DOCM File Extension

What is DOCM file?

A .DOCM file is a macro-enabled file that is created using the Microsoft Word application introduced in the Microsoft Office 2007 version. The DOCM file is similar to DOCX file, and the DOCM file contains embedded repetitive tasks that can be executed in the Word document file. The DOCM file is a compressed open XML-based file and contains formatted text, images, shapes, charts, and more.  Some of the applications that can be used to open and edit the DOCM files include: freeKingsoft Writer, OpenOffice Writer, free WordViewer, and other free Word processors.

Programs which support DOCM file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with DOCM files, divided into 4 categories based on operating system on which they are available. DOCM files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 09/26/2022

How to open file with DOCM extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening DOCM files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Word software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DOCM files is that no program that can handle DOCM files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Word or one of the recommended programs (for example, Apache OpenOffice, Microsoft Word Viewer, Office 365) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Word installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version

You still cannot access DOCM files although Microsoft Word is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Microsoft Word cannot handle files with DOCM may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Microsoft Word is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Word to DOCM files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate DOCM files with latest version of Microsoft Word you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the DOCM file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Word installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open DOCM files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the DOCM file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Microsoft Word and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with DOCM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the DOCM is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DOCM file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the DOCM file for viruses or malware

If the DOCM is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the DOCM file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the DOCM file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with DOCM extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Word

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with DOCM extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle DOCM files.

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