How to stop Outlook from opening links in Edge Browser

*Open Outlook links from your default browser*

Microsoft has recently implemented a significant change affecting how links operate within Microsoft Outlook, specifically targeting Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers. This modification initially introduced to enhance productivity for Home customers, has now extended its impact to business subscribers and the Teams application. Kindly read, How to complete Microsoft Office 365 Family Subscription. In this guide, we shall discuss how to stop Outlook from opening links in Edge Browser.

The primary objective of this update is to streamline the email experience by making Microsoft Edge the default browser for opening links in Outlook. By doing so, Microsoft aims to eliminate the need for users to switch between applications when they access, read, and respond to emails. This, in turn, results in a boost to workflow efficiency. See How to Change Two-Factor Authentication Methods in Microsoft 365/Office 365.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that while this change offers notable benefits, certain users may prefer to have their Outlook links open in their chosen default web browser.

To cater to such preferences, this guide will walk you through the steps to adjust this behaviour and configure Outlook to open links in your preferred browser. Here are other similar guides 5 Steps to Fix Outlook continually prompts for passwords on Windows 10 and 11, How to Share Microsoft Outlook Calendar on Desktop and on Web, and How to Recall an Email in Microsoft Outlook.

How to Prevent Outlook from Opening Links in Microsoft Edge

Before making the adjustment, make sure you have set your preferred web browser as the default in your Windows operating system. This ensures that Outlook links open in the web browser of your choice. Here is guide on How to change Windows 11 and 10 default mail app to Outlook. Here’s a step-by-step guide to check and set the default browser:

Press the “Windows key + I” to open the “Settings” menu.

Click on “Apps,” and then select “Default apps” located on the right pane of the window.

Outlook Microsoft Edge: Click on default apps in the apps settings — *Click on default apps in the apps settings*

On the right-hand list, locate the icon representing your favored web browser and click on it.

Outlook Microsoft Edge: Select the browser to set as default — *Select the browser to set as default*

If you have already set your preferred browser as the default, you’re good to go. If not, click on “Set Default” to configure it as the default choice for all relevant tasks, including opening PDFs and mail links.

Outlook Microsoft Edge: Click on Set Default — *Click on Set Default*

Please see how to Restore Old Right-click Context Menu in Windows 11, how to Disable TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 in Windows Using GPO. And how to Install Microsoft Edge on Ubuntu: Manage Edge Browser on Linux.

Changing the Web Links Setting in Outlook

Once you’ve ensured that your preferred browser is set as the default in your Windows system. You can proceed to modify the web links setting within Microsoft Outlook to have links open in your chosen browser. Follow these steps:

Open Microsoft Outlook and locate the “File” option positioned in the top-left corner of the Outlook window.

Choose “Options” located at the bottom of the navigation pane. See Password Change with OWA, and Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows Server Guide.

In the Outlook Options window, click on “Advanced” from the menu on the left. Under the “File and browser preferences” section, you’ll find the setting labeled “Open hyperlinks from Outlook in,” with “Microsoft Edge” as the current selection.

Select default in the browser preference section — *Select Options in the file settings*

Click on the small down arrow in the box and choose “Default Browser” as your preferred option.

Lastly, click “OK” to save the changes.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can ensure that when you click on links within Outlook, they will open in your preferred browser, rather than Microsoft Edge. This customization empowers you to tailor your email experience to your unique preferences, ultimately enhancing your workflow efficiency.

FAQS

Can I revert to my previous default web browser for Outlook links if I don’t prefer Microsoft Edge?

Yes, you can revert to your preferred default web browser for Outlook links if you don’t wish to use Microsoft Edge. To do this, make sure your preferred browser is set as the default in your Windows operating system settings. Then, follow the steps provided in the article to change the web links setting in Outlook. This will ensure that your Outlook links open in your chosen default browser.

Will changing the default browser for Outlook links affect other applications or tasks on my computer?

Changing the default browser for Outlook links will only impact how links within Outlook are opened. It won’t affect the default browser setting for other applications or tasks on your computer. Windows allows you to set different default applications for various functions, such as web browsing, email, and more. So, while you can configure Outlook to open links in your preferred browser, your other applications can retain their respective default settings.

I hope you found this blog post helpful on how to stop Outlook from opening links in Edge Browser. Please let me know in the comment section if you have any questions.