To fix this, you need to use a specific Chrome feature or a Microsoft Edge trick. Google Chrome has a built-in feature called "Protocol Handlers" that forces Windows to route email links to Gmail.
Let’s face it: clicking a "mailto" link on a website (like "Contact Us" or "Share this article") only to watch Windows 10 launch the clunky pre-installed Mail app is frustrating. If you live inside Gmail, you want those links to open a new compose window in Chrome or Edge—not a separate desktop app.
Open Google Chrome. Step 2: Navigate to your Gmail inbox ( https://mail.google.com ). Step 3: Look at the far right of the address bar. You will see a small icon that looks like a computer monitor with a ribbon (or a star/page icon). Click it. Alternatively: Click the padlock icon to the left of the URL, then look for "Permissions." set gmail as default email windows 10
Once configured, your workflow becomes seamless: Click an email address anywhere on the web → Gmail compose window pops up instantly.
A pop-up will ask: "Allow Gmail to open all email links?" Step 5: Click Allow . To fix this, you need to use a
Use Method 1 . It takes 30 seconds and feels like magic once it works. Have you successfully set Gmail as your default? Which browser are you using? Let me know in the comments below!
Open Microsoft Edge and go to Gmail. Step 2: Click the three dots (Settings and more) > Apps > Install this site as an app . Step 3: Name it "Gmail" and click Install . This creates a standalone window for Gmail. Step 4: Open Windows Settings ( Windows Key + I ) > Apps > Default Apps . Step 5: Click "Choose default apps by protocol" . Step 6: Find MAILTO . Change the default to Microsoft Edge . If you live inside Gmail, you want those
While Windows 10 doesn’t allow you to set a website (like Gmail.com) as a default mail client directly, you can easily trick the system into doing it. Here is the step-by-step guide to make Gmail your default handler for email links. Windows 10 is designed to pair email links with installed desktop apps (Outlook, Thunderbird, Windows Mail). Gmail is a web app. So, if you simply go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps , you won't see "Google Chrome" listed under Email.