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How to Fix Word Documents Opening in WordPad and Not Printing
Question details
The user needs to stop Word documents from opening in WordPad and fix the inability to print documents after upgrading to Microsoft 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows (Surface Pro)
- Scenario
- Opening and printing Word documents after completing a Microsoft 365 upgrade.
- Observed behavior
- Word documents (.doc, .docx) default to opening in WordPad, printing fails to execute on the Surface Pro, and Microsoft Publisher appears to be missing from the system.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and that your Surface Pro is actively connected to your printer and the internet before modifying system settings.
Set Microsoft Word as the Default Application
Change your Windows settings so that .doc and .docx files automatically open in Microsoft Word instead of WordPad.
System updates or Office upgrades can sometimes reset your default file associations in Windows, causing text documents to fall back to the built-in WordPad application.
Press the Windows key, type 'Settings' in the search bar, and press Enter to open the Settings menu.
Select 'Apps' from the left-hand menu, then click on 'Default apps'.
Scroll down and click on 'Choose default apps by file type', or use the search bar to look for the .doc and .docx extensions.
Click on the current default application (WordPad) next to the .doc and .docx extensions, and select Microsoft Word from the list to set it as your new default.
Verify and Set the Default Printer
Ensure your printer is properly installed, recognized by Windows, and set as the default device for printing from Word.
Repair or Reinstall Microsoft 365
If Word still functions incorrectly or Microsoft Publisher remains missing, running an Office repair can fix corrupted installation files.
Use WPS Office to Open, Edit, and Print Word Documents Seamlessly
If Microsoft 365 upgrades are causing default app issues or missing software, switch to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that handles Word documents flawlessly and connects directly to your printers without the hassle of complex subscription updates.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. WPS Office is lightweight and installs in seconds.
- 3. Set as Default: During setup, you can set WPS Office as the default application for .doc and .docx files, preventing WordPad from opening them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Word documents suddenly open in WordPad?
This usually happens after a system update or an Office upgrade (like moving to Microsoft 365) resets Windows default file associations. Windows falls back to WordPad, its built-in basic text editor. You can fix this by reapplying Word as the default app in Windows Settings.
Is Microsoft Publisher included in Microsoft 365?
Yes, Publisher is included in certain Microsoft 365 plans, but it is available for PC only. If it is missing after an upgrade on your Surface Pro, you may need to run an Online Repair on the Office suite or check if your specific subscription tier includes the app.
How do I stop WordPad from opening .docx files permanently?
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Search for the '.docx' file type and change the default program from WordPad to Microsoft Word. This system setting will permanently apply to all future .docx files.
Why won't my Surface Pro print my Word documents?
Printer drivers or default printer settings may occasionally get reset during a Windows or Office update. Check 'Printers & scanners' in Windows Settings to ensure your printer is actively connected, turned on, and set as the default printing device.
