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Batch Convert DOCX and DOC Files in Word Effortlessly

Author Zhoumandy Last modified

The Doc/Docx converter in Kutools for Word is a powerful tool designed to quickly switch between the old .doc format and the modern .docx format in bulk. Instead of manually opening and saving each document one by one, this feature allows you to process dozens or even hundreds of files at once, saving time and ensuring consistency. Whether you need to convert legacy Word files to the latest format for compatibility, or downgrade .docx files to .doc for use on older systems, this tool makes the task effortless and reliable.

Key Advantages of this Doc/Docx feature

Batch Processing

Add multiple files or entire folders at once to quickly convert large volumes of documents.

Flexible Output

Save converted files in their original location or specify a custom destination folder for better organization.

Cleanup & Retention

Choose to delete source files after conversion or preserve the original file’s modified date, making version control easier.

Stable & Reliable

Built on Word’s native conversion engine to ensure content and formatting are well preserved while enhancing compatibility between old and new formats.

Convert multiple DOCX files to DOC in Word

If you need to open modern .docx files on older versions of Word, Kutools makes it simple:

  1. Launch the Microsoft Word application, and then apply this utility by clicking Kutools Plus > Doc/Docx.
    enable Doc/Docx feature
  2. A warning message from the Document Format Converter appears, prompting you to ensure that all documents to be converted are closed. Click OK to proceed.
    warning message
  3. In the Document Format Converter dialog box, configure the settings as follows:
    • Select Convert Docx to Doc from the Format Convert drop-down list.
    • Click the add button button, and then select Add File, Add Folder or Add Folder (Including Subfolders) to import the DOCX documents for conversion.
      add types
    • Then choose the output path. You can either save the converted files in the same folder as the source documents or specify a custom location.
    • Finally, click OK button to start the conversion.
      set operations in the dialog box

✨ Result: All selected DOCX documents are converted to DOC format instantly.
All DOCX documents are converted to DOC format

Convert multiple DOC files to DOCX in Word

For better compatibility and smaller file size, you may want to update old doc files to docx:

  1. Navigate to Kutools Plus → Doc/Docx.
    enable Doc/Docx feature
  2. A warning message from the Document Format Converter appears, prompting you to ensure that all documents to be converted are closed. Click OK to proceed.
    warning message
  3. In the Document Format Converter dialog box, configure the settings as follows:
    • Select Convert Doc to Docx from the Format Convert drop-down list.
    • Click the add button button, and then select Add File, Add Folder or Add Folder (Including Subfolders) to import the DOC documents for conversion.
    • Then choose the output path. You can either save the converted files in the same folder as the source documents or specify a custom location.
    • Finally, click OK button to start the conversion.
      set operations in the dialog box

✨ Result: All selected DOC files are converted to DOCX format instantly..
All DOCX documents are converted to DOC format

Other Options Explained

🗑️ Delete source files after conversion

Check this option will automatically remove the original files once the conversion is complete. Use with caution—make sure you have a backup if needed.

🕓 Keep the modified date of original files

Check this option will preserve the original last modified date in the converted files instead of showing the current conversion date. Useful for version control and archiving.

📄 Generate conversion report (source & output paths)

Create a report listing all source files and their corresponding output paths after conversion. Helpful for reviewing and verifying large batch conversions.
Create a report

FAQs about this Doc/Docx feature

Q1: Will the conversion change my document formatting?

A: Kutools relies on Word’s built-in conversion, so it generally keeps layouts, fonts, and content intact.

Q2: Can I also convert files within subfolders?

A: Yes. This feature supports batch conversion of all files contained in the selected folder and its subfolders.

Q3: Where are the converted files saved?

A: By default, in the same location as the originals. You can also choose a custom output folder before starting.

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