Cannot open .xlsx or .docx files in File Explorer

Question

I've had this issue for months now. When attempting to open files, particularly MS Office files from File Explorer, I get a Not Implemented message. I then right-click and have the option to select which application I want to open it in and can select the associated app so for an Excel document, Excel..., a Word document, Word.

I also have the option to select a box that says always open this file type in the application. I check it but next time I am in File Explorer and want to open another Excel or Word file, the same protocol must be followed.

In other words "always open" doesn't seem to work.

I followed a couple expert posts on this topic a few months ago and it seemed to be work. Within weeks, I was back to the above-noted issue. It happened again today and I'm absolutely frustrated with chasing the issue.

I am on a Dell Inspiron 15 5000 12GM RAM, 1TB SSD and running 64-Bit Windows 10 Home, Version 21H1, OS build: 19043.1706 and Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4170.0

Answer 1

Have you tried repairing the Office installation (via Windows Control Panel > Programs > Programs & Features > Microsoft Office (version) > Change > Repair)?

Answer 2

U can go to standard applications and then standard app per file type.
Here u go to the desired extention and select the desired program.

Kind regards

Answer 3

Hi, @Michael Streib
Usually Office issues can be fixed first by trying to fix Office (such as PaulEdstein-6097
Said).
You can then check in Word-file-open if the file can be opened normally.
Also, if the question is which version of Office it is, you can try to use the ODT deployment tool to roll back the version of Office.

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