Troubleshooting Email Links Not Opening in Outlook (or Default Mail App)

Sometimes when you click an email link in Bullhorn, your computer doesn’t launch Outlook (or your chosen mail app). This usually happens if Outlook is not set as your computer’s default email program, or if your browser session is blocking the action. Follow these steps to confirm your settings and fix the issue.

Common Scenarios Where This Issue Happens

This issue usually comes up when you try to send an email from Bullhorn and nothing happens, the wrong mail app opens, or Outlook doesn’t launch the way you expect. Below are the most common scenarios where admins run into problems with email links.

  • Email links in Bullhorn don’t open Outlook.

  • Clicking an email link launches the wrong program instead of your mail client.

  • Nothing happens when selecting an email link in Bullhorn.

  • Browser session or pop-up settings prevent Bullhorn from opening your mail client.

Step 1: Verify Outbound Email Settings in Bullhorn

First, make sure the user’s profile is set up correctly.

  1. Go to Main Menu > Admin > Users.

  2. Open the affected user’s profile.

  3. Scroll down and expand Email Settings.

  4. Find Outbound Email Configuration.

  5. Set this option to No.

Step 2: Verify Default Email App on Your Computer

If the Bullhorn settings are correct, confirm your computer is using Outlook (or another preferred mail app) as the default program.

Windows 10

  1. Select Start and type "Default apps".

  2. Select Default apps from the list.

  3. Under Email, check that Outlook is listed.

    • If not, select the app that is listed and choose Outlook from the installed apps

Windows 11

  1. Open Settings from the Start menu.

  2. Go to Apps > Default Apps.

  3. Find and open Outlook.

  4. Find and open MAILTO.

  5. Select Outlook, then click OK.

Mac

  1. Open the Mail app.

  2. From the Mail menu in the menu bar, choose Settings (or Preferences).

  3. Select the General tab.

  4. Choose your preferred email app from the Default email reader dropdown.

Step 3: Clear Browser Cache and Check Pop-Up Settings

If settings look correct but the issue continues:

  • Clear your browser’s cookies, cache, and site data.

  • Ensure your browser isn’t blocking pop-ups, which may prevent the email client from launching.

Troubleshooting

Even after updating your settings, you might still run into problems with email links in Bullhorn. Sometimes Outlook won’t open at all, the wrong mail client launches, or nothing happens when you click an email link. The steps below outline the most common issues and what to do to fix them.

  • If Outlook still doesn’t open: Reboot your computer after changing the default email app.

  • If links open in the wrong mail client: Double-check MAILTO associations on Windows or default reader on Mac.

  • If Bullhorn doesn’t trigger any mail client: Recheck Outbound Email Configuration is set to No.

  • If issue persists across all users: Confirm your organization’s default browser or email client policy with IT.

FAQ

Admins often ask questions about why email links in Bullhorn don’t open correctly, what settings control the behavior, and whether other mail apps besides Outlook can be used. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear, written in the same way you might search or ask in support

Q: Why does Bullhorn need Outbound Email Configuration set to “No”?

A: Setting it to No ensures Bullhorn uses your computer’s default email client, rather than attempting to handle email internally.

Q: Can I use a mail app other than Outlook?

A: Yes. Any default email app can be used, but Outlook is the most common setup.

Q: Why does nothing happen when I click an email link?

A: Usually your browser is blocking pop-ups, or your session cache is interfering. Clearing site data typically resolves this.

Q: Do I need admin access to fix this?

A: Yes, to check or change the Outbound Email Configuration setting in Bullhorn, you’ll need an admin.