Docx is a file extension used for Microsoft Word documents. Docx files will have a Word icon, which can help you quickly locate the file type you need among a bunch of files. However, sometimes the Word icon is not showing in documents if Docx files are misconfigured or corrupted.
So, what can you do when the Word icon is not showing for Docx files? Here are 3 methods listed, and you can try them one by one.
How to Fix Docx Files Not Showing Word Icon
Method 1. Set to Open Docx Files Using WINWORD.EXE
When you open a file in Windows, it usually opens in the default application for that type of file. If the Word icon is missing in Docx files, you can try to change an app to open them.
Step 1. Press Windows + R key combinations to open Run. Then type regedit in the text box and click OK.
Step 2. Click Yes when the system prompts you.
Step 3. Type the following content in the address bar:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Winword.exe
Step 4. Double-click Path and copy the Value data in a place (This data will be used in later steps). Then exit this window.
Step 5. Right-click the docx file and select Open with. Click More apps and check Always use this app to open .docx files in the pop-up window.
Step 6. Click Look for another app on this PC.
Step 7. Locate the corresponding location path you have copied. Then scroll down to choose WINWORD.EXE and click Open.
Step 8. Reboot your PC to check whether the issue of “Files not showing Word icon” has been fixed.
Method 2. Delete Icon Cache Database
The icon cache in Windows is a database file that holds icons for the desktop and File Explorer. When this file is damaged, it may cause “Files not showing Word icon”. You can delete this file according to the following steps.
Step 1. Go to File Explorer Options settings using the Windows search box.
Step 2. Under the View tab, check Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and then click OK (After fixing this issue, you can uncheck this option).
Step 3. Press Windows + R. Then input %temp% in the text box and press Enter.
Step 4. Click Local in the address bar.
Step 5. Scroll down to right-click the Iconcache folder and choose Delete.
Method 3. Repair Microsoft Office
The last way is to repair Microsoft Office. Here are the major steps to do that.
Step 1. Press Windows + R keyboard shortcut. Then type appwiz.cpl in the box and press Enter.
Step 2. Right-click Microsoft Office and select Change.
Step 3. Choose Yes in the pop-up window.
Step 4. Select Quick Repair or Online Repair based on your preferences and click Repair.
Step 5. Follow the instructions on the window to finish repairing.
Bottom Line
In a word, when you encounter the “Files not showing Word icon” issue, you can try the three methods listed above. Hope one of them can fix your problem.
If you have found more feasible ways to deal with this matter, you can share them in the comment zone with us. For more information about Docx files or Microsoft Word, you can go to MiniTool News Center.