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How to Fix Word Email Attachments Opening in Notepad or OneNote
Question details
A Word document attachment opens in Notepad or OneNote instead of Microsoft Word when downloaded or opened from an email.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a Word document (.docx or .doc) that was attached to an email.
- Observed behavior
- The .docx file appears with a Notepad or OneNote icon and opens in those applications rather than the intended Word processor on the recipient's computer.
Before changing system settings, ensure the email attachment actually has a .docx or .doc file extension and wasn't accidentally pasted into the email body as plain text.
Change Default App for .docx Files on the Recipient's Computer
The most common reason for this issue is incorrect file associations on the receiving computer. Changing the default app for .docx files will instruct the computer to always use Word.
The opening program and the icon displayed for an attachment are controlled entirely by the recipient's computer settings. Adjusting the 'Open with' preferences will permanently resolve this.
Download the attached document from your email client and save it to your local Desktop or Downloads folder.
Right-click on the downloaded file and hover your cursor over the 'Open with' option to reveal the secondary menu.
Click on 'Choose another app'. Scroll through the list and select 'Microsoft Word' (or your preferred Word processor).
Check the box at the bottom that says 'Always use this app to open .docx files' (or similar wording depending on your OS version), then click 'OK'.
Ensure Proper Attachment Method Before Sending
If you are the sender, verify that you are actually attaching a file rather than embedding text, ensuring the file extension remains intact.
Use WPS Office to Open Word Email Attachments
WPS Office is a highly compatible, lightweight office suite that automatically sets correct file associations during installation, ensuring your downloaded email attachments open correctly every time.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Allow file associations: During the installation process, leave the default settings checked to allow WPS Office to be set as your default program for Word documents.
- 3. Download the email attachment: Navigate to your email client and download the problematic .docx attachment to your computer.
- 4. Open effortlessly: Double-click the downloaded file. It will bypass Notepad and automatically open in WPS Writer with the formatting fully preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word document magically change into a Notepad file?
The document itself did not change or lose its data. The receiving computer simply has its default file association for .docx files mistakenly set to Notepad, causing Windows to use Notepad to attempt to read the file's raw code.
Does the sender need to do anything differently when emailing the file?
Usually, no. As long as the sender attached the document properly using the 'Attach File' button and it has a .docx extension, the issue is entirely related to the file association settings on the recipient's local computer.
What if Microsoft Word is missing from the 'Open with' menu?
If Microsoft Word is not listed when you click 'Choose another app', it may not be installed on your device. You will need to install a compatible word processor, such as WPS Office, and select it from the list to view the file correctly.
Will fixing this for one attachment fix it for future emails?
Yes. When you use the 'Always use this app to open .docx files' checkbox via the 'Open with' menu, it updates your system registry. All future .docx attachments you download will automatically open in the correct program.
