Anyone who actively uses email knows how important it is that links open in your favorite browser. However, some Outlook users may encounter a situation where links automatically open in Microsoft Edge, even if they have Google Chrome installed by default. In this article, we will look at why this happens and how to fix it.
Reasons why links open in Edge
- Microsoft policy: Microsoft Edge is the native browser for Windows, and Microsoft actively promotes its use. In some cases, Windows settings may force links to open in Edge, even if you have set another browser as your default.
- Default settings: Sometimes, when you update Windows or Outlook, the default settings may be reset and the system automatically selects Edge as your primary browser.
- Other Possible Causes: Various other factors, such as registry changes or security policies, can also affect which browser is used to open links.
How to fix the problem: Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Check the Default Settings
- Open Settings in Windows by clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu.
- Navigate to the Apps section.
- Select Default apps in the left pane.
- Find the Web browser section and make sure Google Chrome is set as the default browser.
Step 2: Configure Outlook
- Open Outlook and go to the File section in the top menu.
- Select Options.
- In the Options window, select Advanced.
- Find the General section and ensure there are no special settings for opening links in Edge.
Step 3: Check the Windows Registry
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Navigate to the path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\http\shell\open\command.
- Make sure that the value of the parameter (Default) points to the path to Chrome, not Edge.
Step 4: Using Special Utilities
- There are utilities that can help you set any browser as the default for opening links from Outlook. One of them is EdgeDeflector.
- Download and install EdgeDeflector from the official website.
- During the installation process, select Chrome as the browser to open links in.
Step 5: Check the Group Policy
- In some cases, group policies may affect the default settings.
- Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc to open the local Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer.
- Make sure that the policy that changes the default browser is disabled.
Additional Tips for Using Browsers Effectively
- Update your software: Make sure that all your programs, including Windows, Outlook, and browsers, are always updated to the latest version. This helps to avoid possible conflicts and compatibility issues.
- Using Extensions: Install browser extensions that can help you manage how links are opened. For example, Chrome extensions can redirect certain links to your preferred browser.
- Clear your cache regularly: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies regularly to avoid crashes and improve performance.
Conclusion
The problem of opening links from Outlook in Microsoft Edge instead of Google Chrome can be solved with a few simple steps. By ensuring that your browser’s default settings are correct and making the necessary changes to your Outlook and Windows settings, you should be able to enjoy a smooth experience in your favorite browser again. We hope that this guide has helped you to deal with this issue and provided you with useful solutions.