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Fix Microsoft 365 Word and Excel Files Not Opening After Reinstall
Question details
Users are unable to open Word or Excel files by double-clicking after repairing, reinstalling Office, or performing a fresh Windows installation.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to open DOCX or XLSX files from the file explorer after a system or software reinstallation.
- Observed behavior
- The files fail to open and double-clicking only displays a continuous spinning loading indicator.
Ensure that your Windows operating system has finished all background updates after the fresh installation, and restart your computer to clear any temporary application locks.
Restore Default File Associations for Office Formats
Re-assigning default apps ensures Windows knows exactly which program to use when you double-click a document.
After a reinstall or a fresh Windows update, the registry keys linking .docx and .xlsx extensions to Word and Excel may become corrupted or unassigned. Manually setting the default apps will restore this functionality.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Windows Settings, or press Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
Click on Apps in the Settings menu, then select Default apps from the left-hand sidebar.
Scroll down and click the link that says 'Choose default apps by file type'.
Scroll through the list to find .docx and .xlsx. Click the application currently assigned next to them (or the '+' icon) and select Word for .docx and Excel for .xlsx.
Launch Office in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Use Safe Mode to bypass third-party add-ins that might be conflicting with the Office launch process.
Run a Malware Scan and System Diagnostics
Check for underlying system issues or malicious software preventing applications from executing correctly.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience
If Microsoft 365 continues to display spinning loading loops or refuses to open your files after reinstallation, consider using WPS Office. It is a completely free, fast, and lightweight alternative that requires no complex troubleshooting to get your work done.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the lightweight setup file and complete the installation in seconds.
- 3. Open Your Files Instantly: Right-click any .docx or .xlsx file, choose 'Open with WPS Office', and start editing without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my mouse just spin when I try to open a Word document?
A spinning cursor usually indicates that the application is stuck trying to load a background process, an incompatible add-in, or that Windows is struggling to identify the correct default program to handle the file.
Will repairing or reinstalling Microsoft Office delete my files?
No, uninstalling, repairing, or reinstalling Microsoft 365 only affects the application software. Your saved documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain completely safe on your local drive or cloud storage.
How do I force an Excel file to open if double-clicking fails?
Instead of double-clicking the file from Windows Explorer, try opening Excel first from your Start menu. Once the application is open, use the File > Open menu to browse for and launch your spreadsheet. If this works, your Windows file associations need to be reset.
