Outlook appending code whenever a hyperlink is opened in application

Question

Hello Microsoft Community,

Recently I started having an issue where any hyperlink that's clicked in Outlook 365 automatically appends a string of code at the end of the URL when it launches in my default browser. I tried changing my default browser (Firefox > Chrome), and it did the same thing, leading me to believe it's something with Outlook. I also tried disabling any Add-Ins, and still having the issue after restarting.

Example:

• When I click a hyperlink (www.microsoft.com), it should launch the browser and go to https://www.microsoft.com/
• What's happening is the following code is being appended after what the address should be: https://www.microsoft.com/&source=outlook&treatment=1819&form=MY02A7&qpc=962771909996&oid=03e8483b-525d-498c-97ef-543210c2c7ca&hubappid=8682d0fa-50b3-4ece-aa5b-e0b33f9919e2&hubappsubpath=/mail/AAMmAHszRjNDM.......
• The part "outlook&treatment=1819&form=MY02A7" is the same every time a hyperlink is clicked, while the rest changes

I'm not sure if this is some sort of malware (I scanned everything with several virus/malware checkers & got nothing), or if it's maybe an Outlook setting.

The version of Outlook I'm using: Microsoft Outlook for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2306 Build 16.0.16529.20100) 64-bit running on Windows 10

Any suggestions or feedback on how to get this resolved would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

This fixed the issue for me... at least for now.

File -> Options -> Advanced

Answer 2

So after several months of having this issue, and not being able to find any reference on how to address it, it appears that it has been magically resolved.

I'm not sure if this was as result of my post, or something else, but now clicking hyperlinks works as normal, and no additional code is being appended when the browser is launched.

I'll come back and update if anything changes, otherwise I appreciate the feedback and your willingness to work with me. Thanks!

Answer 3

I too am having the same issue. I have only noticed this happening recently. It is happening on 2 PC's that I use.

On PC Outlook appends clicked URL with the following: &source=outlook&treatment=1819&form=MY02A7&qpc=4421954510763&oid=37f59eca-efe2-4de4-8ff4-0493654d9c7f&hubappid=8682d0fa-50b3-4ece-aa5b-e0b33f9919e2&hubappsubpath=/mail/AAMmAHtCNDJCQjU2RC1CQ0U1LTQ5OTQtODhCQi0yN0YxMzc2MDhDM0N9AC4AAAAAAN+MeZYZBrRIpW+jEOFqCkcBAEako/2eGHtHmXtuMAHU8VYAAAAAAQwAAA==/id/AAQmAHtCNDJCQjU2RC1CQ0U1LTQ5OTQtODhCQi0yN0YxMzc2MDhDM0N9ABAA4yK96AIJ102Thy9FVHfwGA==/itemId/AAMmAHtCNDJCQjU2RC1CQ0U1LTQ5OTQtODhCQi0yN0YxMzc2MDhDM0N9AEYAAAAAAN+MeZYZBrRIpW+jEOFqCkcHAEako/2eGHtHmXtuMAHU8VYAAAAAAQwAAEako/2eGHtHmXtuMAHU8VYABaiig14AAA==/immutableItemId/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC/EWg0ARqSj/Z4Ye0eZe24wAdTxVgAFqKMkGQAA the part in bold italics changes every time, even with the same link.

This doesnt happen with every URL in every email, I'm not sure what is different?

When I hover over the link, it shows correctly.

Outlook for IOS clicks through correctly.

Outlook on the web displays the URL but it is not clickable.

Answer 4

Dear RobShowsTech,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to assist you.

As per the description you have shared, we understand that you have a concern with Outlook appending code whenever a hyperlink is opened in application.

To better understand the issue and provide possible solution, we need more details from you, please kindly provide us the following information. Thanks in advance!

• May I please double confirm if you are experiencing same issue in Outlook on the web?
• May I please confirm if you are using Exchange, IMAP or POP email account?
• Have you checked the original URL before opening the hyperlink? If yes, does it have the same URL as the open URL?
  • If not, please kindly hover your mouse over the URL and check the original URL.
• Have your organization turn on Safe link scanning feature or set a Safe link policy in the Tenant?

You may refer to Complete Safe Links overview for Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | Microsoft Learn

We look forward to your response. Kindly note that the above requested information is required for further analysis and troubleshooting of your situation. Your patience and cooperation are much appreciated.

Thanks for your precious time. Have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Libeamlak | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 5

Dear RobShowsTech

Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to assist you.

We are looking into your situation, we will update the thread shortly.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Katherine| Microsoft Community Moderator