How to Make Mailto Links Open in Outlook on Windows and macOS

When you click a mailto link like mailto:someone@company.com, your device may open the wrong app.

This guide shows you how to set Microsoft Outlook as the default email client for mailto links on Windows 11 and macOS (Sonoma or Ventura).

For Windows 11

1. Open Windows Settings
   Press Windows + I or click the Start menu and choose Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Default Apps
   In the left-hand panel, click Apps and then select Default Apps.
3. Search for Outlook
   Type Outlook in the search bar and select Outlook (desktop).
4. Set MAILTO as default
   Scroll down to MAILTO, click it, and choose Outlook from the list.
5. Done!
   You can now close Settings. Mailto links will open Outlook going forward.

Test it: Try clicking support@yourdomain.com and confirm that Outlook opens a new message.

For macOS (Sonoma or Ventura)

1. Open Outlook
   Launch the Outlook app if it’s not already open.
2. Go to Outlook Settings
   Click Outlook in the top-left menu bar and select Settings.
3. Click General
   From the settings window, choose the General tab.
4. Set Outlook as Default
   At the bottom, find the Default email reader section and click the dropdown.
   Select Microsoft Outlook.
5. Close the Settings window.
   Your change will be saved automatically.

Test it: Click support@yourdomain.com. A new draft should open in Outlook.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Outlook not showing? Ensure it's installed and you've opened it at least once.
• Using multiple mail clients? Confirm you're setting the correct version of Outlook.
• Still opening the wrong app?
  • On Windows: Reset all default apps in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
  • On macOS: Check that macOS is fully updated and Outlook is your most recently used email app.