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Fix Office Files Not Opening from File Explorer in Microsoft 365
Question details
Users are unable to open Word or Excel files directly from File Explorer, receiving a product installation error message.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Double-clicking an Office file such as .docx or .xlsx in File Explorer to open it.
- Observed behavior
- An error message appears stating 'This action is only valid for products that are currently installed', even though the files open successfully when launched directly from within the Microsoft 365 application.
Verify that your Microsoft 365 subscription is active and ensure that you have fully uninstalled any older, conflicting versions of Microsoft Office from your system.
Reassign Default File Associations in Windows Settings
This is the primary fix when Windows incorrectly attempts to use an older, uninstalled version of Office to open your files.
When older versions of Office (like Office 2007) are uninstalled, Windows sometimes fails to update the default application associations. Manually reassigning these associations routes the files to your active Microsoft 365 installation.
Click the Start menu, type 'Settings', and press Enter to open the Windows Settings app.
Click on 'Apps' in the left or main menu, and then select 'Default apps'.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the link that says 'Choose default apps by file type'.
Scroll down the list to find specific Office file extensions such as .docx, .xlsx, and .xlsm. Click on the currently assigned app (or the '+' icon) and select your active Microsoft Word or Excel application from the list.
Restart your computer to apply the changes, then navigate to File Explorer and double-click an Office file to confirm it opens correctly.
Perform a Quick Repair of Microsoft 365
If changing the default apps does not resolve the issue, repairing the Office installation can fix broken registry keys preventing files from opening.
Use WPS Office to Seamlessly Open All Your Documents
If Microsoft 365 file associations keep breaking or you are looking for a hassle-free, reliable solution, WPS Office provides a lightweight and completely free alternative. It seamlessly opens all your documents directly from File Explorer without complex registry issues.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Download the free installer from the official WPS website and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
- 2. Set as Default Application: During installation, check the box to set WPS Office as your default program for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
- 3. Open Files Instantly: Double-click any document in Windows File Explorer to instantly open and edit it in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the error 'This action is only valid for products that are currently installed' appear?
This typically happens if you have recently uninstalled an older version of Microsoft Office (like Office 2007 or 2010). Windows still associates your file types with the old, uninstalled program instead of your new Microsoft 365 installation.
Can I still access my files if File Explorer won't open them directly?
Yes. You can open the Microsoft Word or Excel application directly from your Windows Start menu, click on 'File', select 'Open', and manually browse for your documents to open them.
Will uninstalling my old Office version delete my personal documents?
No. Uninstalling an old version of Microsoft Office only removes the application files. Your personal documents, spreadsheets, and presentations remain safely stored on your hard drive.
