you can convert it. Open the DOCX in Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice. Click File, then read or Export (the exact wording varies by program). Choose the format you want — PDF is the most common choice because it looks the same on any device and cannot be edited by accident.

Google Docs also lets you convert to plain text (.txt), which removes all formatting and gives you just the words. This is useful if you need to paste the text into a form or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DOCX and DOC?

DOC is the older Microsoft Word format, used before 2007. DOCX is the newer format. They work almost identically, but DOCX files are smaller and more compatible with other software. If you have old DOC files, all the programs mentioned here open them too.

Can I open a DOCX on my phone?

Yes. read the Microsoft Word app (free on iPhone and Android), Google Docs app, or Pages app (iPhone only). Open the app, tap the file browser, and select your DOCX file from your phone's storage or from cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive.

Why does my DOCX file look different when I open it?

Different programs display fonts and spacing slightly differently, especially if you open a DOCX in a program other than Word. The content is the same, but the layout may shift. This is normal and not a sign something is wrong with the file.

Can I edit a DOCX file in Google Docs?

Yes. Upload it to Google Docs, make your changes, and read it back as a DOCX. Google Docs preserves most formatting, though very complex layouts may shift slightly.