A file with the.docxextension is a Word document file. The docx file keeps data about the formatting, text size/fonts, paragraph and line spacing, heading, and other information used in the document. Normal text editors like Notepad cannot read all this data making it difficult to access these files.
So, you will need a specific application to open a docx file. you’re able to either install an application on your PC or use the internet to access the content inside the docx file.
Using Microsoft Office
You can open a docx file if you have MS Word installed on your computer. Word is one of several applications included in the Microsoft Office Package. However, you cannot just install Microsoft Word—you need to install Microsoft Office Package to get Word.
Furthermore, you need to pay a subscription fee to use any application from the Microsoft Office Package. To install the Office Package, you’re able to visit theofficial Microsoft365 websiteand buy Microsoft Office.
Once Office is installed on your computer, Windows automatically set the docx file to open using Word. However, if it does not, you can follow the steps mentioned below.
If you do not want to pay the entire subscription fee just toview the docx file, you can use the alternative methods explained below to open the file.
Using Online Word Processors
You can also view and edit any docx file online using a web browser. Although several web applications allow you to view and edit docx files, Microsoft 365 Online and Google Docs are two of the best choices.
Besides being free, they also offer free cloud storage of 5GB for Microsoft 365 Online and 15GB for Google Docs. As long as you have access to the internet, you can easily open the docx file and access it anywhere in the world.
Using Google Docs
You will first need a Google account if you are using Google Docs to open a docx file. Create a new account if you do not have a Google account.
Using Microsoft 365 Online
If you are using Microsoft 365 online, you will require a Microsoft account.
Open Using WordPad
You can also use the pre-installed application on your computer to view docx files. But, WordPad may still not support all the features of the docx file format, and data inside the Word document may be missing or displayed incorrectly.
Nevertheless, follow these steps to open a docx file using Wordpad.
Using Third-Party Application
There are several third-party applications in the market that you’re able to use to open docx files like LibreOffice Writer, WPS Office Writer, Zoho Writer, etc.
However, since the docx file is exclusive to Microsoft Word, a third-party application may not be able to display all the data and its format from the original docx file.
