How to Make Unresponsive Hyperlinks Work In Outlook

Assign a different default web browser

What to Know

  • Windows 10: Select Start. Type default app and select Default App Settings. Go to the current web browser and select a different one.
  • Windows 8: Press Windows key. Choose Settings > Change PC Settings. Select Search and apps > Default > Web Browser.
  • Windows 7: Select Start > Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs > Set Your Default Programs. Choose a web browser.

This article explains how to assign a different default web browser on your Windows computer to address problems with unresponsive hyperlinks in Outlook. It also includes information on checking for updates to Outlook and installing them. Instructions in this article apply to Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, and Outlook 2010 on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Fix Outlook When Links Don't Work in Email in Windows 10

When you cannot open a hyperlink in Outlook, it is usually not the email client's fault. Rather, it is typically a result of the association that links hyperlinks to your browser becoming broken or distorted in some way.

Assigning a different default web browser in Windows 10 could resolve this issue.

  1. Select the Start button.

    Windows 10 with the Start menu highlighted
  2. Begin typing default app and select Default App Settings when it appears in the search results. The Default Apps window will open.

    Windows 10 search window with the Default App Settings option highlighted
  3. Select the browser currently listed under Web Browser.

    Default apps settings in Windows 10 with the Web Browser section highlighted
  4. Choose a different browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Firefox, depending on what you have installed.

    You can select Look for an app in the Store to find and download another web browser if you wish.

    Screenshot of Choose an App menu
  5. Close the Default Apps window and try to open a hyperlink in Outlook.

Fix Outlook When Links Don't Work in Email in Windows 8

Assigning a different default web browser in Windows 8 could resolve this issue.

  1. Press the Windows key + C to open your Charms.

  2. Select the Settings charm and choose Change PC Settings. The PC Settings window will open.

    Settings with the Change PC Settings option highlighted
  3. Select Search and apps, then choose Defaults in the left pane.

    Search and Apps section in Windows settings with Defaults highlighted
  4. Select Web Browser and choose the browser you want to use.

    Default apps section in Windows settings with the Web Browser heading highlighted

Fix Outlook When Links Don't Work in Email in Windows 7

Assigning a different default web browser in Windows 7 could resolve this issue.

  1. Select Start and choose Control Panel.

    Start menu in Windows 7 with the Control Panel option highlighted
  2. Select Programs.

    Control Panel in Windows 7 with the Programs section highlighted
  3. Select Default Programs.

  4. Select Set Your Default Programs.

    Default Programs window in Windows 7 with the Set Your Default Programs option highlighted
  5. Choose the web browser you want to use and then select OK.

    Set Your Default Programs window in Windows 7 with the OK button highlighted

Update Outlook

If you are still unable to open hyperlinks in Microsoft Outlook, check for any available updates in Outlook.

  1. Start Outlook.

  2. Select the File tab.

  3. Select Office Account.

    File menu in Outlook with the Office Account section highlighted
  4. Select Update Options.

    Office Account screen with Update Options highlighted
  5. Click Update Now.

    Office Account screen with Update Now button highlighted
  6. Outlook will check for and install any available updates, which could resolve your issue.

  7. If Outlook is still unable to open hyperlinks, use the built-in repair utility to fix it.

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