How to Convert DOC to DOCX for Free (4 Easy Ways)

Got an old Word file that ends in .doc? Converting it to the newer .docx format makes it smaller, safer and easier to open on any device. The good news is that it’s free and takes about a minute.

This guide shows four free ways to convert DOC to DOCX, step by step. It also explains what to check after you convert, and how to convert lots of files at once.

Why convert DOC to DOCX?

DOC is the Word format from before 2007. DOCX replaced it. Here’s why it’s worth switching:

It opens in more places. Many new apps and online tools, including our online DOCX viewer, only read DOCX.
It’s smaller. DOCX files are compressed, so they’re quicker to send.
It’s safer. Normal DOCX files can’t hold macros, which are sometimes used by harmful files.
It’s easier to repair. If a DOCX file gets damaged, more of it can usually be rescued.
You get all of Word’s features. Old DOC files open in Compatibility Mode, which turns off newer tools.

For the full comparison, read DOCX vs DOC: what’s the difference.

Before you start

A few quick tips before you convert:

Keep the original. Converting makes a new file. Keep the old DOC file until you’ve checked the new one.
Don’t just rename it. Changing .doc to .docx in the name doesn’t convert the file. It will stop opening.
Check for passwords. If the DOC file has a password, you’ll need it to convert.

Method 1: Convert DOC to DOCX in Microsoft Word

If you have Word on your computer, this is the most accurate method.

Option A: Use Convert

Open the DOC file in Word. You’ll see [Compatibility Mode] next to the file name.
Click File, then Info.
Click Convert. Word may show a message. Click OK.
Press Ctrl+S on Windows or Cmd+S on a Mac to save.

Word saves the new DOCX file next to the old one.

Option B: Use Save As

Open the DOC file in Word.
Click File, then Save As.
Choose where to save it.
In the file type list, pick Word Document (*.docx).
Click Save.

Method 2: Convert DOC to DOCX with Google Docs

No Word? Google Docs converts DOC files for free. You just need a Google account.

Go to drive.google.com and sign in.
Click New, then File upload, and pick your DOC file.
Right-click the uploaded file and choose Open with, then Google Docs.
In Google Docs, click File, then Download, then Microsoft Word (.docx).

The DOCX file downloads to your device. This works on phones too, using the Google Docs app. For more on Google Docs, see how to open a DOCX file in Google Docs.

Note: Google Docs keeps a copy in your Google Drive. If the file is private, delete it from Drive when you’re done.

Method 3: Convert DOC to DOCX with LibreOffice

LibreOffice is free and works offline. Nothing is uploaded, which makes it a good pick for private files.

Download LibreOffice from libreoffice.org and install it.
Open your DOC file with LibreOffice Writer.
Click File, then Save As.
In the file type list, pick Word 2007-365 (.docx).
Click Save. If asked, choose Use Word 2007-365!

Method 4: Convert DOC to DOCX on a Mac with Pages

Pages is free on every Mac and can open DOC files.

Right-click the DOC file and choose Open With, then Pages.
Click File, then Export To, then Word.
Click Advanced Options and make sure the format is .docx.
Click Next, pick a location, and click Export.

Which method should you use?

Method	Cost	Account	Offline	Best for
Microsoft Word	Paid	No	Yes	Most accurate result
Google Docs	Free	Google	No	Phones and quick jobs
LibreOffice	Free	No	Yes	Private files and many files
Apple Pages	Free	No	Yes	Mac users

What about online converter websites?

There are many websites that convert DOC to DOCX. They’re quick, but most of them upload your file to their server. Some keep files for hours or days.

If the document is private, like a contract, a medical letter or a CV, use Word, LibreOffice or Pages instead. If you do use an online converter, pick a well-known one, read its privacy policy, and avoid sites full of pop-ups.

How to convert many DOC files at once

Got a folder full of old Word files? Converting them one by one takes forever. Here are two faster ways.

LibreOffice batch convert

LibreOffice has a Document Converter wizard. Go to File, then Wizards, then Document Converter. Choose Microsoft Word documents, pick the folder with your DOC files, and pick where to save the new ones.

The exact options in the wizard can change between LibreOffice versions. If you don’t see DOCX as an output, use the command line method below.

LibreOffice command line

If you’re comfortable with a terminal, LibreOffice can convert a whole folder with one command:

soffice --headless --convert-to docx *.doc

Run it inside the folder with your DOC files. On Windows, you may need to use the full path to soffice.exe, which is usually in the LibreOffice program folder.

What to check after converting

Open the new DOCX file and check:

All pages are there
Tables and pictures are in the right place
Headers, footers and page numbers look right
Special characters and symbols show correctly

A quick way to check is to open the new file in our online DOCX viewer. If it looks right there, it will look right for most people. Once you’re happy, you can delete the old DOC file.

Troubleshooting

The DOC file won’t open to convert

It may be damaged or password protected. Try opening it in another app, like Google Docs. See how to open a DOC file for five free options.

The layout changed after converting

Very old documents sometimes use features that don’t translate perfectly. Try converting with Word if you used another tool, since Word is the most accurate. Small fixes by hand are sometimes needed.

I renamed the file and now it won’t open

Rename it back to .doc, then convert it properly using one of the methods above.

Convert DOC to DOCX on Android or iPhone

You don’t need a computer to convert. Your phone can do it with free apps.

On Android

Install the Google Docs app if you don’t have it.
Open the DOC file from your Files app, Gmail or WhatsApp, and choose Google Docs.
Tap the three dots menu at the top right.
Look for Share and export, then Save as Word (.docx). Google Docs creates a new DOCX copy.

On iPhone and iPad

Open the DOC file in the Files app and tap the share button.
Choose Pages. Pages opens and converts it for editing.
Tap the three dots menu, then Export, then Word.
Save the new file to Files or share it straight away.

Menu names can change a little between app versions, but the steps stay close to these.

Why doesn’t renaming work?

This is the most common mistake, so it’s worth explaining. The file extension is just a label. It tells your computer which app to use. It doesn’t change what’s inside.

A DOC file is one packed binary file. A DOCX file is a ZIP folder full of XML files. They’re built in completely different ways. If you rename a DOC file to DOCX, apps look inside expecting a ZIP folder, find something else, and give up.

That’s why you need a real converter, like Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice or Pages. They read the old format and rebuild the document in the new one.

Does converting change the file size?

Usually it gets smaller, sometimes a lot smaller. A DOC file with a few photos might shrink by half or more as DOCX, because DOCX compresses its contents. Text-only files shrink less, but they’re small to begin with. Smaller files are easier to email and upload, which is one more reason to convert.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to convert DOC to DOCX?

Yes. Google Docs, LibreOffice and Pages all do it for free.

Can I convert DOC to DOCX on my phone?

Yes. Use the Google Docs app: open the DOC file, then use Share and export or Save as Word (.docx). Menu names can vary by version.

Will converting delete my original file?

No. All these methods create a new file. The original stays until you delete it.

Can I convert DOCX back to DOC?

Yes. In Word or LibreOffice, use Save As and pick the Word 97-2003 format.

How do I open the new DOCX file?

Use our free DOCX viewer, or see how to open a DOCX file without Word for more options.