Set Outlook as the default mail client: Here’s how

If you use different email accounts, you can use Microsoft Outlook as a central email client to receive and send emails and manage contacts and appointments. Learn how to set Outlook as the default mail client in Windows 10 here.

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Quick guide: Outlook as the default mail client in Windows 10

  1. Open the settings, e.g. with the shortcut [Windows] + [I]:
  2. Go to “Apps” and “Default apps”.
  3. Under “Email”, set Outlook as the default mail client.

What is a default mail client?

Windows includes default apps that automatically perform tasks and functions in the system. These include the Edge browser, which serves as the default browser starting with Windows 10, or the Mail app, which acts as the central interface for email accounts. However, standard apps can also be changed without any problems. Many prefer Microsoft Outlook as the default mail client for receiving and sending emails, for example. Even if the app is not included by default, as it is in Microsoft 365, you can set Outlook as the default mail client.

Step-by-step guide: Set Outlook as the default mail client

Adhere to the following steps to make Outlook the default app for email accounts.

Set Outlook as the default mail client in Windows 10

Step 1: Type “default apps” in the Windows search bar or open “Settings” with [Windows Key] + [I]: Go to “Apps” and then “Default apps”.

Step 2: Under “Default apps,” go to “Email” and select “Outlook.” If Outlook is not already installed, download the application. Then click “Outlook” to make it the default mail client. Of course, free Outlook alternatives can also be set as the default mail client.

Step 3: Now add all the email accounts you want to connect to Outlook. You will then receive and send emails from your various accounts centrally via Outlook.

Set Outlook as the default mail client (Office 2010-2013).

Step 1: Open the Outlook app by typing “Outlook” in the Windows search bar or, if available, clicking on the Outlook icon in the taskbar or on the desktop.

Step 2: Go to “File” and then select “Options”.

Step 3: Under the “Startup Options” item, check “Set Outlook as the default program for email, contacts and calendar”. Click “OK”.

Tip

For those who want to use handy apps like Outlook and other Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, IONOS offers Microsoft 365 as a complete package.

Set Outlook Web as your default mail client.

Even with the Outlook Web version, you now have the option to use Outlook as your default mail client. Thus Outlook Web is already able to replace mail software. Outlook.com becomes your mail handler for linked “mailto:” email addresses and opens address links automatically in Outlook Web. Currently, this change can be made via the Inbox of the Outlook account in browsers from Edge 93 or in Chromium browsers from version 92. The Outlook website therefore automatically becomes your email program.

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