A process for preparing organopolysiloxanes by reacting linear siloxane compounds (II) and/or cyclic siloxane compounds (III) with a compound having at least one hydroxyl group R′—OH (IV) where R′ are identical or different organic radicals, which is characterized in that the compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) are used in such amounts that the molar ratio of silicon atoms in the compounds of the formulae (II) and (III) to OH groups in the compounds of the formula (IV) is from 0.01:1 to 1000:1, and in that the reaction is performed at a temperature of greater than 70° C. to 175° C., and in that the resulting reaction mixture is not treated with an acidic compound.