How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links – Set Default Link Opening Browser

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Changing the browser that opens links from Outlook stops unwanted redirects to Microsoft Edge. If you have ever clicked a link in an email only to have it open in a browser you did not choose, you know how frustrating this can be. This guide shows you exactly how to change what browser outlook opens links in a few simple steps.

Outlook, whether it is the desktop app or the web version, often defaults to Microsoft Edge for links. This happens even if you have Chrome, Firefox, or Brave set as your default browser. The good news is that you can fix this quickly. No advanced tech skills are needed.

Below, you will find step-by-step instructions for Outlook for Windows, Mac, and the web version. We also cover common troubleshooting tips. By the end, every link you click in Outlook will open in the browser you prefer.

Why Outlook Opens Links In Microsoft Edge

Microsoft designed Outlook to work closely with Edge. This integration is part of the Windows ecosystem. When you click a link, Outlook sends the request to the operating system, which then decides what browser to use. If Edge is set as the default for certain link types, Outlook follows that rule.

Another reason is the “Choose which browser opens links” setting inside Outlook itself. This setting can override your system default. Many users do not realize this option exists. Changing it is the key to solving the problem.

How The Default Browser Setting Works

Your computer has a system-wide default browser. This is the browser that opens when you click a link anywhere, including in Outlook. However, Outlook has its own internal setting that can ignore the system default. If Outlook is set to use Edge, it will use Edge even if Chrome is your system default.

Understanding this helps you know where to look. You need to check both your system default and the Outlook-specific setting. Most of the time, adjusting the Outlook setting is enough.

How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links: Windows Desktop

For Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365 on Windows, the process is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Open Outlook Settings

  1. Open Outlook on your Windows computer.
  2. Click on File in the top-left corner.
  3. Select Options from the menu that appears.
  4. A new window called “Outlook Options” will open.

Step 2: Find The Browser Setting

  1. In the Outlook Options window, click on Advanced on the left sidebar.
  2. Scroll down to the section labeled Web Options.
  3. Click the button that says Web Options….
  4. A smaller window called “Web Options” will appear.

Step 3: Change The Browser Preference

  1. In the Web Options window, click on the Browsers tab.
  2. Look for the checkbox that says “Open hyperlinks from Microsoft Outlook in:”.
  3. By default, it is set to Microsoft Edge. Change this to Use your default browser.
  4. Click OK to save the change.
  5. Click OK again to close the Outlook Options window.

That is it. Now, when you click a link in Outlook, it should open in your system’s default browser. If it does not, you may need to check your Windows default browser settings.

Step 4: Verify Your System Default Browser

Even after changing Outlook’s setting, your system default browser must be set correctly. Here is how to check in Windows 10 and 11.

  1. Open Settings (press Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
  3. Under “Web browser”, click on the current browser (likely Edge).
  4. Choose your preferred browser from the list, such as Chrome or Firefox.
  5. Close Settings.

Now, any link from any app should open in your chosen browser. Outlook will also follow this rule because you told it to use the default browser.

How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links: Mac

Outlook for Mac works differently. It does not have a built-in browser setting like the Windows version. Instead, it relies entirely on your system’s default browser. So, changing the default browser on your Mac will change where Outlook links open.

Step 1: Check Your Current Default Browser

  1. Open System Settings (click the Apple logo > System Settings).
  2. Click on Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.
  3. Scroll down to the Default web browser section.
  4. See which browser is currently selected.

Step 2: Change The Default Browser

  1. Click the dropdown menu next to “Default web browser”.
  2. Select your preferred browser, such as Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.
  3. Close System Settings.

Now, every link you click in Outlook for Mac will open in that browser. There is no extra Outlook setting to adjust. This method is simple and works every time.

Troubleshooting On Mac

If links still open in the wrong browser, try these fixes.

  • Restart Outlook completely.
  • Make sure your preferred browser is installed and up to date.
  • Check if a third-party tool like “Browser Chooser” is interfering.
  • Reset your Mac’s default browser by selecting Safari first, then switching back to your choice.

How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links: Outlook Web

Outlook on the web (Outlook.com or Office 365) does not have its own browser setting. It uses your system’s default browser. However, there is a catch. Some links in Outlook Web may open in a new tab within your current browser. This is normal behavior.

Step 1: Set Your System Default Browser

Follow the same steps as for Windows or Mac above. This ensures that when Outlook Web opens a link, it goes to your preferred browser.

Step 2: Check Browser Settings For Links

Some browsers have settings that control how links from other apps are handled. For example, in Chrome, you can set it to open all links by default. In Firefox, you can check the “Default Browser” section in settings.

Make sure your browser is set as the default for all link types. This includes HTTP, HTTPS, and mailto links.

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

Sometimes, old cache data can cause links to behave oddly. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then try again. This is a quick fix that often works.

How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links: Mobile

Outlook on iPhone and Android also uses your device’s default browser. Here is how to change it on each platform.

On IPhone Or IPad

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox).
  3. Tap on Default Browser App.
  4. Select your chosen browser from the list.
  5. Close Settings.

Now, links in Outlook for iOS will open in that browser. If you use Safari, it is already the default unless you changed it.

On Android

  1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
  3. Tap on Browser app.
  4. Select your preferred browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Samsung Internet.
  5. Close Settings.

Android may also have a setting called “Open supported links” for each browser. Make sure this is enabled for your chosen browser.

Common Problems And Fixes

Even after following the steps above, some users still have issues. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them.

Problem: Links Still Open In Edge

This usually happens because Outlook’s internal setting is still set to Edge. Double-check the steps for Windows desktop. Make sure you selected “Use your default browser” and not “Microsoft Edge”. Also, restart Outlook after making the change.

Problem: Links Open In The Wrong Browser On Mac

Mac users sometimes forget to change the system default. Go to System Settings > Desktop & Dock and confirm your choice. Also, check if you have a browser extension that is overriding the default.

Problem: Links Open In A New Tab Instead Of A New Window

This is not a problem with Outlook but with your browser settings. In Chrome, you can set it to open links in a new window instead of a new tab. Go to Chrome Settings > On startup > Open a specific page. This does not affect link behavior directly, but it can help.

Problem: Outlook Web Links Open In The Same Tab

Outlook Web sometimes opens links in the same tab, which can be annoying. To avoid this, right-click the link and select “Open in new tab” or “Open in new window”. You can also hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking the link.

How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links: Advanced Methods

For users who want more control, there are advanced methods. These involve editing the Windows Registry or using third-party tools. Use these only if the standard methods do not work.

Method 1: Edit The Windows Registry

Warning: Editing the Registry can cause problems if done incorrectly. Back up your Registry first.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Internet.
  3. Look for a DWORD called OpenLinksInDefaultBrowser. If it does not exist, create it.
  4. Set its value to 1.
  5. Close Registry Editor and restart Outlook.

This forces Outlook to use your default browser for all links. The version number (16.0) may vary depending on your Office version.

Method 2: Use A Third-Party Tool

Tools like “Browser Chooser” or “Edge Deflector” can help redirect links away from Edge. These tools intercept link requests and send them to your chosen browser. They are useful if you cannot change the default browser due to IT policies.

Be careful when installing third-party software. Only download from trusted sources.

How To Change What Browser Outlook Opens Links: Group Policy

If you are in a corporate environment, your IT department may have set Group Policies that force Edge. In that case, you cannot change the setting yourself. You will need to contact your IT administrator.

However, if you are the administrator, you can change the policy. Here is how.

  1. Open Group Policy Management Console.
  2. Navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Office 2016 > Internet.
  3. Find the policy called “Set the default browser for hyperlinks opened from Microsoft Office applications”.
  4. Set it to Disabled or Not Configured.
  5. Apply the policy and restart Outlook on affected machines.

This allows users to choose their own browser. It is a good practice for user satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why Does Outlook Keep Opening Links In Edge Even After I Changed The Setting?

This can happen if the Outlook setting did not save properly. Go back and check the Web Options setting. Also, make sure your system default browser is set to something other than Edge. Restart Outlook and your computer if needed.

Q2: Can I Set A Different Browser For Outlook Without Changing My System Default?

Yes, on Windows you can. In Outlook’s Web Options, you can choose “Microsoft Edge” or “Use your default browser”. If you choose “Use your default browser”, it uses whatever your system default is. If you want a different browser only for Outlook, you cannot do that directly. You would need a third-party tool.

Q3: Does Changing The Browser In Outlook Affect Other Office Apps Like Word Or Excel?

Yes, the setting in Outlook’s Web Options applies to all Office apps. If you change it, links in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will also use your default browser. This is usually a good thing.

Q4: How Do I Change The Browser For Links In Outlook On A Chromebook?

Outlook on a Chromebook works through the web or Android app. For the web version, set your default browser in Chrome OS settings. For the Android app, follow the Android steps above. Chromebooks are a bit different, but the same principles apply.

Q5: Will This Change Affect Links In Email Signatures Or Embedded Links?

Yes, it affects all hyperlinks in Outlook, including those in signatures, email bodies, and attachments. Every link will open in your chosen browser.

Conclusion

Changing the browser that opens links from Outlook is a simple process once you know where to look. On Windows, you adjust the setting inside Outlook itself. On Mac and mobile, you change your system default browser. For Outlook Web, the system default is all you need.

Remember to restart Outlook after making any changes. If problems persist, check for Group Policies or third-party interference. With these steps, you can stop unwanted redirects to Edge and use the browser you prefer.

Now you know exactly how to change what browser outlook opens links. No more frustration. Every link you click will go where you want it to go. Enjoy a smoother, more personalized email experience.