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Links in Outlook Not Opening? Here’s How to Fix It

| IT Fixes

Who This Affects and What Fixes It

If you click a link inside an Outlook email and nothing happens — or it fails to open — the most common cause is corrupted default app permissions in Windows. Resetting your default email app back to Outlook and your default browser to your preferred browser (such as Chrome or Edge) typically resolves the issue immediately.

Before You Begin

If you have any free or freeware browsers installed on your computer, consider uninstalling them first. These programs can automatically reset your default apps without warning, which may cause this problem to return even after you fix it.

Steps to Fix Outlook Links Not Working

  1. Click the Start button and type Default Apps in the search bar, then open the Default Apps settings when it appears.
  2. Locate the entry for your email app and make sure it is set to Outlook. If it is not, select Outlook as the default.
  3. Locate the entry for your web browser and confirm it is set to the browser you normally use, such as Chrome or Edge. Update it if needed.
  4. Close Outlook completely, then reopen it.
  5. Test a link in an email to confirm it now opens correctly.

Still Having Trouble?

If links still aren’t opening after following these steps, or if the problem keeps coming back, our team is happy to help. Contact Advanced Computer Solutions and we’ll get it sorted out for you.

Common questions

Why do links in my Outlook emails suddenly stop working?

The most common reason is that your Windows default app settings have become corrupted. This can happen on its own or be triggered by certain freeware browsers that reset default app assignments automatically.

Will this fix work if I use a browser other than Chrome or Edge?

Yes. The key is to make sure your preferred browser — whatever you normally use — is set as the default browser in Windows Default Apps settings. The same steps apply regardless of which browser you use.

How do I stop this from happening again?

Uninstalling any freeware or unfamiliar browsers from your computer can help prevent the problem from returning, as these applications are known to automatically change your default app settings.