How to Open a DOCX File in Word Online
Many people don’t know that Microsoft Word has a free online version. It’s called Word for the web, and it runs in your browser. You can open DOCX files, read them, edit them and download them again, all without buying Word.
This guide shows you how to open a DOCX file in Word online, step by step. We’ll also cover what’s free, what’s not, and when another tool might be better.
What is Word for the web?
Word for the web is Microsoft’s online version of Word. It looks and works a lot like desktop Word, with the same ribbon of tools at the top. It’s free with a Microsoft account.
Because Microsoft makes both versions, Word for the web shows documents very close to how they look in desktop Word. That’s its biggest advantage over other free tools.
What you need
- A Microsoft account. If you use Outlook.com, Hotmail, Xbox, Skype or OneDrive, you already have one. If not, you can make one for free.
- A web browser. Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari all work.
- Your DOCX file. It will be uploaded to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage.
How to open a DOCX file in Word online
Step 1: Sign in
- Go to office.com or onedrive.com.
- Click Sign in and enter your Microsoft account details.
Step 2: Upload the file
- Open OneDrive from the app menu if you started at office.com.
- Click Upload or Add new, then Files upload.
- Choose your DOCX file.
You can also drag the file from your computer into the OneDrive window.
Step 3: Open it
Click the file in OneDrive. It opens in Word for the web. You can read it straight away and start editing if you like.
Shortcut: open a Word file from Outlook
If the DOCX file came by email in Outlook.com, click the attachment. Outlook shows a preview. Look for an option like Edit in browser or Open in Word. It saves a copy to OneDrive and opens it in Word for the web.
How to open Word online on a phone
Word for the web works in phone browsers, but the screen is small. On phones, Microsoft usually suggests the Word app instead. The Word app is free to download on Android and iPhone, and reading documents is free.
If you just want to read a file on your phone without installing anything, an online DOCX viewer is quicker. See also how to open a DOCX file on iPhone and on Android.
What you can do for free
- Open and read DOCX and DOC files
- Edit text, fonts, headings and lists
- Add and edit tables and pictures
- Add comments and use track changes
- Share a link and work on the file with others at the same time
- Download the file as DOCX or PDF
What needs a paid plan or desktop Word
Some features are missing or limited in the free version. Examples include some advanced layout tools, some kinds of fields and references, macros, and a few design features. Microsoft changes the details from time to time. If you see a message asking you to upgrade or open in the desktop app, that feature isn’t in the free online version.
For reading and everyday editing, you’re unlikely to hit these limits.
How to download your file again
- In Word for the web, click File.
- Click Save As or Export, depending on your version.
- Choose Download a copy to get a DOCX file, or Download as PDF for a PDF.
Your file is also still in OneDrive, where Word saves your changes automatically. For other ways to make a PDF, read how to convert DOCX to PDF.
How to share the document
- Click Share at the top right.
- Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with, or copy a link.
- Choose whether they can view or edit.
- Click Send.
Everyone works on the same copy, and you can see their changes as they happen.
Word online vs other free options
| Word for the web | Google Docs | Online DOCX viewer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account | Microsoft | None | |
| Upload | OneDrive | Google Drive | No upload |
| Word layout accuracy | Best | Good | Good |
| Edit | Yes | Yes | No |
| Speed to open | Medium | Medium | Fast |
If you need to edit and keep the Word layout, Word for the web is the best free choice. If you prefer Google, see how to open a DOCX file in Google Docs. If you only need to read, print or copy text, our viewer is faster and more private. Compare more in the best free DOCX viewers.
Privacy: where does my file go?
Your file is stored in your OneDrive. Microsoft keeps it secure, but it’s now in the cloud. If the document is private and you only need to read it, consider a viewer that doesn’t upload anything.
If you do upload a private file, delete it from OneDrive when you’re done, and empty the OneDrive recycle bin.
Troubleshooting
The file won’t upload
Check your internet connection and the file size. Very large files can take a long time. Also check your OneDrive has free space. Free accounts come with a limited amount of storage.
Word says it can’t open the file
The file may be damaged or password protected. Word online will ask for the password if there is one. For other causes, see why won’t my DOCX file open.
The file opens read-only
Click Edit Document or Editing at the top. If that’s not available, the file may be shared with you as view-only. Ask the owner for edit access.
It’s an old DOC file
Word for the web can open DOC files. It may offer to convert the file so you can edit it. Say yes. The original DOC file is kept. See how to convert DOC to DOCX.
Getting around Word for the web
If you’ve used desktop Word, you’ll feel at home. Here’s a quick tour for everyone else.
- Home tab: fonts, bold, lists, alignment and styles.
- Insert tab: tables, pictures, links, page breaks and comments.
- Layout tab: margins, page size and orientation.
- Review tab: spelling, word count, comments and track changes.
- View tab: reading view, immersive reader and zoom.
The Immersive Reader in the View tab is worth knowing. It shows the text in a clean, easy-to-read layout and can read the document out loud. That’s handy for long documents or for anyone who finds reading on screen tiring.
Useful keyboard shortcuts in Word online
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Find a word | Ctrl+F | Cmd+F |
| Bold | Ctrl+B | Cmd+B |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Cmd+Z |
| Ctrl+P | Cmd+P | |
| Select all | Ctrl+A | Cmd+A |
Word online on a shared or public computer
Signing in to your Microsoft account on a library or work computer has some risk. If you must:
- Don’t tick “Stay signed in”.
- Download only what you need, and delete it from the computer after.
- Sign out of your account when you’re done, and close the browser.
If you only need to read a Word file on a shared computer, a viewer that needs no sign-in avoids this completely.
Word online vs desktop Word
For most tasks, the online version is enough. Desktop Word is still better for very long documents, heavy formatting, mail merge and macros. If you only need to open files now and then, the free online version saves you the cost of a subscription.
How to open a Word file that someone shared with you
Sometimes a person shares a link to a document in their OneDrive instead of sending the file. To open it:
- Click the link in the email or message.
- If asked, sign in with your Microsoft account.
- The document opens in Word for the web.
If you see a message that you don’t have access, click Request access. The owner will get an email and can let you in. If the link was shared as “view only”, you can read and download it, but not edit it.
You don’t need to upload anything in this case. The file stays in the owner’s OneDrive, and you work on their copy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Word online really free?
Yes. Word for the web is free with a Microsoft account. Some advanced features need a paid Microsoft 365 plan.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in your browser.
Can I use Word online without a Microsoft account?
No. You need to sign in. For a no-account option, use our online DOCX viewer.
Does Word online save automatically?
Yes. Changes are saved to OneDrive as you type.
Can I open Word online files offline?
Not in the browser. For offline work, use desktop Word, LibreOffice or Pages. See how to open a DOCX file without Word.