How to Fix Microsoft Word Hyperlinks Opening with an Unsupported Browser Error
Question details
Users encounter an unsupported browser error when attempting to click and open hyperlinks in Microsoft Word documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking on a hyperlink within a Word document to open a webpage.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays an 'Unsupported Browser' error message instead of opening the target webpage, even when a modern browser like Chrome is set as the default.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and save any open documents, workbooks, or emails before initiating an Office software update.
Install the Latest Microsoft Office Updates
Updating Office to the newest build resolves legacy bugs where Word incorrectly attempts to use older internet components.
Older builds of Office 2019 may contain outdated rendering components that look for Internet Explorer. Updating to the latest cumulative release patches this issue and correctly routes links to your default browser.
Save and close all active documents, Excel workbooks, and Outlook emails to prevent data loss during the update process.
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top ribbon, and select 'Account' (or 'Office Account' depending on your layout).
Click on 'Update Options' next to the Office Updates section, then select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu. Wait for the updater to download and apply the patches.
Consult Your IT Administrator for Volume-Licensed Office
If you are on a business or volume license and the update button claims your software is current, you must seek administrator assistance.
Use WPS Office to Avoid Legacy Microsoft Word Errors
If outdated Microsoft Office builds and complex licensing restrictions are causing hyperlink issues, switch to WPS Office. It is a free, modern, and lightweight office suite that seamlessly opens your Word documents and correctly routes hyperlinks to your modern default browser.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installation package, and run the installer on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, go to 'File' > 'Open', and select your existing .docx file.
- 3. Click Hyperlinks Seamlessly: Click on any hyperlink within your document to immediately open it in your system's actual default browser without legacy errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word show an unsupported browser error when I have Google Chrome installed?
Older builds of Microsoft Office rely on legacy Internet Explorer components to process web links. If your Office software is outdated, it will still attempt to use these older components, triggering the error even if Chrome or Edge is set as your default browser.
How do I check my current Microsoft Office version and build number?
Open any Office application like Word, click on the 'File' menu, and select 'Account'. Under the 'Product Information' section, you will see your current version and build number listed next to 'About Word'.
Why does the 'Update Now' button say Office is up to date when my build is old?
This usually happens if you are using a volume-licensed version of Office managed by an employer or school. IT administrators often control update channels and policies, meaning your local software cannot fetch the latest updates directly from Microsoft servers.
