Clicking a mailto link in your browser should open a new email in Outlook. If it opens another app or asks you to choose one, your default handler is not set correctly. This happens because modern browsers manage these protocols independently from Windows. This article provides the steps to configure Chrome and Edge to use Outlook for mailto links.
Key Takeaways: Setting Outlook for Mailto Links
- Edge Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Handlers: Allows you to set Outlook as the default application for the mailto protocol directly within the browser.
- Chrome Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional permissions > Handlers: Controls which applications launch for specific link types like mailto.
- Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps > Email: Sets the system-wide default mail client, which some browsers may reference.
How Browser Protocol Handlers Work
A mailto link is a type of URL protocol, similar to http or ftp. When you click it, your browser checks its own settings to find which application is registered to handle that protocol. Chrome and Edge have moved away from relying solely on the Windows default app setting for greater control and security. You must configure the handler within each browser you use. Outlook must be installed on your computer for this to work, and it is best to have it running in the background when you change the setting.
Steps to Configure Outlook in Microsoft Edge
Follow these steps to make Outlook the default mailto handler in Microsoft Edge. Ensure Outlook is installed and closed before you begin.
- Open Edge Settings
Launch Microsoft Edge. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings from the bottom of the list. - Navigate to Site Permissions
In the left-hand menu, click Cookies and site permissions. Scroll down to the bottom of the permissions list and click on Handlers. - Enable the mailto Protocol Handler
Find the switch labeled Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols and turn it on. This allows the browser to manage protocol associations. - Set Outlook as the Default
Click the Manage handlers button next to the switch. In the new window, locate mailto in the Protocol column. Click the dropdown menu in the Handler column and select Outlook (Desktop) from the list. If Outlook is not listed, you may need to complete the Chrome steps below first.
Alternative Method via Windows Settings
If the browser method does not work, you can try setting the system default, which Edge may respect.
- Open Windows Default Apps
Press the Windows key, type “Default apps”, and press Enter. This opens the Default Apps settings page. - Set the Default Email App
Scroll down and click on Email. A list of installed mail applications will appear. Select Outlook from the list.
Steps to Configure Outlook in Google Chrome
The process in Google Chrome is similar but located in a different part of the settings menu.
- Open Chrome Settings
Launch Google Chrome. Click the three-dot menu and select Settings. - Go to Site Settings
In the left sidebar, click Privacy and security. Then, on the right, click Site settings. - Access Additional Permissions
Scroll down in the Site settings menu and click Additional permissions. Select Handlers from the expanded list. - Enable and Set the Handler
Turn on the switch for Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols. Then, click Manage handlers. Find mailto and use the dropdown menu to select Outlook as the handler.
Common Configuration Mistakes and Limitations
Outlook Option is Missing from the Browser List
If Outlook does not appear in the browser’s handler dropdown, it may not be properly registered with Windows. First, set Outlook as the default email app in Windows Settings as shown in the alternative method. Then, completely close and restart your browser before checking the handler list again. You can also try repairing your Office installation via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Links Still Open in Webmail Like Outlook on the Web
This usually happens because a webmail site was previously set as the default. You must remove that site’s permission. In Chrome or Edge, go to the Handlers settings page and click Manage handlers. If you see a website like outlook.office.com listed for mailto, click the trash can icon next to it. Then set the handler to Outlook again.
Handler Setting Resets After a Browser Update
Browser updates can sometimes reset protocol handlers. The setting is tied to your browser profile. To prevent this, ensure you are signed into Chrome or Edge with a work or Microsoft account to sync settings. After an update, simply revisit the Handlers page and re-select Outlook. Consider also setting the Windows default app as a backup.
Browser vs. Windows Default Handler Management
| Item | Browser Handler Setting (Chrome/Edge) | Windows Default Apps Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Control Level | Browser-specific, overrides system setting | System-wide default for all applications |
| Primary Use Case | Ensuring links from that browser open in your preferred app | Setting a universal default for all programs on the PC |
| Persistence | Can be reset by browser updates or profile changes | Generally more stable across system updates |
| Configuration Location | Browser Settings > Site Permissions > Handlers | Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps > Email |
You can now click any mailto link in Chrome or Edge to start a new email in Outlook. If you use multiple browsers, repeat the steps in each one. For advanced control, you can use the Windows Registry to set protocol associations, but the browser settings provide a safer method for most users.