bhowton
Level 1 (9 points)

Q: Cannot Set Default Mail App in El Capitan

I was using Outlook 2016 before upgrading to El Capitan. After the upgrade I decided to switch to the default Mail app. Unfortunately, when I try to make the switch in Mail > Preferences, the app I choose does not stick. When clicking a link, closing and restarting Mail, or even waiting just a few minutes, the default Mail app switches automatically back to Outlook 2016. Any thoughts?

 

I am running a mid-2011 Macbook Air.

MacBook Air (11-inch Mid 2011), OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Oct 18, 2015 7:35 AM

by Linc Davis,Apple recommended
Linc Davis Linc Davis
Level 10 (208,000 points)
Applications
A:

I don't use Office, but knowing Microsoft, it may be forcing you to use Outlook as your default email reader. If so, you'll either have to get rid of it or refer to Microsoft for support. Before doing that, see below.

 

Although the problem is not the same, please follow the instructions in this support article to reset the Launch Services database. If you don't already have a current backup, back up all data before proceeding. You may have to log out or restart to see a change.

Posted on Oct 18, 2015 9:05 AM

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bhowton

Q: Cannot Set Default Mail App in El Capitan

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  • by rachnesmom,

    rachnesmom rachnesmom Sep 2, 2016 2:37 PM in response to Cwistafuh
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 2, 2016 2:37 PM in response to Cwistafuh

    This helped me! So easy I didn't even think of it! Thanks!

  • by Canaveral,

    Canaveral Canaveral Sep 8, 2016 5:22 PM in response to bhowton
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 8, 2016 5:22 PM in response to bhowton

    For anyone still having this problem I have an easy solution which, I think, goes to the root of the problem.

     

    Go into system preferences and click on iCloud. Unclick Mail. Close out of system preferences.  Now go to Mail and select Outlook for your default. Just to be safe I then closed all programs (Mail last) and rebooted.

     

    That solved it for me!  Hope it works for you.

  • by joek71,

    joek71 joek71 Sep 15, 2016 7:56 AM in response to bhowton
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 15, 2016 7:56 AM in response to bhowton

    After you select Outlook in the Mail preference, go to setting and select internet account than select your account on the right and on the left you will see USE With: make sure Mail is unchecked and everything will work the way you want it.

  • by soccerstart1981,

    soccerstart1981 soccerstart1981 Sep 20, 2016 7:15 PM in response to bhowton
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 20, 2016 7:15 PM in response to bhowton

    I was successfully able to change the default mail reader by going to Apple Mail --> [Preferences]. Under [Genera], do NOT select the application you want to switch to from the drop-down. Click [Select] from the drop-down options and browse for the appropriate mail application you want to use. Select it from here. Close/quit the Apple Mail application. Re-open Apple Mail application and you will see that your selection has been saved.

  • by Nick_Mozgunov,

    Nick_Mozgunov Nick_Mozgunov Sep 27, 2016 12:29 AM in response to bhowton
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 27, 2016 12:29 AM in response to bhowton

    For me it was helpful to upgrade my mac to Sierra OS. After that I can make Outlook as a default mail app.

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