It can be frustrating to not be able to access important documents, especially if you need to edit or review them.
So, what program opens up .docx files? Fortunately, there are a few programs you can use to open .docx files.
One of the most popular programs for opening .docx files is Microsoft Word. If you have a Windows or Mac computer, you can purchase and download Microsoft Word from the Microsoft website.
Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing program that allows you to create, edit, and format documents. It’s also compatible with other Microsoft Office programs, such as Excel and PowerPoint.
If you don’t want to purchase Microsoft Word, there are other options for opening .docx files.
Google Drive is a free online storage and collaboration platform that allows you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
You can upload a .docx file to Google Drive and open it in Google Docs, which is a free web-based word processing program.
Another option is LibreOffice, a free and open-source office suite that includes a word processor called Writer. Writer can open and edit .docx files, as well as other file formats.
Understanding .docx Files
What Is A .docx File?
A .docx file is a file format used by Microsoft Word 2007 and later versions for creating and editing documents.

It is a type of XML-based document, which means that it stores data in a structured format, making it easier to read and process by other programs.
Why Are .docx Files Used?
.docx files are widely used because they offer several advantages over the older .doc format. Some of these advantages include:
- Smaller file size: .docx files are compressed, which means that they take up less space on your computer’s hard drive.
- Compatibility: .docx files can be opened and edited by a variety of programs, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and OpenOffice.
- Better security: .docx files can be password protected, which means that only authorized users can access the file.
- Improved features: .docx files support advanced features like SmartArt graphics, themes, and styles, which can make your documents look more professional.
Overall, .docx files are a popular choice for creating and sharing documents because they are easy to use, widely supported, and offer a range of advanced features.
If you need to open a .docx file, you can use Microsoft Word 2007 or later versions, or you can download the free Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack to open, edit, and save .docx files in older versions of Word.
Alternatively, you can use one of the many free online tools that support .docx files, such as Google Docs or OpenOffice.
What Program Opens Up .docx Files?
If you have a .docx file, you need a program that can open it. Here are some options:
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is the most well-known program for opening .docx files. It’s part of the Microsoft Office suite, which is a paid program, but you can also use the online version of Word for free.
If you have a Windows computer, you may already have Microsoft Word installed.

LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice Writer is a free and open-source program that can open .docx files.
It’s part of the LibreOffice suite, which includes other programs like Calc (a spreadsheet program) and Impress (a presentation program). LibreOffice Writer is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a free online program that can open .docx files. You can upload the file to Google Drive and then open it in Google Docs.
Google Docs is also a good option if you want to collaborate with others on the document, as you can share the document and work on it together in real-time.
WPS Office Writer
WPS Office Writer is a free program that can open .docx files. It’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. WPS Office Writer also includes other programs like Spreadsheets and Presentation.
Apple Pages
If you have a Mac, you can use Apple Pages to open .docx files. Pages is part of the iWork suite, which also includes Numbers (a spreadsheet program) and Keynote (a presentation program).
Pages is a paid program, but you can get it for free if you buy a new Mac.
Overall, there are many programs that can open .docx files, both paid and free. Choose the one that works best for you based on your needs and preferences.
Key Points
If you are having trouble opening a .docx file, there are several options available to you. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Microsoft Word is the primary program used to open and edit .docx files. If you have an earlier version of Word, you can download the free Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack to open, edit, and save .docx files in your older version of Word.
- LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that can open and edit .docx files. LibreOffice Writer, which is included in the suite, can open and edit Microsoft Word documents in DOC and DOCX format.
- Google Docs is a free web-based office suite that can open and edit .docx files. To open a .docx file in Google Docs, navigate to a new document and select Open from the File header menu. Then, navigate to the last header that says Upload and upload your document.
- Other word processing programs, such as Apple Pages or OpenOffice, can also open and edit .docx files.
In summary, there are several options available to you if you need to open a .docx file. Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs are all free options that can handle .docx files.