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Recently I was trying to figure out how do I set a default for my Outlook browser if I want it to be different from the auto-programmed Internet Explorer. Are you also wondering how to change default browser in Outlook and would like these links to open in your favorite browser, Firefox for example? Here are a few ways to make this change.
How Do I Set Default Browser for Outlook on Windows 7
Type “default programs” in the Start menu (bottom left of your screen) search box. This should bring up a screen that will let you select program defaults as well as default file types. You’ll want to set your favorite web browser as the default, which should force it to open your email links. If that still doesn’t work, select “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” and associate “”URL:HyperText Transfer Protocol” with your web browser of choice. Repeat for file types “HyperText Transfer Protocol with Privacy” and FTP.
How Do I Set Default Browser for Outlook on Windows XP
- Open Explorer (any folder in Windows XP)
- Select Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types
- Click on an entry and type “URL” to jump down to the file type “URL:HyperText Transfer Protocol” (Extensions: None)
- Click Advanced -> Edit File Type -> Open -> Edit
- Clear the check (no check) for DDE and click OK
Repeat the above steps for file types “HyperText Transfer Protocol with Privacy” and FTP.
How Do I Set Default Browser for Outlook on Firefox 5+
Browse to Firefox (orange button in top left corner) > Options > Advanced > General tab > check “Always check to see if Firefox is the default browser on startup” (under the “System Defaults” section). You can also click the “Check Now” button to perform an immediate check. Finally, you can also visit Options > Applications to set application defaults for individual programs.
How Do I Set Default Browser for Outlook on Firefox 3.5+
As one of our readers pointed out, a simpler method to set Firefox as your default browser is to open Firefox, then browse to Tools -> Options -> “Main” tab. At the bottom, you’ll see an area labeled “System Defaults.” Click on the “Check Now” button. This will perform a check to see if Firefox is set to be your default browser. If it’s not, you’ll be given the option to make it the default.
Troubleshooting
If you still can’t get any of this to work to change default browser in Outlook, please comment below and we’ll do our best to help! Have other issues? Check out our other troubleshooting articles.
Do you use Outlook for your email?
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And obviously, I don’t want to associate the .msg file type with Chrome…
Going into “Associate a file type…” I was able to associate .htm and .html to FF. In the same window, I scrolled down to Protocols, but could not change the association for FTP or HTTP because the Change Program dialog only displayed IE and did not have a button to browse for other programs. Anyone know a hack for this?
Just be careful when you are changing the default programs under “Associate a file type or protocol with a specific program” because some file types are specific to the browser. the .mhtml and .mht are the only ones I’ve found so far, but I’m sure there are more.
If that still doesn’t work, select “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” and associate “URL:HyperText Transfer Protocol” with your web browser of choice. Repeat for file types “HyperText Transfer Protocol with Privacy” and FTP.
Control Panel-> All Control Panel Items ->Default Programs
Set program access and computer defaults
custom -> choose default web browser and click your favorite one. For example, Chrome, IE, Firefox etc.
Then open Internet Explorer, Tools menu, Options, Program Tab, and click “Reset Web Settings” button.
Does it appear now for you?
Thanks…
Maybe I’m missing out on something. Since there seems to be an issue with using browsers other than Internet Explorer, which I don’t use, I can’t see where this would be of any use for me. I’m not trying to detract from the article though. I love the way you put it in simple terms and easy steps to follow. I guess the program just isn’t for me.
-Kimberly
I’m about to uninstall IE, or throw my machine out the window (both of which are probably bad). Before I go there, does anyone have any suggestions other than the ones listed here?
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
seriously, replace your Windows install with just about any flavor of Linux and you’ll be a happier human being for it; if you can afford it, switch to OSX (Mac).