Due to its proprietary nature, finding software that can properly read those files can be tricky.

LibreOffice is the usual go-to for folks wanting an office suite, that respects privacy, and FOSS. It can read docx files, but it can mess up formatting. Still, for many it’s the preferred choice. It’s got the best reputation.

Now if formatting REALLY matters, take a look at OnlyOffice. It handles those MS formats so much better. It’s not a bad suite, but it’s hard to beat the good reputation Libreoffice has gained.

Onlyoffice, libreoffice can do the job

I second every suggestions about Libreoffice. It's free, open source and works in Windows, MacOS and Linux.

The problems lies in the different rendering engine. If you have table of contents, floating image and anything that impact text flow; it will be rendered differently between the two apps.

I still use Libreoffice as my primary editor, but if I need to send docs to other people, I will export it to PDF. But if I really need to send docx or pptx, I will format it in WPS office before sending the docs to others.

You can activate it with these scripts https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts (I think it's the easiest way for you as you are already using it and the only issue it's the stupid message to force you to pay for it)

But would be nice if you were not forced to use Microsoft Office.

LibreOffice will do just fine reading and writing the format as long as you don't care too much about small formatting/layout differences.

It will also struggle if you've embedded other office components into your documents (like excel embedded in word).

well-known safe script to activate office

If you only need a word processor, try Abiword. Otherwise if you need a full office suite: LibreOffice

Does your college not provide you with an MS Office license?

How about using the free browser-based tier of MS Office 365 https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web - but with an alt email address for this purpose only?

Libreoffice can help, or (as long as the formatting's not too complex) you can upload them to Google Drive, edit them, and then redownload them exporting back to .docx.

without activation or a subscription, your current office installation will continue to read and view the files just fine, you just won't be able to edit and re-save them or create new ones.

there are a number of 'free' or open source alternative to several of the microsoft office applications (word, excel, and ppt), such as onlyoffice, libreoffice, softmaker, etc. set the default save format back to microsoft office format (docx, xlsx, pptx) for a more seamless transition. if your online drive is mounted in your os, any of these would be able to read/write to it like any other installed application.

older versions of microsoft office (2010 and earlier) may be 'out of date' and unsupported, but they still work and can be bought second-hand for cheap.

there is also free-to-use online versions of microsoft office and google docs (their respective online account required--and their anti-privacy policies apply). these would by default use their respective online storage.

if you are in university, you may be able to get a low-cost or even free microsoft office key or subscription from your school. check with your student i.t. help desk or school-run campus bookstore.

if you work for a larger company or institution that uses volume licenses of microsoft software, they may have a 'workplace discount' for a microsoft 365 sub, it's about $20-30 off per year (the more reasonable 'home use program' does not exist anymore).

I know that Microsoft 365 subscriptions are nothing new, but it’s really hitting me how depressing that business model is.

Libreoffice

You can still use Microsoft word web version after your 365 expires. The mobile app has ads if you don’t have a subscription.

My Microsoft 365 subscription is expiring and will not be renewed thanks to you lovely people getting me on the Proton family of software and obsidian for note taking.

I mean... Why would you ditch a service you evidently NEED just because some stranger on the internet told you so?

That said, there's plenty of offline programs that can work on .dock files, such as OnlyOffice and LIbreoffice (with varying degrees of compatibility with existing files). Good luck!

You can still buy a lifetime licenses of office but you have to buy it from 3rd party sellers and then validate the license with M$. Example Deal..

I bought 2 of them and also saved the install binary to have office suite.

I use libreoffice personally but I have family members that get frustrated when they cannot find the same formatting options

Try onlyoffice: https://www.onlyoffice.com/

I think libreoffice has more functions, but is a bit confusing at the beginning and sadly quite ugly. So if you belong to those who cannot work in ugly environments, and use office for simple and small documents onlyoffice is perfect. It looks better and is closer to word....