'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Email Links Opening New Outlook Welcome Screen in Chrome
Question details
The user needs to stop browser-based email links from launching the New Outlook welcome screen and redirect them to their preferred standard desktop email client.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Clicking a 'mailto:' email link on a website using a browser like Google Chrome.
- Observed behavior
- The system launches the New Outlook welcome screen instead of opening a new email draft in the normally configured Outlook desktop application.
Ensure you have your preferred email client installed on your computer and close your web browser before changing system-wide default protocol settings.
Change Default Apps for the MAILTO Protocol
Reconfigure Windows default apps to ensure email links trigger your preferred desktop email client instead of the New Outlook.
Web browsers rely on Windows system settings to determine which application should handle specific types of links. By updating the default app for the MAILTO protocol, you can bypass the New Outlook welcome screen entirely.
Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
Select 'Apps' from the left-hand menu, then click on 'Default apps'.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on 'Choose default apps by protocol'.
Scroll through the list until you locate 'MAILTO'. Click on the application currently assigned to it (likely 'Outlook (new)') and select your preferred desktop Outlook or other email client from the list.
Uninstall or Disable the New Outlook Application
If you do not intend to use the New Outlook version, removing it entirely will prevent it from intercepting email links.
Tired of Unwanted Office App Updates? Try WPS Office
Avoid the frustration of forced application changes and complex configuration settings. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly stable Office suite alternative. It offers complete compatibility with Microsoft Office formats in a familiar interface, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to wps.com and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office and enjoy a seamless document editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chrome open the New Outlook when I click an email address?
Chrome relies on your Windows system's default application settings for the 'mailto' protocol. If Windows has recently updated and set the New Outlook as the default handler for these links, Chrome will automatically launch it when you click an email address.
Can I change email handlers directly inside Google Chrome?
Yes, but primarily for webmail services like Gmail or Yahoo. You can go to Chrome Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional permissions > Protocol handlers, and allow sites to handle protocols. For desktop applications, Chrome still defers to your Windows default app settings.
How do I switch back to the classic Outlook desktop app?
If the New Outlook has replaced your classic version upon opening, launch the New Outlook app and look for the 'New Outlook' toggle switch in the top right corner of the window. Turn this toggle off to revert to the classic Outlook desktop experience.
