Can’t Open Hyperlinks in Outlook [Fixed]

Jackson Strong | July 28th, 2025 | Outlook, Outlook Errors

Have you ever faced a situation where you can’t open hyperlinks in Outlook? You click a link in an email, but nothing happens — or you get an error instead of the webpage. Don’t worry, this is a common issue many Outlook users experience.

In this guide, we’ll explain why hyperlinks might not work and share 5 proven ways to fix the can’t open hyperlinks in Outlook problem step by step.

Why Outlook Hyperlinks Stop Working?

Before jumping into the fixes, let’s understand what might be causing the problem:

  • Your default web browser is not set correctly.
  • Outlook’s settings or protocols are corrupted.
  • A recent Windows or Office update changed link behavior.
  • Broken hyperlinks in Outlook caused by incorrect formatting.
  • Internet settings are misconfigured.
  • Security software is blocking the action.
  • Registry entries related to links are broken or missing.

Now, let’s fix it.

Can’t Open Hyperlinks in Outlook? Here Are the Top Fixes

If you can’t open hyperlinks in Outlook, you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to quickly access important web pages from your emails. Below are the most effective solutions to fix this problem and get your links working again.

#1. Set Your Default Browser Correctly

Outlook needs to know which browser to use when opening links.

Steps for Windows 10/11:

  1. Click the Start menu and open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
  3. Scroll down to Web browser and make sure it’s set to Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox.
  4. Restart Outlook and try clicking the link again.

change browser settings to open hyperlinks in outlook

Tip: Even if a browser is already set, reselect it to refresh the setting.

#2. Reset URL File Associations

If Outlook doesn’t know how to handle HTTP or HTTPS links, links won’t open.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel > Default Programs.
  2. Click Set Associations.
  3. Look for .html, .htm, HTTP, and HTTPS in the list.
  4. Make sure they’re associated with your current browser.

#3. Reset Internet Explorer or Edge Settings

Even if you don’t use Internet Explorer, Outlook still relies on its settings.

Steps to reset Internet settings:

  1. Open Internet Options from the Start menu.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Click Reset under “Reset Internet Explorer Settings”.
  4. Restart your computer.

reset internet settings to fix outlook hyperlinks not working issue

This works for Microsoft Edge too, since it shares some backend components with Internet Explorer.

#4. Repair Microsoft Office

Sometimes, the issue is with the Office installation itself.

To repair Office:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
  2. Find Microsoft Office in the list.
  3. Click on it and choose Change > then select Quick Repair.

solve why you can't open hyperlinks in Outlook

If the issue persists, try Online Repair (slower but deeper).

#5. Check for Antivirus or Firewall Restrictions

Some security software may block Outlook from opening links.

What to do:

  • Open your antivirus program and check its settings.
  • Disable URL filtering (if any).
  • Add Outlook to the safe app list.

Then try clicking a link again.

Still Can’t Open Hyperlinks in Outlook? Try These Final Steps

If you’ve tried all the above methods and still can’t open hyperlinks in Outlook, there may be deeper corruption in your Outlook profile or Windows settings.

At this point, you can either:

Create or repair Outlook profile

Or use Advik Outlook PST Repair Tool that checks and fixes damaged components without data loss.

Choose this route only if the issue is persistent after all manual steps.

Final Thoughts

Hyperlinks not opening in Outlook can be annoying, but in most cases, the problem is minor and fixable using basic settings. Start by checking your default browser, then move on to Internet settings and file associations.

If you’re still stuck, a profile repair or an automated tool may be your final option.

We hope this guide helped you solve the issue.