What you're changing and why it matters

When you click a link inside an Outlook email, your computer opens that link in a specific browser — usually the one set as your system default. If you want links to open in a different browser instead, you need to change Outlook's default browser setting. This is different from changing your system-wide default browser; you can make Outlook use Chrome while keeping Edge as your computer's default for everything else.

The steps differ depending on whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web version. Each has its own settings location, and the process takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Outlook for Windows stores this setting under File > Options > Trust Center, where you can pick any installed browser.
  • Outlook for Mac uses Preferences > General, and the option appears as a dropdown menu for opening links.
  • Outlook on the web (Outlook.com or Microsoft 365) uses your system default browser and cannot be changed within Outlook itself.
  • The browser you choose must already be installed on your computer before Outlook will recognize it as an option.
  • Changing Outlook's default browser does not affect which browser opens links in other programs like Word or Teams.

Changing the default browser in Outlook for Windows

Open Outlook and go to the File menu in the top left. Click File, then select Options from the left sidebar. In the Options window, find and click Trust Center on the left side, then click the Trust Center Settings button.

Inside the Trust Center window, click Automatic Download on the left sidebar. Look for the section labeled "Security Zones" and find the dropdown that says "Restricted Sites Zone". This dropdown controls which browser opens links. Click it and select the browser you want to use — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or whatever browser is installed on your system. Click OK to save, then click OK again to close the Options window.

If your preferred browser does not appear in the dropdown, it may not be installed yet, or Outlook may not have detected it. Restart Outlook after installing a new browser, and the option should appear.

Changing the default browser in Outlook for Mac

Open Outlook and click Outlook in the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Select Preferences from the dropdown menu. In the Preferences window, click General.

Look for the section labeled "Open links with" and click the dropdown menu next to it. You will see a list of browsers installed on your Mac. Select the one you want Outlook to use, then close the Preferences window. The change takes effect immediately.

What to do if you use Outlook on the web

Outlook.com and Outlook through Microsoft 365 (the web versions) do not have a setting to change which browser opens links. When you click a link in a web-based Outlook email, it always opens in whatever browser you are currently using. If you want links to open in a different browser, you would need to switch to that browser first, then access your Outlook email there.

If you use the desktop version of Outlook (the app you download and install) rather than the web version, follow the Windows or Mac instructions above instead.

Troubleshooting when your browser does not appear

If the browser you want to use is not showing up in the dropdown menu, the most common reason is that Outlook has not detected it yet. Close Outlook completely, then restart your computer. Open Outlook again and check the dropdown — the browser should now appear.

If it still does not show up after a restart, make sure the browser is actually installed. Go to your Applications folder (Mac) or Program Files (Windows) and confirm the browser executable is there. Some portable or beta versions of browsers may not register with Outlook. If you are using an unusual installation, try reinstalling the browser through its official installer instead.

How this setting affects other Microsoft programs

Changing Outlook's default browser only affects links clicked inside Outlook emails. If you open Word, Excel, Teams, or any other program, links in those programs will still use whatever browser you set as your system default. Each Microsoft program can have its own browser preference, but they do not automatically sync with each other.

If you want a single browser to open links everywhere on your computer, change your system default browser instead. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and set your browser there. On Mac, open System Preferences > General and change the "Default web browser" dropdown at the bottom.

Why Outlook might ignore your choice

If you have set a default browser in Outlook but links still open in a different browser, your system default browser may be overriding Outlook's setting. This happens most often on Windows when Edge is set as the system default. Try changing your system default browser to match what you set in Outlook, or restart Outlook after making the change.

Another reason links might not open at all is if your antivirus or security software is blocking them. Check your security software settings to make sure it is not preventing Outlook from launching external links. If you recently installed new security software, try temporarily disabling it to see if that fixes the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different browsers for different types of links?

No. Outlook uses one default browser for all links, regardless of whether they are http, https, or other link types. You cannot set Chrome for some links and Firefox for others within Outlook itself.

Will changing Outlook's browser affect my email security?

No. The browser you choose to open links does not change how Outlook handles email or attachments. Your security settings in Outlook remain the same. The browser you use may have its own security features, but that is separate from Outlook's protection.

What if I uninstall the browser I set as Outlook's default?

If you uninstall a browser that Outlook is set to use, Outlook will fall back to your system default browser the next time you click a link. You can then go back into Outlook's settings and choose a different browser if you want.

Does this work the same way in Outlook 2019 and older versions?

The steps are nearly identical in Outlook 2019 and 2016. Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Automatic Download, and the browser dropdown is in the same location. Very old versions of Outlook may not have this option at all.

Can I make Outlook open links in a specific app instead of a browser?

Outlook is designed to open links in web browsers only. You cannot set it to open links in other applications like Slack or Teams. Those programs would need to be set as your system default browser, which is not recommended.