To open Microsoft Word in Windows 10, select Start, type Word, and select Word in the results. You can also scroll the Start menu’s app list to W. To open it faster next time, pin it to the taskbar.
Applies to: Microsoft 365, Office 2016 and later on Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.
Open Word from Start
- Select Start (or press the Windows logo key).
- Type Word. Search opens as you type.
- Select Word in the results.
- Choose Blank document to start a new one, or pick a recent file.
Pin Word to the taskbar or Start
- Search for Word as above.
- Right-click Word and select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.
For more ways to organize Start, see how to change the Start menu in Windows 10.
Open a Word file directly
Double-click any Word document (.docx) in File Explorer. It opens in Word.
If Word isn’t there
- Search for Word again after a restart. The app list can be slow to update after an install.
- If it still doesn’t show, Word may not be installed. See how to install Word in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Word opened a file I didn’t save. How do I get my work back?
See how to recover unsaved or deleted Word documents in Windows 10.
Can I open Word without installing it?
Yes. You can use Word for the web in your browser at microsoft365.com with a Microsoft account.
Microsoft’s reference is Can’t find Office applications in Windows 10? More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.