Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Remove OfficeSuite and Set Microsoft Word as the Default App

Steve K Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to stop Word documents from opening in OfficeSuite by setting Microsoft Word as the default app and completely uninstalling OfficeSuite.

How to Remove OfficeSuite and Set Microsoft Word as the Default App

Product: Microsoft 365 / OfficeSuite
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Opening Word documents after purchasing and installing a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Observed behavior: Word documents continue to open in OfficeSuite automatically, and OfficeSuite cannot be found in the standard installed-apps list to be uninstalled.

Before you start

Ensure that your Microsoft 365 subscription is fully activated and the Microsoft Word application is successfully installed on your system before attempting to change the default file associations.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Default App for Word Documents

Manually force your system to use Microsoft Word for opening documents, bypassing OfficeSuite even if it is still installed.

Right-click a Word document

Locate any Word document (.doc or .docx) on your computer, right-click the file, and hover over the 'Open with' option in the context menu.

Choose another app

Click on 'Choose another app' to open the program selection window.

Select Microsoft Word

Find and select 'Microsoft Word' from the list of available applications. Make sure to check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .docx files' (or similar phrasing), then click 'OK'.

Change the Default App for Word Documents

Missing App: If Microsoft Word does not appear in the initial list, scroll down and click 'More apps', or choose to look for another app on this PC to locate the WINWORD.EXE file.

Solution 2

Uninstall OfficeSuite Using Advanced Methods

Remove OfficeSuite entirely if it is hidden from the standard Windows Apps list.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience

If you are experiencing persistent app conflicts or installation issues with Microsoft 365 and OfficeSuite, WPS Office provides a hassle-free, lightweight alternative. It sets up in seconds, respects your default app preferences, and handles all standard Office documents effortlessly.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file. The lightweight installer will complete the setup process in just a few moments.
3. Set file associations: During the initial setup, easily select the option to set WPS Office as your default program for all standard document types.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formatsLightweight installation that avoids registry conflictsFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curveFree core features for your daily document creation and editing needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't OfficeSuite showing up in my installed apps list?

OfficeSuite might not appear in the standard list if it was downloaded as a portable application, installed via the Microsoft Store, or if its registry keys were corrupted or improperly configured during installation.

How can I verify that my Microsoft 365 subscription is activated?

Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Account' at the bottom. Under the 'Product Information' section, it will state 'Product Activated' if your subscription is currently active.

Will changing my default app delete or alter my existing Word documents?

No. Changing the default app only tells your computer which program to use when displaying the file. Your documents' contents, formatting, and saved locations remain completely untouched.

What should I do if an older version of Office is causing conflicts?

You should completely uninstall any older or expired versions of Microsoft Office from your computer via the Control Panel before activating and setting your new Microsoft 365 apps as the default.

Installation & Activation