Windows - Setting the Default Mail Program

The default mail program is the software that is registered with your operating system as the software that is to handle mailto URL's. When another application wants to send an email, it looks up the default and passes the email to the default mail program.

Windows 10

Use the following steps to change the default mail program in Windows 10

  1. In the search bar or search icon on the bottom left of the desktop, begin typing Default App Settings. Once You see the Default App Settings option, click it.

    Search for Default App Settings

  2. Click the Mail option, then select the program you wish to make default.

    Select the Default App

Windows 7, 8, & Vista

Use the following steps to change the default mail program in Windows 8, 7 or Vista:

  1. Click the Start button, then click the Default Programs item. 

    • Windows 8 users type Default Programs into the Start screen and hit Enter.

  2. Click on the Set Program Access and Computer Defaults item.

  3. In the Access and Defaults window, click on the Custom radio button to expand the Custom category.

  4. Underneath Choose a default e-mail program, click the radio button next to the program you want to use (e.g. Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora).

  5. Click OK at the bottom of the window.

Windows XP

Use the following steps to change the default mail program in XP:

  1. Click the Start button, then click on the Control Panel icon to open the Windows Control Panel.

  2. Click the Add or Remove Programs icon to open the Add or Remove Programs applet.

  3. On the left side of the Window click the Set Program Access and Defaults icon.

  4. In the Access and Defaults window, click on the Custom radio button to expand the Custom category.

  5. Underneath Choose a default e-mail program, click the radio button next to the program you want to use (e.g. Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora).

  6. Click OK at the bottom of the window.

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