Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change the Default Email App to Send OneNote Files

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 30, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to configure OneNote to send pages or files using a third-party email application instead of Microsoft Outlook.

How to Change the Default Email App to Send OneNote Files

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing OneNote pages or files via a preferred, non-Outlook email client.
Observed behavior: OneNote's built-in 'Send' or 'Email' features default to Microsoft Outlook or fail if Outlook is not configured.

Before you start

Determine whether you are using the desktop version of OneNote or OneNote for Windows 10, as the integration options and required system settings may vary between versions.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the System Default Email Application

Change your operating system's default email client to route OneNote's sharing requests through your preferred app.

OneNote relies heavily on your operating system's default mail application settings for its built-in sharing features. By modifying the system defaults, compatible email clients can intercept OneNote's send requests instead of Outlook.

Open System Settings

Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open Windows Settings.

Navigate to Default Apps

Click on 'Apps' from the settings menu, then select 'Default apps' from the left sidebar.

Select the Email Category

Under the 'Email' section, click on the current default application (which is usually set to Outlook or Windows Mail).

Choose Your Preferred App

Select your desired email application from the drop-down list to set it as the new system default.

Test the Integration in OneNote

Restart OneNote, open a page, and click 'Email Page' to verify that it now opens your newly selected email application.

Change the System Default Email Application

Compatibility Notice: Some third-party email applications may not support the specific MAPI integration required by OneNote. If your new app fails to open, you may need to use a manual export method.

Solution 2

Export OneNote Page and Attach Manually

If your preferred email client doesn't support OneNote's direct sharing protocol, you can export the file and attach it manually.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Sharing

If you are frustrated with Microsoft Office's restrictive integrations and default settings, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and sharing documents effortlessly without complex email configuration.

1. Download and Install: Get the free installer from the official WPS Office website and complete the quick installation.
2. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office documents.
3. Share with Ease: Use the straightforward built-in share feature to attach and send documents via your preferred email client.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in simple document sharing via email without complex MAPI requirements.Lightweight installation with a familiar, easy-to-use interface.Free to use for essential office tasks and document creation.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneNote keep opening Outlook when I click Email Page?

OneNote is programmed to use Microsoft Outlook as its primary email client for sharing by default. To change this behavior, you must modify your Windows default app settings and select a different MAPI-compatible email client.

Can I use Gmail on the web to send OneNote pages directly?

Directly sending via the web version of Gmail is not supported by OneNote's 'Email Page' button. You must use a desktop email client (such as Thunderbird, Mailbird, or Outlook) configured with your Gmail account and set as the system default.

What if my new default email app doesn't open from OneNote?

Not all desktop email clients support the required integration protocols used by Microsoft Office. If your chosen app fails to launch from OneNote, your best alternative is to export the OneNote page as a PDF or Word document and manually attach it to a new email.

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