This is a Windows 11 specific thing but it does not happen on my computer because I have tweaked the registry. Tweaking the registry can be dangerous so only do the following if you are confident. Changes happen as-you-type in real time. There is no option to save your changes or discard your changes so ensure the following steps are done correctly: -

In Registry Editor go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID

New / Key and type (or paste this red text): {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

Right click on this new key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} then

New / Key (again)

Name the new key InprocServer32

Then, on the right you’ll see a registry key named ‘Default’ inside the InprocServer32 key. Double-click on that ‘Default’ registry in the right pane to open it.

In the Edit String dialog box, make sure the ‘Value data’ field is blank and click ‘OK’ or press Enter.


Remember the value field must be left empty and not 0.

Close registry editor then restart the computer.

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After restarting the computer the full options menu will be available and this time the 'Open' command opens the template. It does not create a new document.

Be careful when following this. It is a well documented Windows 11 gripe on the web and I have simplified it here. It works for me.