How to Make Windows Mail Your Default Email Program

Use the Windows Mail App automatically when you click an email address

What to Know

  • In Windows 10, go to Default Apps > Email > Mail.
  • In Windows 8, go to Control Panel > Default Programs > Associate a File Type or Protocol with a program > MAILTO > Mail.

This article explains how to make the Windows Mail app your default email program on Windows 10 and Windows 8.

Make Windows Mail Your Default Email Program in Windows 10

Microsoft uses Windows Mail as the default email program in Windows 10. However, if you or someone else changed it to another email client, such as Microsoft Outlook, you can change it back to Windows Mail (which is called "Mail" in Windows 10) at any time. Accessing Default Apps in the Windows Settings makes changing the default email program fast and easy.

  1. Type default in the search box next to the Start menu.

  2. Choose Default Apps from the list of results. The Default Apps window opens.

    Default Apps in Windows 10 search
  3. Select the application listed under Email. The Choose an App menu appears.

    Email in Windows 10 Default Apps
  4. Select Mail.

    Mail in Choose an app list in Windows 10 Default Apps.
  5. Exit the Default Apps window. Windows Mail is now set as your computer's default email application.

Make Windows Mail Your Default Email Program in Windows 8

Microsoft uses Windows Mail as the default email program in Windows 8 and 8.1. However, if you or someone else changed it to another email application, such as Outlook, you can change it back to Windows Mail (which is called "Mail" in Windows 8 and 8.1) whenever you choose.

To make sure Windows Mail is your default email program and picks up all requests to send and read mail, you must access Default Programs in the Control Panel.

  1. Open the Control Panel.

  2. Enter Default in the Search Control Panel box and then choose Default Programs.

  3. Select the Associate a File Type or Protocol with a program link.

  4. Scroll down the list until you find Protocols on the Associate a file type or protocol with a specific program window.

  5. Double-click MAILTO under Protocols.

  6. Select Mail under How do you want to open this type of link (mailto).

  7. Select Close. Windows Mail is set as your computer's default email application.

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