Office Apps Not Opening

Fix Word and PowerPoint Files Not Opening on Double-Click

Anum Mushtaq Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to open documents by double-clicking them in File Explorer, requiring a fix for broken application links.

Fix Word and PowerPoint Files That Do Not Open by Double-Clicking

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Occurs typically after reinstalling Microsoft 365 or performing a Windows operating system upgrade.
Observed behavior: Word and PowerPoint files fail to open from File Explorer via double-click, even though the applications function properly when launched directly from the Start menu.

Before you start

Ensure that all Microsoft Office applications are completely closed before beginning the troubleshooting process. You will need administrator privileges on your Windows device to modify installed applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Run a Quick Repair on Microsoft 365

Use the built-in Windows repair tool to restore broken file associations used by Office without needing an active internet connection.

Windows features a native repair utility that can quickly restore application defaults and fix minor corruptions. Running a Quick Repair is the most effective way to re-link your Word and PowerPoint applications to their respective file types.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings menu, then select 'Apps' from the left sidebar.

Navigate to Installed Apps

Click on 'Apps & features' or 'Installed apps' (depending on your specific Windows version) to view all programs installed on your computer.

Select Microsoft 365

Scroll down the list until you find 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Office'. Click the three-dot menu icon next to it and select 'Modify'.

Execute Quick Repair

When the repair dialogue box appears, choose the 'Quick Repair' option and click 'Repair'. Wait for the progress bar to finish, then restart your computer and try double-clicking a file.

No Data Loss: Running a Quick Repair will not delete any of your personal documents, templates, or customized Office settings.

Solution 2

Manually Reassign Default Applications

Manually force Windows to always use Word or PowerPoint to open specific file extensions if the automatic repair fails.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office to Avoid File Association Errors

Tired of dealing with broken application links and constant Microsoft Office repairs after Windows updates? WPS Office is a lightweight, completely free alternative that handles all your documents flawlessly. It sets up perfectly on Windows and ensures your files open instantly with a simple double-click.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
2. Install and Set Defaults: Run the installer. During the setup, allow WPS Office to associate itself with standard document formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.
3. Enjoy Instant Access: Navigate to your files in File Explorer and simply double-click them. They will instantly open in the unified WPS Office workspace.

Seamlessly open and edit Microsoft Word (.docx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats with high compatibility.Ultra-lightweight installation prevents heavy system conflicts and broken file associations.Familiar tabbed user interface allows you to view Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet files in a single window.Completely free to download and use as your primary daily driver for office tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Office files stop opening when double-clicked after a Windows update?

Major Windows updates or software reinstallations can occasionally reset the operating system's default application settings. When this happens, Windows loses the registry link that tells it to use Word or PowerPoint when you double-click a .docx or .pptx file.

What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?

Quick Repair runs locally on your machine, replacing corrupted files quickly without needing an internet connection. Online Repair uninstalls and essentially reinstalls the Office suite by downloading fresh files from Microsoft servers, which takes longer but resolves deeper issues.

Can I still access my files if double-clicking them isn't working?

Yes. As a workaround, you can open your files by first launching the Word or PowerPoint application directly from your Start menu, clicking on 'File', selecting 'Open', and browsing to the location of your document.

Office App Problems