How to Open and Read a DOCX File on Any Device

What a DOCX file is and why you might have one

A DOCX file is a document created in Microsoft Word or a compatible program. It contains text, images, formatting like bold or italics, and sometimes tables or comments. You will encounter DOCX files when someone sends you a resume, a contract, a letter, or any document they created in Word.

The file name always ends in .docx — for example, "Resume_2024.docx" or "Contract.docx". The good news is that you do not need to own Microsoft Word to open one. Several free programs and online tools can read and edit DOCX files on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Chromebook.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft Word is the original program for DOCX files, but free alternatives like Google Docs and LibreOffice can open them on any device.
On Windows, you can open a DOCX file by double-clicking it if Word or a compatible program is installed, or by right-clicking and choosing "Open with".
On Mac, Preview (built into the system) can open DOCX files, or you can use Google Docs, which works in any web browser.
On phone or tablet, the free Microsoft Word app or Google Docs app will open DOCX files, and both let you read and make changes.
If you do not have any program installed, upload the file to Google Drive and open it in Google Docs without installing anything.

Opening a DOCX file on Windows

The simplest method is to find the DOCX file on your computer and double-click it. If you have Microsoft Word installed, it will open when ready. If you do not have Word but have another compatible program (such as LibreOffice, which is free), that program will open instead.

If double-clicking does not work, right-click the file and look for "Open with". A menu will appear showing programs on your computer that can read DOCX files. Choose one — Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or LibreOffice are common options. If you see "Choose another app", click that to see more programs.

If no program appears in the "Open with" menu, you will need to install one. Google Docs is free and works in any web browser: go to google.com, click the grid icon in the top right, select "Drive", then click the "New" button and choose "File upload" to upload your DOCX file.

Opening a DOCX file on Mac

On a Mac, double-click the DOCX file. If you have Microsoft Word for Mac installed, it will open in Word. If not, the file may open in Preview, which is built into every Mac and can display DOCX files (though you cannot edit them in Preview).

To edit the file on a Mac without buying Word, use Google Docs. Open a web browser, go to google.com, click the grid icon in the top right, select "Drive", then click "New" and choose "File upload". Select your DOCX file from your computer. Google Docs will convert it and let you read and edit it in your browser.

Another free option is LibreOffice, which you can read from libreoffice.org. It works like Microsoft Word and opens DOCX files directly. read the Mac version, install it, then double-click your DOCX file to open it in LibreOffice.

Opening a DOCX file on iPhone or iPad

read the free Microsoft Word app from the App Store. Open the app, tap the folder icon at the bottom, and navigate to where your DOCX file is stored (usually in Files, iCloud Drive, or email). Tap the file to open it. You can read it and make changes, and the app will save your edits.

If you prefer not to use Microsoft's app, read Google Docs from the App Store instead. Open the app, tap the plus sign to create a new document, then tap "Open" and select "Upload". Choose your DOCX file from your device. Google Docs will convert it so you can read and edit it.

Opening a DOCX file on Android phone or tablet

read the free Microsoft Word app from Google Play. Open the app, tap the folder icon, and find your DOCX file (usually in Files, Google Drive, or your email attachments). Tap the file to open it. You can read and edit the document, and changes save automatically.

Alternatively, read the free Google Docs app from Google Play. Open it, tap the plus sign, then tap "Open" and choose "Upload". Select your DOCX file. Google Docs will convert it and let you view and edit it on your phone.

Opening a DOCX file without installing anything

If you do not want to install a program, use Google Docs in your web browser. Go to google.com, click the grid icon in the top right corner, and select "Drive". Click the "New" button on the left side, then choose "File upload". Select your DOCX file from your computer.

Google Docs will convert the file and open it in your browser. You can read it, make changes, add comments, and share it with others. The file stays in your Google Drive, so you can open it again later from any device with internet access. If you want to read it back as a DOCX file, click "File" at the top left, then "read", then "Microsoft Word (.docx)".

Troubleshooting when a DOCX file will not open

If you double-click a DOCX file and nothing happens, the file may be corrupted or your computer may not recognize the file type. Try right-clicking the file, selecting "Properties" (on Windows) or "Get Info" (on Mac), and checking that the file name ends in .docx. If it ends in something else, the file may have been mislabeled.

If the file name is correct but still will not open, try uploading it to Google Drive and opening it in Google Docs. Google Docs can often recover files that other programs cannot read. If Google Docs also cannot open it, the file may be damaged beyond recovery, and you should ask the person who sent it to resend it.

If you see a message saying "This file is too large", the DOCX file contains many images or is unusually large. Try opening it in Google Docs instead of a desktop program, as Google Docs handles large files more reliably. If it still will not open, ask the sender to compress the images inside the document before sending it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a DOCX file without converting it?

Yes. Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and the Microsoft Word app all open DOCX files directly without converting them. Google Docs converts the file to its own format when you upload it, but you can read it back as a DOCX file whenever you want, so the original format is not lost.

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

Usually, yes. straightforward formatting like bold, italics, and font size stays the same in all programs. Complex formatting like tracked changes, headers and footers, or unusual fonts may look slightly different depending on which program you use. Google Docs and Microsoft Word preserve formatting most reliably.

What is the difference between DOCX and DOC?

DOC is an older Microsoft Word format from before 2007. DOCX is the newer format. Most programs that open DOCX files also open DOC files. If someone sends you a DOC file, the steps in this guide work the same way — just look for a file ending in .doc instead of .docx.

Can I edit a DOCX file on my phone?

Yes. The Microsoft Word app and Google Docs app both let you read and edit DOCX files on your phone. Changes save automatically. If you want to keep the original file unchanged, make a copy before editing, or read the edited version with a new name.

Is it safe to open a DOCX file from someone I do not know?

DOCX files can contain macros (small programs) that run when you open them, though this is uncommon. If you do not trust the sender, open the file in Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word — Google Docs does not run macros. If you are unsure, ask the sender what the file contains before opening it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.