How to Configure a Computer to Open Mailto Links in a Web Browser

Introduction

A mailto link is a type of hyperlink that, when clicked, automatically opens a new email draft in a default email client with the recipient’s address already populated. Users may find that clicking these links does not open their Pima Community College Gmail account if their operating system or web browser is not properly configured. This document provides the steps to set the web browser as the primary handler for mailto links on Windows 11 and macOS.

Step 1: Set the Default Email Application

The operating system must recognize the web browser as the primary tool for email tasks.

Windows 11

1. Press the Windows key on the keyboard.
2. Type Default apps into the search bar and press Enter.
3. Search for MAILTO, then click the Choose a default option or the application listed below.
4. Select the preferred web browser (e.g., Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox) to set it as the default application.
5. Click Set default to confirm changes.

macOS

1. Open the Mail application.
2. Select Mail in the menu bar and choose Settings (or press Command+,).
3. Click the General tab.
4. In the Default email reader menu, select the preferred web browser.
   

Step 2: Configure the Web Browser

After setting the operating system defaults, the specific browser must be told to handle the mailto protocol.

Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Navigate to chrome://settings/handlers in the address bar.
3. Enable the option: Sites can ask to handle protocols.
   
4. Open Gmail in a new tab.
5. Click the Service Handler icon (overlapping diamonds) in the far right of the address bar.
6. Select Allow when prompted to let Gmail open email links.
   

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Navigate to about:preferences in the address bar.
3. In the General panel, scroll to the Applications section.
4. Find mailto in the Content Type column.
5. 
6. Change the Action to Use Gmail.

MacOS Safari

Safari does not natively support webmail handlers for mailto links without third-party extensions. Users may purchase an extension like "Open in Webmail" from the App Store.

• Personal Devices: Users may purchase extensions at their own discretion.
• College-Owned Devices: Submit a Software Purchase Request for IT review and installation.

Getting Support

If you have questions about this or encounter issues executing the process, use the service request system to Report a Software Problem for further assistance.