How to Stop Outlook from Opening Links in Microsoft Edge
Article ID: EML-0002-V2
Summary / Purpose
This article explains how to configure Microsoft Outlook to open hyperlinks in your default web browser instead of Microsoft Edge.
Pre-Requisites
- Microsoft Outlook installed (desktop version)
- Access to modify Outlook Options
- Your preferred browser must be set as the system default
Instructions
Step 1: Change Link Handling Settings in Outlook
- Open Microsoft Outlook.
- Click File in the top-left corner.
- Select Options from the left-hand menu.
- In the Outlook Options window, click Advanced.
- Scroll down to the Link handling section.
- From the dropdown menu, select Default browser.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Step 2: Restart Outlook
- Close Outlook completely.
- Reopen Outlook and test by clicking a hyperlink in an email.
Expected Result
After completing these steps, Outlook will open hyperlinks using your system's default web browser instead of Microsoft Edge.
Troubleshooting
- Issue: Links still open in Microsoft Edge
Solution: Verify that your preferred browser is set as the system default. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and ensure your browser is selected for web links. - Issue: Outlook is not saving the setting
Solution: Make sure Outlook is closed completely after making the change. If the issue persists, try again with administrative privileges.
Related Articles
- None currently available
Reference Information
Applies to: All Employees
Tags: Email, Outlook, Microsoft Edge, Default App
Changelog
| Version | Date | Author | Changes Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1 | 2024-02-09 | Mike Galvin | Initial creation |
| V2 | 2025-05-20 | Esteban Bianco | Rewritten using the new KB article template |