Set Gmail as default email application

Overview

This article provides steps to configure Windows and Google Chrome so that Gmail opens automatically when you click a MailTo link (for example, when clicking an email address on a website).

Steps

Windows Default App: Set Google Chrome as the MailTo Default App

  • Click the Start menu, select Apps in the sidebar, then click Default apps.
  • In the Set a default for a file type or link type search box, type MailTo.

MailTo search in Windows settings

  • Click the current default (either blank or Outlook) and change it to Google Chrome. Then click Set default.

Set Google Chrome as default app

  • Close the Settings window.

Google Chrome: Configure Chrome to Open Gmail

  • Open a new Chrome window or tab.
  • In the address bar, type: chrome://settings/handlers and press Enter.
  • Confirm that “Sites can ask to handle protocols” is selected.
  • Open Gmail in a new tab.
  • In the address bar, on the right side, click the icon that looks like two diamonds (protocol handler icon).

Gmail protocol handler icon in Chrome

  • When prompted, select Allow to let Gmail open all email links.

Allow Gmail to open email links

  • Click Done to save the setting.

After completing these steps, any MailTo links you click in Windows will open Gmail in Google Chrome in a new tab.

Additional Resources

For more support and self-help articles, visit our ITS Ticketing Service Catalog at help.maricopa.edu or call the District IT Support line at 480-731-8632.

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