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custer's avatar
custer
Copper Contributor
Jul 26, 2025

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 i can open the file from within word, by chosing file, open from file on computer, and then searching for the file and then opening it. But that is the only way to open word files i have stored on my computer. Do i have to pay for a subscription in order to open word files from file?

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1 Reply

  • Surya_Narayana's avatar
    Surya_Narayana
    MCT
    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

    1. Go to https://www.office.com
    2. Click Upload and open (at the top)
    3. 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

    1. Visit https://onedrive.live.com
    2. Upload your .docx files
    3. 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.

     

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