Docx Files Not Showing Word Icon Fix

The issue arises when the icons of the .docx files change to blank/shield icons (not the default MS Word icons). The files can be normally opened & edited, but Word icons are not displayed (which work perfectly for the .doc files). Before moving on to fix the Docx icon, check if uninstalling any other outdated document application (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) sorts out the icons’ problem.

Solution 1: Update the Windows and MS Office of Your PC to Their Latest Builds

The MS Word icons issue may arise if the Windows or MS Office installation are outdated as it may create incompatibility between the both. In this case, updating the Windows & MS Office to the latest builds may solve the problem.

Solution 2: Revert the File Association to MS Word and Reset the Defaults

The icon issue may arise if the .docx file association is not set to MS Word or corrupt. In this scenario, reverting the .docx file association to MS Word & resetting the default apps to MS defaults may solve the problem.

Set the MS Word as the Default Application for the .docx File Type

Reset the Default Apps to the Microsoft Recommended

Solution 3: Rebuild the Icon Cache Database

The Docx icon issue could be a result of a corrupt Icon Cache Database. In this case, rebuilding the Icon Cache Database may solve the problem.

Solution 4: Repair the MS Office Installation

The corrupt MS Office installation may cause the missing Word icon issue. In this context, repairing the MS Office installation may solve the problem.

Solution 5: Reregister the MS Word

The icons’ issue may arise if the MS Word application fails to claim the .docx file association (despite the user set it to be) in Windows. In this case, reregistering the MS Word application (which may reclaim the association) may solve the problem. Before proceeding, make sure to close any running processes related to MS Office in the Task Manager.

Re-Register the MS Word Application

Solution 6: Edit the System’s Registry and Reinstall the Office Suite

The icons’ issue may arise if the MS Word application’s registry keys are not properly configured or corrupt. In this case, editing the registry keys relevant to MS Word may solve the problem. Warning: Advance at your own risk and with extreme care as editing the system’s registry is a proficient task and if not done properly, you may cause everlasting damage to your OS/data/system. Before proceeding, make sure to perform a backup of your system’s registry. Press the Windows key and search for: Registry Editor. Now, in the list of results, right-click on the Registry Editor, and in the mini-menu, choose Run as Administrator. You may try the following edits to check if resolves the icons issue (keep in mind some of these keys may not be available to some users).

Delete the IconHandler Key

Change the Default Key Path

Import the .docx Registry Key

Delete the Docx File

Delete the .docx Keys and Reinstall the Office Suite

Solution 7: Create a New Windows User Account

If none of the solutions has done the trick of you, the issue may be caused by a corrupt user profile. In this context, creating a new Windows user account may solve the problem. If the issue persists, you may use 3rd party utilities (like IconsExtract & FileTypesMan) to sort out the issue. If the issue is still there, you may edit the security permissions (it may have its repercussions) of the Local folder to allow Everyone (in the Advanced and Group/User names) in the following location:

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