How to Convert DOC File to DOCX Format? Top Three Ways

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On April 3rd, 2025

Reading Time 6 Min Read

Do you have old Word Documents in old DOC format and want to convert them into new and upgraded versions of DOCX format? And you don’t know the right and direct method to convert DOC file to DOCX in bulk. Then this article is for you.

While reading this blog, you will get the all information like what are the reasons, the manual methods to save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX, the manual drawbacks and what are the best solutions if the manual method is not. For all the topics covered here, you just have to read the complete blog first carefully and then select the right preference for your data files.

Is DOC and DOCX the Same?

Both DOC and DOCX similar and created by Microsoft Word application. And it is used to maintain your Document data. DOC file extension used in prior versions of Microsoft Word 2003. And after release of MS Word 2007, DOCX format came into limelight in MS Word and still in use.

No doubt, DOCX is priority of all users because it’s lighter and smaller. Users can easily open, read, and share the files with others. If anyone has an older DOC format and they want to make it smoother to open and access, then they have to convert DOC file to DOCX format. Not only this, but there are other multiple issues, why users want to save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX without losing format.

How to Convert DOC File to DOCX Format Manually?

Here we will take help from MS Word because this is the only way to save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX format.

If you are not able to understand the difference between .DOC and .DOCX format, then follow the steps and then convert into DOCX format:

Open folder explorer in Windows.
Click on the “View” tab.
Choose the “Options” option.
A screen will appear with options.
Check the “Hide Extension for Known File Types” option.
Your file extensions will show each Document.

Now follow the steps to convert DOC file to DOCX format.

Open your .DOC file in MS Word.
Hit on the “File” option.
Choose the “Save As” option from the list.
Browse the location to save the file.
Type the file name according to you.
Choose “Word Document (*.DOCX)” as the “Save as Type” dropdown.
Lastly, click on the “Save” button to convert DOC file to DOCX.

How to Batch Save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX? Using VBA

Put your all DOC files in one folder.
After that, open MS Word on your system.
Use “Alt+ F11” to open the VBA editor.
Choose “Normal Project” >> “Insert” option.
Click on the “Module” >> “Normal” >> “Insert” >> and then “Module” options.
Now, use copy and paste the mentioned VBA code:

Sub TranslateDocIntoDocx()
Dim objWordApplication As New Word.Application
Dim objWordDocument As Word.Document
Dim strFile As String
Dim strFolder As String

strFolder = “E:\Temp\”
strFile = Dir(strFolder & “*.doc”, vbNormal)

While strFile <> “”
With objWordApplication
Set objWordDocument = .Documents.Open(Filename:=strFolder & strFile, AddToRecentFiles:=False, ReadOnly:=True, Visible:=False)

With objWordDocument
.SaveAs FileName:=strFolder & Replace(strFile, “doc”, “docx”), FileFormat:=16
.Close
End With
End With
strFile = Dir()
Wend

Set objWordDocument = Nothing
Set objWordApplication = Nothing
End Sub
Lastly, press the “Run” button.
And after some time your all DOC file will be converted into DOCX format.

Why Advanced Solutions Over Manual Methods?

First method requires energy to repeat the process for each DOC file. In simple Words, you can’t convert multiple DOC files to DOCX at once.
If you have chosen VBA code for multiple files, then do it carefully because one wrong mistake can make your file corrupt and damaged.

Then what is the right and accurate method to convert DOC file to DOCX format in bulk without losing format and any data? Go for the expert solution, which is discussed below with all details:

Best and Top DOC to DOCX Converter for Professional Work

RecoveryTools DOC File Conversion Tool is complete automated solution which provides the secure conversion of Word DOC to DOCX file without any internet connection. Word converter is a reliable solution for the users whom all are trying to convert DOC file to DOCX format.

It allows to batch save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX file format. The self-explanatory interface of the software helps the users easily work with the tool without any prior knowledge. This is one of the fastest coveter solutions available in the market. It facilitates the secure conversion of Word Document to DOCX format. Now we can explore the prominent software features from below.

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How to Convert Multiple DOC File to DOCX Format? All Steps

Install & open the Word Document converter on your Windows system.
Load the Word DOC file using “Select File” or “Select Folder” & hit the “Next” button.
From the given Document list select the required Word files & click on the “Next” button.
After that, choose “DOCX” in “Saving Option” & provide the destination location.
Finally, hit the “Convert” button & the software begins to convert DOC file to DOCX.

*Note: The tool provides “Save Converted Messages in Same Source Folder” to save the upgraded Word Document file in the same source file.

Phenomenal Capabilities of DOC to DOCX Converter Tool

Provides Batch Conversion: Users can effortlessly convert multiple DOC files to DOCX format in one shot.
Data Security: The offline conversion of the Document files secures your Word Document within your system.
Preserve Document Formatting: The tool makes sure to maintain all the properties & formatting of the converted Document without any modifications.
Offline Support: The software provides a complete offline conversion to save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX file.
User-friendly interface: The software reduces the user effort through a simple & self-explaining graphical interface.

Closing Words

If you are also one of them, who are seeking for the methods to convert DOC file to DOCX format in bulk without losing any format and data, then this is the right blog for you. Here we have solved the problem using manual and professional solution.

Like manual methods have some drawbacks, so if you are a professional user and wants to save a Microsoft Word Document as a DOCX format, then go with the RecoveryTools DOCX migrator tool. it has the free edition as well to analyse the performance.

To change DOCX file in old DOC format, then follow the attached link