Do you get frustrated when clicking an email link and it opens in the wrong app? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. By default, Windows 11 might open emails in Outlook, Mail, or even a browser-based client you didn’t intend. Luckily, you can easily set your preferred email app as the default in Windows 11.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process so you can make Gmail, Outlook, Thunderbird, or any other email app your go-to option.
Why Set a Default Email App in Windows 11?
Having a default email app means:
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Clicking an email link (mailto: links) automatically opens in your chosen app.
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Attachments or documents you want to share via email default to your selected app.
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A smoother and more consistent workflow without switching back and forth.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings
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Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
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On the left sidebar, click on Apps.
Step 2: Go to Default Apps
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Under Apps, select Default apps.
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Here, you’ll see a list of installed apps and the file types/protocols they handle.
Step 3: Choose Your Email App
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Scroll down until you find your desired email app (e.g., Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, Chrome, Edge if using Gmail).
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Click on the app name.
Step 4: Set Email Protocol (MAILTO)
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Look for the MAILTO protocol—this controls what happens when you click an email link.
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Click on it, and a pop-up will appear asking you to choose an app.
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Select your preferred email client (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird, or a browser).
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Click OK to confirm.
Step 5: Test Your Default Email App
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Open a website with an email link (something like
mailto:example@email.com). -
Click it, and see if it launches your chosen email app.
If it does—congratulations! You’ve successfully set your default email app in Windows 11.
Setting Gmail or Other Webmail as Default in Windows 11
Windows doesn’t natively allow Gmail or Yahoo Mail to be direct default apps, but you can set them up through browsers:
Option 1: Use Google Chrome
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Open Chrome.
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Go to Gmail.com.
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In the address bar, click the handler icon (two diamonds) and allow Gmail to open email links.
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Now, when you set Chrome as the default app for MAILTO, Gmail will launch automatically.
Option 2: Use Microsoft Edge
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Open Edge.
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Sign in to Outlook.com, Gmail, or Yahoo Mail.
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Configure it as the handler for email links in Edge settings.
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Set Edge as the default MAILTO app.
Alternative Method: Control Panel (For Old-School Users)
If you prefer the classic way:
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Open the Control Panel.
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Go to Default Programs > Set your default programs.
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Choose your email app.
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Set it as default for all file types and protocols it supports.
Troubleshooting: Default Email App Not Working?
If your chosen app doesn’t open:
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Update Windows 11 to the latest version.
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Reinstall the email app.
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Double-check if the app supports MAILTO links.
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Restart your computer after making changes.
Tips for a Better Email Workflow in Windows 11
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Use desktop email clients like Outlook or Thunderbird for offline access.
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For webmail users (like Gmail), set your browser as the handler.
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Pin your email app to the taskbar for quick access.
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Enable notifications for instant updates.
Conclusion
Setting a default email app in Windows 11 is a small tweak that makes a huge difference. Whether you prefer Outlook, Thunderbird, or Gmail through Chrome, you can easily configure your system to always open email links with your preferred choice. This ensures a smoother workflow, fewer clicks, and less frustration.
FAQs
1. Can I set Gmail as my default email app in Windows 11?
Yes, but since Gmail is web-based, you’ll need to set your browser (like Chrome or Edge) as the default MAILTO handler.
2. How do I change back to Outlook as the default email app?
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, select Outlook, and assign it to the MAILTO protocol.
3. Why does Windows Mail keep opening instead of my chosen app?
You may not have reassigned the MAILTO protocol. Double-check your default apps settings.
4. Can I have multiple default email apps in Windows 11?
No, you can only set one default app for the MAILTO protocol.
5. Is it possible to set Yahoo Mail as the default in Windows 11?
Yes, but like Gmail, you’ll need to set your browser as the MAILTO handler and log in to Yahoo Mail.