This article explains how to assign a different default web browser on your Windows computer to address problems with unresponsive hyperlinks in Outlook. It also includes information on checking for updates to Outlook and installing them. Instructions in this article apply to Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, and Outlook 2010 on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

What to Know

  • Windows 10: Select Start. Type default app and select Default App Settings. Go to the current web browser and select a different one.Windows 8: Press Windows key. Choose Settings > Change PC Settings. Select Search and apps > Default > Web Browser.Windows 7: Select Start > Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs > Set Your Default Programs. Choose a web browser.

When you cannot open a hyperlink in Outlook, it is usually not the email client’s fault. Rather, it is typically a result of the association that links hyperlinks to your browser becoming broken or distorted in some way.

Assigning a different default web browser in Windows 10 could resolve this issue.

  • Select the Start button.
  • Begin typing default app and select Default App Settings when it appears in the search results. The Default Apps window will open.
  • Select the browser currently listed under Web Browser.
  • Choose a different browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Firefox, depending on what you have installed.
  • You can select Look for an app in the Store to find and download another web browser if you wish.
  • Close the Default Apps window and try to open a hyperlink in Outlook.

Assigning a different default web browser in Windows 8 could resolve this issue.

Select the Start button.

Begin typing default app and select Default App Settings when it appears in the search results. The Default Apps window will open.

Select the browser currently listed under Web Browser.

Choose a different browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Firefox, depending on what you have installed.

You can select Look for an app in the Store to find and download another web browser if you wish.

Close the Default Apps window and try to open a hyperlink in Outlook.

  • Press the Windows key + C to open your Charms.
  • Select the Settings charm and choose Change PC Settings. The PC Settings window will open.
  • Select Search and apps, then choose Defaults in the left pane.
  • Select Web Browser and choose the browser you want to use.

Assigning a different default web browser in Windows 7 could resolve this issue.

Press the Windows key + C to open your Charms.

Select the Settings charm and choose Change PC Settings. The PC Settings window will open.

Select Search and apps, then choose Defaults in the left pane.

Select Web Browser and choose the browser you want to use.

  • Select Start and choose Control Panel.
  • Select Programs.
  • Select Default Programs.
  • Select Set Your Default Programs.
  • Choose the web browser you want to use and then select OK.

Update Outlook

If you are still unable to open hyperlinks in Microsoft Outlook, check for any available updates in Outlook.

Select Start and choose Control Panel.

Select Programs.

Select Default Programs.

Select Set Your Default Programs.

Choose the web browser you want to use and then select OK.

  • Start Outlook.
  • Select the File tab.
  • Select Office Account.
  • Select Update Options.
  • Click Update Now.
  • Outlook will check for and install any available updates, which could resolve your issue.
  • If Outlook is still unable to open hyperlinks, use the built-in repair utility to fix it.

Start Outlook.

Select the File tab.

Select Office Account.

Select Update Options.

Click Update Now.

Outlook will check for and install any available updates, which could resolve your issue.

If Outlook is still unable to open hyperlinks, use the built-in repair utility to fix it.

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