Office Settings & Configuration

How to Make DOCX Files Always Open in Microsoft Word

Guest Writer Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to configure their Windows system so that newly saved DOCX documents default to opening in Microsoft Word rather than a text editor.

How to Make DOCX Files Always Open in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word 2013
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Saving new Word documents to the desktop and attempting to open them by double-clicking.
Observed behavior: Newly created Word documents saved on the desktop appear with a Notepad icon and open in Notepad as garbled text, even though older existing documents open correctly in Word.

Before you start

Ensure that your Microsoft Office installation is fully activated and that you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 computer to modify default app settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Microsoft Word as the Default App for DOCX Files

The easiest way to ensure documents open correctly is to manually assign Word as the permanent default handler for the DOCX format in Windows.

Windows 11 occasionally resets file associations after system updates, causing DOCX files to default to basic apps like Notepad. Reassigning the default app will restore the correct icons and opening behavior.

Access the 'Open with' menu

Right-click the problematic DOCX file on your desktop, hover over 'Open with', and select 'Choose another app' from the context menu.

Select Microsoft Word

Scroll through the list of available applications and click on 'Word' or 'Microsoft Word'. If it is not listed, click 'More apps' or 'Choose an app on your PC' to locate the Word executable.

Set as permanent default

Check the box at the bottom of the window that says 'Always use this app to open .docx files', then click 'OK' to apply the change.

Set Microsoft Word as the Default App for DOCX Files

File Icons Restored: Once applied, you should immediately see the Notepad icons on your desktop switch back to the standard Microsoft Word document icons.

Solution 2

Run a Microsoft Office Quick Repair

If setting the default app manually fails to persist, repairing the Office installation can fix broken system registry entries.

Solution 3

Re-register Microsoft Word in Windows

Re-registering Word forces the operating system to recognize Word's built-in registry keys and file handlers, overriding incorrect associations.

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Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience

Tired of dealing with broken file associations and repair prompts in older versions like Office 2013? WPS Office is a modern, lightweight, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles all your document needs without the technical headaches.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
2. Install and Set Defaults: Run the installer. During the setup, allow WPS Office to set itself as the default application for document files.
3. Open DOCX Files Instantly: Double-click any DOCX file on your desktop to automatically open it with the powerful WPS Writer.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word DOCX, DOC, and TXT formats.Lightweight installation that automatically configures correct file associations.Familiar user interface makes switching easy with zero learning curve.Built-in PDF editor, advanced templates, and seamless cloud sync capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my new DOCX files look like Notepad icons?

This occurs when Windows loses the correct file association for the DOCX format. Instead of recognizing it as a Word document, Windows defaults back to a basic text editor like Notepad, which changes the file icon.

Will I lose my document data if it opens in Notepad?

No, your data is completely safe. Notepad simply cannot translate the complex XML formatting of a DOCX file, which is why it displays as scrambled text or code. Opening the exact same file in Word will restore its normal appearance and layout.

How do I open a file in Word if it currently defaults to Notepad?

You can open Microsoft Word first from your Start menu, click on 'File', select 'Open', and then browse your computer to select the DOCX file on your desktop. This forces the file to open in Word regardless of Windows default settings.

Does an Office Quick Repair require an internet connection?

No, an Office Quick Repair runs locally using the installation files already on your computer. It does not require an active internet connection, unlike the more extensive 'Online Repair' option.

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