Body
Questions
- How do I set Outlook as my default email app?
- How do I change the default email client on my Mac?
- When I click an email link it opens the wrong app — how do I fix this?
- How do I make Outlook open automatically when I click a mailto link?
- How do I set a default email program on Windows 11?
- How do I change the default email reader in Apple Mail on macOS?
Environment
This article applies to current Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who want to change which email application opens by default when clicking email links.
- macOS: macOS Sequoia (15.x), Tahoe (26.x), or newer on a Bowdoin-issued Mac
- Windows: Windows 11 on a Bowdoin-issued PC
- Recommended default: Microsoft Outlook (Bowdoin's supported email client)
Resolution
Set the default email client on macOS
On a Bowdoin-issued Mac, Apple's Mail app is set as the default email program by Apple. To change the default to Microsoft Outlook or another app, follow these steps.
Prerequisite: Microsoft Outlook must already be installed and configured with your Bowdoin account before you can set it as the default. If Outlook is not set up, see How to set up Microsoft Outlook for Mac for Bowdoin email in the Related Articles section.
- Open the Mail app from your Applications folder or Dock.
- From the Mail menu in the menu bar, choose Settings.
- Click the General tab.
- Click the Default email reader drop-down menu and select your preferred email app — for Bowdoin faculty and staff, select Microsoft Outlook.
- Close the Settings window. The change takes effect immediately.
Set the default email client on Windows 11
- Click the Start button in the taskbar.
- Click the Settings (gear) icon.
- In Windows Settings, click System, then choose Default Apps from the left menu.
- Under the Email heading, click the gray + button.
- From the list presented, select your preferred email app. For Bowdoin faculty and staff, select Outlook.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.