How to change default browser for links in New Outlook?

Question

I have read all forum discussions I could find, and all of the so-called expert answers from Microsoft officials describing how to do this, but they are all wrong. Can someone please explain how to actually access this setting?

Answer 1

To change the default browser for links in the New Outlook, you need to configure a specific policy in your organization. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Policy Name: Choose Which Browser Opens Web Links
2. Description: This policy controls which browser will open web links from within supported Microsoft 365 apps. By default, web links will open in Microsoft Edge.
3. Options: You can choose either "System default browser" or a specific browser, such as "Microsoft Edge." If you want Outlook to open web links using the system default browser, you need to enable this policy and select System default browser.

Steps to Configure the Policy:

• Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center and sign in.
• Under Office policies, go to Microsoft 365 Cloud Policy.
• Create a new policy and provide a name and description.
• Search for "Choose which browser opens web links" and select the appropriate setting.

This policy applies to the desktop clients for Outlook for Windows and Teams for Windows only.

If you disable or do not configure this policy, web links will open in Microsoft Edge by default, but users can set their preferred browser from the settings for the specific Microsoft 365 app.

Answer 2

Hello @Stig Pedersen

Welcome to the Q&A Community! 

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your concern about changing the default browser for links opened from the New Outlook application.  

The New Outlook application generally relies on the Windows default browser settings. In some cases, it may revert to Microsoft Edge unless all relevant protocols (such as HTTP and HTTPS) are correctly associated with your preferred browser. 

To  make sure we're aligned and avoid from any misunderstanding, please let me know a few details about your issue by answering these questions: 

1. As I see you used the tag "for Business", may I have your reconfirmation if you are signed in with a personal account (e.g., @hotmail.com, @outlook.com), an education account (e.g., @school.edu), or a work account (e.g., @yourcompany.com)? 
2. Please confirm which version of Windows you are currently using (Windows 10, Windows 11, or another version). 
3. Which browser would you like to set as the default for opening links (for example, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge)? 
4. May I know which steps you've tried to set the default browser that didn't go as expected? 

 Based on common configurations, the following steps typically resolve this issue: 

Step 1: Configure Default Browser in Windows 

• Open the Windows Settings application and navigate to Apps, then select Default apps. 
• Under the section labeled Web browser, choose your preferred browser. 
• Click on the selected browser and verify that the HTTP and HTTPS protocols are associated with it. 
• Restart the New Outlook application to apply the changes. 

Step 2: Review Settings in New Outlook 

• Open the New Outlook application and select Settings (gear icon). 
• Navigate to the General or Files & Links section. 
• Locate the option for Default browser and ensure it is set to System default rather than Microsoft Edge. 
• Restart Outlook after making any changes. 

I understand that the initial steps I recommended may not have fully resolved the issue, as there could be additional factors we have not yet identified. Please rest assured that I am committed to supporting you throughout this process. I will work closely with you to troubleshoot and explore every possible solution to ensure we achieve the best outcome. 

In case the given steps do not help on your end, please provide the requested information so I can confirm whether additional steps are required. If you need further assistance, do not hesitate to let us know. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

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