To make Microsoft Word the default app for Word documents on macOS, change the file association for the relevant document type. You may need to repeat it for DOCX and older DOC files.
Steps
- In Finder, select a `.docx` file and choose File > Get Info.
- Expand Open with and select Microsoft Word.
- Click Change All and confirm that all files of that type should open with Word.
- Repeat with a `.doc` file if you also use the older format.
- Double-click representative files to verify Word now opens them.
How it works
The association is based on file type, so changing DOCX does not necessarily change RTF, DOC, ODT, or other document formats. Word must be installed and functioning before it can be selected reliably.
Important considerations
If Word is missing from the list, update/reinstall Microsoft 365 from its legitimate source rather than changing LaunchServices with unsupported cleanup tools.
Practical guidance
If you want Word to be the default only for one extension, Change All is appropriate for that type. If another app takes the association back after an update, repeat the Finder process. Do not rename file extensions to force Word to open unsupported formats; use conversion/export when needed.
Additional details
For files stored in OneDrive, iCloud Drive, or a network location, the default application association still belongs to macOS; cloud storage does not change the DOCX format. If a file opens in Pages because it was exported incorrectly, verify its real extension and format before changing associations.
Related: How to Change the Default Media Player on Mac.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.