Change the Default Mail Client (All Windows)

Registry Guide for Windows
Part of the WinGuides Network

Registry tweaks, tricks & hacks to optimize, enhance and secure Microsoft Windows.

Change the Default Mail Client (All Windows)
Category: Home > Software

This tweak can be easily applied using WinGuides Tweak Manager.
Download a free trial now!

The setting allows you to change which program is opened and used to send an e-mail messages when you click on a "mailto:" link in a web page.

Open your registry and find the key below.

Create a new String value, or modify the existing value called '(Default)' using the settings below.

Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.


		(Default)	REG_SZ	"C:\program files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe" %1


	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mailto\shell\open\command

Settings:

System Key: [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mailto\shell\open\command]
Name: (Default)
Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value: Mail program command-line

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Last Modified: February 24, 2003

Return to Index