Linux distributions generally support opening Microsoft Office file formats, including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, through alternative software suites or web-based options. While Linux doesn't natively run the official Microsoft Office application, compatibility layers and dedicated open-source applications are designed to interpret these common file formats. This allows users to view, edit, and save documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, though with potential differences in exact rendering compared to the original Microsoft application.

Popular open-source office suites like LibreOffice and ONLYOFFICE are widely installed on Linux systems and provide core functionality for working with Office files. Users can open, edit, and save files in DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX formats directly within these applications. Additionally, cloud-based Microsoft 365 accessed through a web browser offers full compatibility, and other online office tools like Google Workspace or Collabora Online can also handle these files effectively on a Linux desktop.

Compatibility is generally very good for basic to moderate documents. However, limitations can exist with highly complex formatting, advanced macros, track changes, or specific Excel functions, potentially causing display issues or requiring adjustment. Continued development efforts focus on improving format fidelity. For the majority of users needing interoperability with Office file standards, Linux offers reliable and free solutions, enabling participation in collaborative environments without requiring a Windows license.