How to Make OneNote Send Email Copies Through Outlook Instead of Windows Mail
Question details
The user wants to configure OneNote so that sending a copy of a notebook page opens Microsoft Outlook rather than the default Windows Mail application.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Sharing or sending a copy of a page directly from the OneNote application via email.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote launches Windows Mail instead of Outlook, which prevents the sent messages from appearing in the user's Outlook Sent Items or Outbox folders.
Verify that Microsoft Outlook is fully installed on your computer and configured with an active email profile.
Set Outlook as the Default Mail Application
Update your Windows settings to ensure Outlook is recognized as the default MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) email client across all apps.
OneNote relies on the system's default email client settings to determine which application to open when sharing a page. If Windows Mail is set as the default, OneNote will bypass Outlook entirely.
Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon, or press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
Click on 'Apps' from the Settings menu, then select 'Default apps' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on the application currently listed under 'Email' (likely Windows Mail) and select 'Outlook' from the list of available applications.
Close and reopen Microsoft OneNote, then try the 'Send a Copy' feature again to verify it opens an Outlook compose window.
Use the OneNote 2016 Desktop Version
Switch from the OneNote for Windows 10 app to the classic OneNote 2016 desktop application for deeper Outlook integration.
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- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote keep opening Windows Mail instead of Outlook?
This happens when Windows Mail is set as your default email client in the system settings. OneNote relies on this global setting to decide which program handles outgoing emails.
Are IMAP and MAPI the same thing?
No. IMAP is a protocol used for retrieving emails from a server, while MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) is an interface standard that Windows applications like OneNote use to communicate with desktop email clients like Outlook.
Can I share a OneNote page without using a desktop email client?
Yes. Instead of using 'Send a Copy', you can use the 'Share' feature to generate a OneDrive web link for your notebook. You can then copy and paste this link into any web-based email client or messaging app.
Where do emails sent through Windows Mail go?
Emails sent via the Windows Mail app are stored in the 'Sent' folder of the specific email account configured within that app. They will not appear in the Outlook desktop app's Outbox or Sent Items unless both apps are syncing the exact same IMAP or Exchange account.
