Forum Discussion
custer
Jul 26, 2025Copper Contributor
Free ms365 online word app not opening word files from folder
I cannot open a word file from the folder, such as a .docx file. it wants me to use notepad or search computer and i do not pay for the subscription or anything, but i have online version of word and...
Jul 29, 2025
hi custer
No, you do not have to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription to open Word files using the free online version of Word — but there are important limitations:
What You Can Do for Free:
- Use Word Online for free in a web browser.
- Open .docx files from within Word Online, as you're doing now.
- Save and edit files stored in OneDrive, or upload from your computer manually.
What You Can’t Do for Free:
- Double-clicking a Word file (.docx) on your computer will not open it in Word Online — because:
- Windows doesn’t have a way to associate .docx files with a web app
- It tries to open with Word desktop, which you don’t have, or defaults to Notepad if nothing else is installed
How to Make Opening Word Files Easier (Without Paying)
Option 1: Use "Open with Word Online" from Browser
- Go to https://www.office.com
- Click Upload and open (at the top)
- Drag and drop your .docx file into the window
You can also drag files into OneDrive and open them from there.
Option 2: Use Word for Web via OneDrive
- Visit https://onedrive.live.com
- Upload your .docx files
- Click them to open in Word for the Web
If You Want to Fix Double-Click Behavior
If you try to double-click a Word file on your computer, and it opens in Notepad:
- Windows is trying to open .docx with the wrong program
- Since you don't have Word installed, there's nothing for Windows to associate .docx with
You cannot associate a .docx file with a web app (like Word Online) directly.