Chris from NYC writes:
I have a new Dell computer with Windows 8.1. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to create a new Word document.
Chris, first of all – do you have Microsoft Word installed on your new computer? I know it seems like a silly question, but it does not come automatically installed on new computers, you would need to purchase it unless you paid extra to have it installed on the Dell or installed it yourself later. But even if you don’t have Microsoft Word, you can still create a text document.
If you do have Word installed, here’s how to create a new Word document. Either start typing Word from the Modern/Metro screen or search for Word in the Charms bar. If Word is on the computer, it will appear in the results. Click on the icon to open the program.
Once Word is open, choose Blank document to get started.
If you don’t have Word installed, your computer will have Word Pad, a very useful word processing program. Search for it and click the icon from the results.
To create a new document, choose File and then New document.
You can also right-click on your desktop, select new and then choose what type of document you’d like to create.
I hope one of these methods solves your problem.
~ Cynthia
Word is a nightmare to use on Windows 8.1. I have spent 3 days trying to keep the print and photos seperated and i can not move the photos where I want to without losing a page/line/paragraph. It looks terrible at the end with edited photos – all different shapes and sizes and one to a page instead of 3 together. How do I do this?
Pam
Hello. I would like to know if there is a Word New Document Icon I could just click from wherever I am in my computer. I have been browsing for an answer but have found too many processes before reaching its purpose. Maybe there is a keyboard shortcut?
Thank your,
Cecilia A.C.
I agree with Pam, word is a nightmare on Windows 8.1. I cannot find out how to email my document. Also, I cannot open it in my document folder.
Before windows 8.1 I had no problem. I have Word 2013.
Hello All, I thought I was alone in trying to find out how to possibly start a new document in Windows 8.1 Thank you for your responses. It’s very helpful. gonna try them now.
Why do we continue to ride a dead horse. “The wine has soured to vinegar… pour it out.”
I agree with the above; I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out how to create a new word doc – need to compose many thank you letters.
I hate windows 8.1!
It shouldn’t be difficult. If you’re using Word, just slick on the create new Word Document when you open the program. If you’re using WordPad open it, then choose File and New. Both Word and Word Pad work exactly the same way in 8 that they do in 7 and fairly similarly to how they work in XP.
Cynthia- you’re brilliant! Very clear instructions including screenshots! Like other people, I was very irritated- its such an obviously key feature. Tried searching word help ‘create new document’ which didn’t find anything.
I hope that Windows 10 will be better…
I learned a lot from this. Mainly that the word processor that came bundled with my new(ish)HP computer is WordPad. That’s why Word Documents doesn’t work. It’s sufficient for my needs. I do miss the Word features. If I become at-home professional, I’ll purchase Word. Thank you all.
You should be able to read Word Documents in Word Pad.
And don’t forget that Word is available for free online at Outlook.com.
When I click on the Word icon, I do NOT get the menu shown. I get a directory listing of the path where winword.exe is located, and the only choice is to
create a new folder (not a new document). Windows 8 SUCKS! The only way I can open a NEW document is to open an old document first. Then under FILE, open new document is there on the menu. What a royal pain!