why cant he open word documen.

John Peter 20 Reputation points
2025-02-14T10:43:04.1433333+00:00

Hello

Please i need your help on this issue.

One of my customer is having with why cant he open word documen.

When trying to open word docs in 365, it asks him to choose an app, and word is not on the list

Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365
Formerly Office 365, is a line of subscription services offered by Microsoft which adds to and includes the Microsoft Office product line.
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Word
Word
A family of Microsoft word processing software products for creating web, email, and print documents.
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Office: A suite of Microsoft productivity software that supports common business tasks, including word processing, email, presentations, and data management and analysis.Development: The process of researching, productizing, and refining new or existing technologies.
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Office: A suite of Microsoft productivity software that supports common business tasks, including word processing, email, presentations, and data management and analysis.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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Word Management
Word Management
Word: A family of Microsoft word processing software products for creating web, email, and print documents.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
952 questions
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2 answers

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  1. Bladimirtech 0 Reputation points
    2025-02-14T10:47:23.0233333+00:00

    Hi John Peter,

    It sounds like your customer is facing an issue where Microsoft Word is missing from the list of apps when trying to open Word documents in Microsoft 365. Let’s go through some steps to resolve this:

    1. Check Microsoft 365 Installation

    Ensure that Microsoft 365 is installed correctly:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features in older versions).
    • Look for Microsoft 365. If it's not there, reinstall it from the Microsoft 365 portal.

    2. Set Word as the Default App

    • Right-click the Word document and select Open with > Choose another app.
    • If Word is not listed, click More apps.
    • Scroll down and select Look for another app on this PC.
    • Navigate to C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX (XX depends on your version).
    • Select WINWORD.EXE and check Always use this app to open .docx files.

    3. Repair Microsoft 365

    • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
    • Select Microsoft 365 > Modify > Quick Repair.
    • If the issue persists, try Online Repair.

    4. Reinstall Microsoft Word

    5. Update Windows and Office

    • Check for Windows updates in Settings > Windows Update.
    • Open any Office app, go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.

    Tip: Sometimes, antivirus programs can block certain apps. Temporarily disable your antivirus and see if the issue persists.

    For more detailed troubleshooting, check this Microsoft guide on Office installation issues.

    Let me know if this helps or if you need further assistance!

    Note: Always back up important files before making any changes.


  2. Stefan Blom 2,411 Reputation points MVP
    2025-02-16T18:14:08.3666667+00:00

    Assuming that your customer has installed Office successfully, ask the customer to start the Word application first and then open the document from within Word. In a Windows version, this means to open the doc via File > Open > Browse.

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