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How to Set Microsoft Word as the Default App for DOCX Files on Mac
Question details
The user needs to change macOS settings so that .docx files open with Microsoft Word by default instead of Apple's TextEdit application.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac (macOS)
- Scenario
- Opening DOCX files directly from macOS Finder or an email client like Outlook.
- Observed behavior
- Double-clicking a DOCX document automatically launches TextEdit, indicating that macOS does not currently associate the DOCX file format with Microsoft Word.
Ensure that Microsoft Word is properly installed on your Mac. If your applications are stored on an external drive, confirm that the drive is connected and accessible.
Change Default File Association via Finder
Use the macOS 'Get Info' menu to globally associate the .docx file extension with Microsoft Word.
macOS manages default applications by looking at file extensions. By changing the settings for a single .docx file and applying it system-wide, all current and future documents with that extension will open in Word.
Open Finder and navigate to a folder that contains any .docx file.
Right-click (or Control-click) on the .docx file and select 'Get Info' from the context menu.
In the Get Info window, expand the 'Open with:' section. Click the dropdown menu and select 'Microsoft Word'. If it is not listed, click 'Other...', browse your Applications folder (or external drive), and select Microsoft Word.
Click the 'Change All...' button located just below the dropdown menu. A prompt will appear; click 'Continue' to confirm.
Switch to WPS Office for Reliable Mac Document Management
If Microsoft Word continues to experience file association errors or you are tired of expensive software subscriptions, WPS Office is an excellent alternative. It offers a lightweight, tabbed interface that seamlessly integrates with macOS.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded disk image and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Set as Default Application: Right-click any DOCX file, select 'Get Info', choose 'WPS Office' under 'Open with', and click 'Change All'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Microsoft Word showing up in the 'Open with' menu?
This can happen if macOS hasn't indexed the app properly, or if Microsoft Word is installed on an external drive. You can manually locate it by selecting 'Other...' from the 'Open with' dropdown and navigating to the application's installation folder.
Will these steps also set Microsoft Word as default for older DOC files?
No, macOS handles file associations strictly by the file extension. You will need to find a file ending in .doc and repeat the 'Get Info' and 'Change All' process to associate older Word documents with Microsoft Word.
What should I do if clicking 'Change All' doesn't save the setting?
If the setting reverts, your macOS Launch Services database might be corrupted. Try restarting your Mac first. If the problem persists, uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Word can often reset the system's file association registry.
