Setting up a default email client

Question

  • How do I set a default email client?
  • I want Outlook to be my default email app, how can I do that?

 

Environment

  • macOS or Windows operating system
  • An installed email app such as Outlook..

Resolution

Operating System

Windows 11

macOS

Windows 11

  • Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon

    Windows taskbar showing icons for projection, settings, power, and the Windows Start button.
     
  • On the "Windows Settings" panel, click on System

    System settings icon with labels for display, notifications, apps and power
     
  • Choose "Default Apps" from the menu on the left

    Default apps section label with icon
     
  • On the right, under the "Email" heading, click the gray "+" sign

    Email default app selection with a plus button labeled Choose a default.
     
  • From the list presented, select an email client. For Bowdoin faculty and staff you should select Outlook.

    Dialog displaying options to choose an app: Default Host Application, Mail, Outlook 2016, or Look for an app in the Store.

Set a default email client in macOS

Apple's Mail program is the default email program set by Apple. If you would like to change it to something else, such as Microsoft Outlook, follow the instructions below.

  • Open the Mail app located in your "Applications" folder.
    • If Mail is not setup, see the Related Articles section article How to set up Apple Mail for use with a Bowdoin email account
  • From the "Mail" menu, choose Preferences.
  • Click General.
  • Choose you email app from the ”Default email reader” pop-up menu.

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