How to Set Outlook as the Default Mail Client

After you install Outlook (doesn’t matter which version), chances are it will not get recognized as the default client. Instead of having to jump to multiple emails programs when handling your emails chores, why not make Outlook the default stop for sending and receiving emails?

If you’re using Window 10, you already noticed that it uses a new Mail app as the new default e-mail client. Chances are you’re not a big fan of the new default email app, so it can become annoying to be directed towards it everytime you click an e-mail link (MailTo).

If your Outlook is not recognized as the default mail client, we’ve prepared two different methods that will enable you to set it as your default e-mail client. Both methods will achieve the exact same thing, so follow the one that seems more convenable for you.

Method 1: Setting Outlook as the Default mail client from Control Panel

1. Press Windows key + R and type “control panel”. Hit Enter to open it.
   
2. Use the search bar located in the top-right corner to search for “default programs“. Then, double click on Default Programs.
   
3. Under Email, click the Mail icon.
   
4. Select your Outlook program from the list and make it your default choice.
   
5. Click on Associate a file type or protocol with a program.
   
6. Make sure Default apps is elected from the menu under Apps (left-hand side). Scroll all the way down and click on Choose default apps by protocol.
   
7. Scroll down in the list of protocols until you find a MAILTO entry. Then, double-click it to choose from multiple options.
   
8. Select your Outlook program from the pop-up menu.
   

That’s it! Outlook is now configured to be the default email client. Now, when you click an email link (MailTo), it will automatically be opened in Outlook.

Method 2: Setting Outlook as the default mail client via Settings

Depending on your Outlook version, the following steps might be a little different. We used Outlook 2016, but if you’re using an older version, please refer to the Note paragraphs for the exact path.

1. Open Outlook and access the File and then click Options.
   Note: In Outlook 2017, go to Tools > Options and then click the Other tab.
2. Make sure the General tab is selected, then check the box next to Make Outlook the default program for E-mail, Contacts, and Calendar (under Start-up options).
   Note: In Outlook 2010, there is no General tab. You should be able to find Start up options as soon as you open the Options window.
3. Click Ok to save your modification.

That’s it. Outlook is now configured to handle all your E-mails, contacts and calendars.