How to Fix the Issue with Opening DOCX Files in the Wrong Format on Windows 10

Word

If you are experiencing issues with Word documents opening in the wrong format after downloading them on Windows 10, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem when their Word files no longer open correctly after being downloaded from the web. Fortunately, there are simple steps to resolve this issue and get your files back to their original format. This guide will walk you through the process of fixing this problem.

Check the Default File Association for DOCX Files

The first step in fixing this issue is to check if the file association for DOCX files has changed. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Right-click on a DOCX file and select ‘Open with’.
  • Click on ‘Choose another app’.
  • From the list of apps, select ‘Microsoft Word’ and make sure to check the box that says ‘Always use this app to open .docx files’.
  • Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.

After this, all DOCX files should open in Microsoft Word by default, and you should no longer see them opening in the wrong format.

Fix the Formatting Issue by Reverting to the Correct Version of Word

If the issue persists even after changing the default program, it may be a problem with the version of Microsoft Word you’re using. Ensure that your version of Word is up-to-date by going to the ‘File’ menu in Word, clicking on ‘Account’, and then selecting ‘Update Options’ and ‘Update Now’.

Once updated, restart Word and try opening the DOCX file again to see if the formatting issue is resolved.

Check the File Extensions of Your Downloaded Documents

Sometimes, the problem occurs when files are mistakenly downloaded with the wrong file extension. Make sure that the file you are trying to open has the ‘.docx’ extension. If it has a different extension, such as ‘.doc’, try renaming the file by changing the extension back to ‘.docx’ and then opening it in Microsoft Word.

Use the Word Repair Tool

If the problem continues, you can use Word’s built-in repair tool to fix any corruption in the application that may be affecting how files open. To do this:

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Go to ‘Programs and Features’.
  • Find ‘Microsoft Office’ in the list of installed programs, then right-click and select ‘Change’.
  • Choose the ‘Repair’ option and follow the on-screen instructions to repair Microsoft Office.

Once the repair is complete, try opening the DOCX file again to see if the problem is resolved.

Conclusion

By checking your file associations, updating Word, ensuring the correct file extension, or repairing Word, you can fix the issue of DOCX files opening in the wrong format. These steps should restore your files to their original state, and you will be able to open them in Microsoft Word without any further issues.

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