File Format & Compatibility

How to Convert WPS Files Using Microsoft Word or 365

Ayan Masood Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to open, edit, and convert a document with a .wps file extension into a standard format using Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Word.

How to Convert WPS Files in Microsoft 365 or Word

Product: Microsoft 365 / WPS Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open or convert a .wps document in Microsoft Word.
Observed behavior: The user needs the correct procedure to handle the .wps extension, as Word opens legacy Microsoft Works files but lacks a native filter for modern WPS Office files.

Before you start

Check your file's origin to determine if your .wps file is a legacy Microsoft Works document (created before 2009) or a modern document created using the WPS Office suite, as this changes how you can convert it.

Solution 1Recommended

Convert Legacy Microsoft Works (.wps) Files in Word

Use Microsoft Word's built-in compatibility to natively open and convert old Microsoft Works documents into the standard DOCX format.

Microsoft 365 and newer versions of Microsoft Word retain legacy support for Microsoft Works files. If the file was created using Microsoft Works (discontinued in 2009), Word can usually convert it automatically.

Open Microsoft 365 or Word

Launch your Microsoft Word desktop application or Microsoft 365.

Browse for the WPS File

Go to 'File' > 'Open' > 'Browse', locate your .wps file in your system directories, and select 'Open'.

Save as a New Format

After the file successfully opens and loads its contents, go to 'File' > 'Save As' (or 'Save a Copy').

Select Output Format

Choose 'Word Document (*.docx)' from the format dropdown menu, specify your desired file name and location, and click 'Save'.

Convert Legacy Microsoft Works (.wps) Files in Word

Conversion Complete: Saving as a .docx file ensures maximum compatibility and unlocks all modern formatting features available in Microsoft Word.

Solution 2

Use an Online File Conversion Service

If Microsoft Word fails to open the file or produces an error, you can rely on a free online conversion tool to process the document.

Native WPS Solution

Open and Convert WPS Files Seamlessly with WPS Office

If your .wps file was created by WPS Office, Microsoft Word does not have a built-in filter to open it directly. The easiest and most reliable way to convert these modern WPS documents is by opening them natively in WPS Office and saving them in the Microsoft Word (.docx) format.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
2. Open the Document: Right-click the .wps file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office from the list.
3. Access the Save Menu: Once the document is open, click on the 'Menu' icon (or 'File') in the top-left corner and select 'Save As'.
4. Convert to DOCX: Choose 'Microsoft Word Document (*.docx)' as the file type, pick a destination, and click 'Save'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't Microsoft Word open my .wps file?

The .wps extension is shared by two completely different software systems: legacy Microsoft Works and modern WPS Office Writer. While Microsoft Word has built-in filters to open old Microsoft Works files, it lacks a native filter to open modern documents created by WPS Office.

Is Microsoft Works still supported by Microsoft?

No, Microsoft Works was officially discontinued in 2009. However, Microsoft 365 and modern desktop versions of Microsoft Word still retain basic compatibility filters to read and convert its legacy .wps and .wks files.

How do I convert a WPS file directly to PDF?

Whether you open the .wps file in Microsoft Word or natively in WPS Office, you can convert it to PDF by navigating to 'File' > 'Save As' and selecting 'PDF' from the file format dropdown menu, or by clicking the 'Export to PDF' tool in the ribbon.

Document & File Issues