How to Stop Outlook from Opening Links in Chrome Instead of Edge

First, configure Windows to use Chrome as the system default browser. This affects all applications except those that override system defaults (like classic Outlook).

Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I or clicking the Start button and selecting Settings.

Navigate to Apps > Default apps in the left sidebar.

In the search box at the top, type Google Chrome and click on it when it appears in the results.

Click the Set default button. This covers most web protocols automatically.

For precision configuration, scroll down and click Choose defaults by file type or link type.

In the search box, type HTTP and press Enter. Click the current default app (likely Microsoft Edge) and select Google Chrome from the list. Click Set default.

Repeat this process for HTTPS and FTP protocols.

# Optional: Verify current associations via PowerShell (run as admin)
Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*Chrome*"} | Select Name, PackageFamilyName

Classic Outlook has an internal setting that overrides the Windows default browser. You must change this setting to respect your system defaults.

Open Microsoft Outlook (the classic desktop version, not the new web-based Outlook app).

Click File in the top menu bar to access the backstage view.

Select Options from the left sidebar. This opens the Outlook Options dialog.

In the Outlook Options window, click Advanced in the left pane.

Scroll down to the File and browser preferences section.

Find the dropdown menu labeled Open hyperlinks from Outlook in. By default, this is set to Microsoft Edge.

Change this dropdown to Default browser.

Click OK to save your changes.

Some links in Outlook emails may be file attachments or specific file types. Configure these to open in Chrome as well.

Return to Windows Settings (Windows key + I) and navigate to Apps > Default apps.

Click Choose defaults by file type or link type.

Search for and configure these file extensions to open with Chrome:

• .htm - HTML files
• .html - HTML files
• .pdf - PDF documents (if you want them in Chrome)
• .shtml - Server-side HTML
• .svg - Scalable Vector Graphics
• .webp - WebP images
• .xht - XHTML files

For each file type, click the current default application and select Google Chrome from the list.

Ensure you're using the classic Outlook version that supports browser preference changes. The new Outlook app doesn't have this setting but automatically uses system defaults.

In Outlook, click File > Office Account (or Account depending on your version).

Look for the build number under Product Information. You need build 16.0.16227.20280 or newer for the browser preference setting to work properly.

If you see a toggle switch in the top-right corner of Outlook labeled Try the new Outlook, make sure it's turned OFF. The new Outlook doesn't have browser preference settings.

Required Outlook Build: 16.0.16227.20280+
Current Chrome Version: 123.0.6312.86 (as of March 2026)
Windows 11 Version: 24H2 recommended

If your Outlook build is older, update Microsoft 365 through File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.

Perform comprehensive testing to ensure all types of links open correctly in Chrome.

Create a test email to yourself with various link types:

• Standard HTTP link: http://example.com
• Secure HTTPS link: https://google.com
• Email link: mailto:test@example.com
• File link to an HTML file

Send the email and click each link type to verify they open in Chrome.

Test links from different sources:

• Links in email body text
• Links in email signatures
• Links in forwarded emails
• Links in calendar invitations

If any links still open in Edge, restart your computer completely. Windows sometimes caches old associations.

Address the most common problems that prevent links from opening in Chrome.

Issue 1: Links still open in Edge after configuration

Solution: Check if you're using the new Outlook app instead of classic Outlook. The new Outlook (web-based) always uses system defaults and has no internal browser setting.

Issue 2: Windows 11 keeps reverting to Edge

Solution: Windows updates can reset default app associations. Re-run the protocol-specific configuration (HTTP, HTTPS) after major Windows updates.

Issue 3: Some links work, others don't

Solution: This usually indicates incomplete file type associations. Return to default apps and configure additional file types like .pdf, .htm, and .html.

# PowerShell command to check current HTTP association (run as admin)
$assoc = Get-ItemProperty HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Associations\UrlAssociations\http\UserChoice
Write-Host "Current HTTP handler: $($assoc.ProgId)"

Issue 4: Corporate environment restrictions

Solution: Group Policy may enforce Edge as the default browser. Contact your IT administrator if you're on a corporate network.