# Microsoft's File Formats Keep Users on a Short Leash The Document Foundation criticizes Microsoft's file formats. - **Source:** [www.theregister.com - Articles](https://brifing.si/source/2c34ea50-d341-4a10-925d-12c012a9ad10) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d4cb22ca-77b9-4e2c-bf5a-99051370f5ce ## Criticism of Microsoft's File Formats The Document Foundation (TDF) criticized Microsoft's Office formats for restricting users and making it difficult to switch to open alternatives. TDF promotes the use of open-source software like LibreOffice. ## OOXML Standard and Issues TDF highlighted that the standardization process of Microsoft's Office Open XML (OOXML) was controversial and that OOXML Transitional contains problematic legacy elements. OOXML Strict, a cleaner alternative, is not widely used. ## Compatibility Issues with Formats TDF stated that the OOXML format is only fully supported by Microsoft's own software, creating compatibility issues for other applications. This keeps users dependent on Microsoft. ## Digital Sovereignty and File Formats TDF emphasized that digital sovereignty begins with choices in file formats, fonts, and software. Institutions' reliance on proprietary formats hinders information sharing and perpetuates dependency. ## PDF/A and Archiving Options While formats like PDF/A are suitable for archiving, institutions' reliance on proprietary formats is a hard habit to break. TDF recommends using open standards like OpenDocument Format. ## Awaiting Microsoft's Response The Register asked Microsoft for its stance on file formats that lock in users, but the company has yet to respond. TDF's criticisms aim to raise awareness about digital independence. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theregister.com/applications/2026/07/20/the-document-foundation-says-microsofts-file-formats-keep-users-on-a-short-leash/5274960 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._