How to Make Access VBA Use Outlook 365 Instead of Outlook 2010
Question details
The user needs to configure their Access database VBA script to generate and open reminder emails using the Microsoft 365 Outlook desktop application rather than the older Outlook 2010 client.
- Product
- Microsoft Access / Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Running a VBA script within a Microsoft Access database to automatically generate reminder emails.
- Observed behavior
- The VBA procedure incorrectly launches Outlook 2010 to handle the email generation instead of the intended Microsoft 365 Outlook desktop application.
Ensure that Microsoft 365 (including the Outlook desktop application) is fully installed on your computer, and completely close both Microsoft Access and any running instances of Outlook 2010 before adjusting system settings.
Set Outlook 365 as the Default Email Application in Windows
Changing your default Windows email application forces Access VBA to route all email generation requests through the newer Outlook 365 application instead of legacy versions.
When multiple versions of an Office application are installed, Windows may retain the older version as the default handler for mail protocols (Mailto) and automation commands. Updating this setting resolves the routing conflict.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings menu, or click the Start button and select the gear icon.
Click on 'Apps' from the main settings menu, then select 'Default apps' from the left-hand sidebar.
Under the 'Email' section, click on the currently listed application (which may be Outlook 2010 or Windows Mail) and select 'Outlook' (the Microsoft 365 version) from the list of available apps.
Close the settings window, open your Access database, and trigger the VBA email procedure again to confirm that it successfully opens Outlook 365.
Update VBA Early Binding References
If your VBA code uses early binding to explicitly reference the Outlook 2010 object library, you must manually update the reference to the Microsoft 365 version in the VBA editor.
Looking for a Lighter, Free Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While Microsoft Access and Outlook are used for complex database and email automation tasks, most daily workflows only require reliable word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight alternative that avoids the complexities of multi-version Office conflicts and expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen prompts to set up the software suite.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly to start editing with full formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Access VBA default to an older version of Outlook?
When multiple versions of Microsoft Office are installed on the same computer, Windows registry settings may still hold the older application (like Outlook 2010) as the default handler for mail protocols or COM automation requests. Setting the default app in Windows Settings correctly redirects these requests.
Do I need to rewrite my Access VBA code to work with Outlook 365?
In most cases, standard late-binding VBA code (e.g., CreateObject("Outlook.Application")) works flawlessly across different versions of Outlook without modification. You only need to adjust your code if you are using version-specific early binding references.
Can I have both Outlook 2010 and Outlook 365 installed at the same time?
While it is technically possible to keep multiple versions installed, Microsoft strongly discourages it. Running multiple versions concurrently often leads to conflicts with default programs, VBA automation, and registry keys. Uninstalling the older version is the recommended best practice.
Why didn't updating the default Windows email app fix my VBA issue?
If changing the default Windows app doesn't work, your Access database is likely using 'Early Binding'. This means the VBA code is hardcoded to look for the Outlook 2010 object library specifically. You must open the VBA editor (ALT + F11), go to Tools > References, and switch the library to 'Microsoft Outlook 16.0 Object Library'.
