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How to Stop Outlook Links from Opening Email Previews in Microsoft Edge
Question details
The user wants to prevent Microsoft Edge from automatically displaying a sidebar preview of the source email when opening a hyperlink from Outlook 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook 365, Microsoft Edge
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking a hyperlink within an email message in Outlook 365.
- Observed behavior
- The clicked hyperlink opens a web page in Microsoft Edge while simultaneously displaying a split-screen preview of the source email in the browser window.
Ensure that your Microsoft Edge browser is updated to the latest version, as the menus for sidebar and application interaction settings are frequently updated by Microsoft.
Disable Outlook Email Previews in Microsoft Edge Settings
Adjust the specific application link behavior within Microsoft Edge settings to stop the sidebar email preview from opening automatically.
Microsoft recently introduced a feature that opens Outlook links side-by-side with the email to maintain context. If you find this distracting, it can be disabled directly within the Edge browser settings without affecting your actual Outlook application.
Launch the Microsoft Edge browser, click the three horizontal dots (menu icon) in the top right corner of the window, and select 'Settings' from the dropdown menu.
In the left-hand navigation pane, click on 'Sidebar'. Under the 'App and notification settings' section, locate and select 'Outlook' from the list of applications.
Find the setting labeled 'Automatically open Outlook email context in the side pane' (or similar wording depending on your Edge version) and toggle the switch to the 'Off' position.
Close both Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Outlook 365, then reopen them to ensure the new link-handling behavior takes effect immediately.
Try WPS Office for a Distraction-Free Document Experience
If you are frustrated by forced application integrations and confusing browser settings in Microsoft Office 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that respects your workflow without forcing unwanted sidebars.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and open WPS Office to access Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation modules in one tabbed window.
- 3. Open Microsoft Formats: Simply drag and drop your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files into WPS to continue working without any complicated setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft Edge suddenly start showing my Outlook emails?
Microsoft introduced a feature designed to keep your email context visible while browsing linked web pages. This was enabled by default in recent Edge updates to integrate Microsoft 365 apps more closely with the browser.
Can I stop Outlook from using Microsoft Edge completely?
Yes. In Outlook, you can go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the 'Link Handling' section, and change the setting for 'Open hyperlinks from Outlook in' from Microsoft Edge to Default Browser.
Will disabling this setting affect my other Outlook features?
No. Turning off the email preview in Edge only stops the browser from opening the sidebar pane when you click a link. All other Outlook functions, sending emails, and syncing will continue to work normally.
