File Explorer will not open DOC files

The first line of attack is to right-click on a .doc file and choose Open with. You'll see Word as one of the options, but don't choose it. Instead, select Choose Another App. Some version of Word will probably be selected; if not, select it. Be sure to check the box for "Always use this app to open .doc files" and then click OK.

Hi Todd75! Thank you for writing to the Microsoft Answer Community Forum, I am Shakiru, an advisor and a user like you, and I am glad to be helping you out today. I understand you are having issues with File Explorer opening Doc files. Am sorry, but I need more clarification on the subject matter, do you mean the File explorer is not working (i.e opening at all) or when it opens it will not open any files at all or only a Word document? However, you may need to do the following: 1. Updates the Windows and Microsoft Office Apps 2. Restart the File Explorer in the Task Manager 3. Start the Windows in Safe Mode. Please do not hesitate to get back here if you need further help Best Regards, Shakiru

If you've tried Suzanne's suggestion and Word is still not opening DOC files, try File>Options>Trust Center>Trust Center Settings>File Block Settings. If the option at the bottom of that dialog is set to Do not open selected file types, try changing it to Open selected file types in Protected View.