How to set Outlook as the default Mail Client

Summary

Windows 10 mailto protocol opens Windows Mail, not Outlook. Learn how to change the default mail client in Windows 10 from Windows Mail to Outlook

Body

Problem/Question

The default Mail Client in Windows 10 is Windows Mail. When users click a mailto protocol, this opens up Windows Mail App, and some users end up creating mail profiles on the Windows Mail App.  This can cause some confusion as we are using Outlook.

Overview

Microsoft is pushing users to use Windows Mail as opposed to Outlook. Outlook is better suited for business needs. This article will explain how to make sure that when you click a mailto link, your system launches Outlook instead of Windows Mail.

Solution

  1. Press Windows key + R and type “control panel”. Hit Enter to open it.



     
  2. Use the search bar located in the top-right corner to search for “default programs“. Then, click on Default Programs.



     
  3. Click on Set your default programs.



     
  4. Under Email, click the Mail icon.



     
  5. Select your Outlook program from the list and make it your default choice.