Error: “Something unexpected went wrong with this URL” in Outlook – Here’s How to Fix It

If Outlook refuses to open a link and shows “Something unexpected went wrong with this URL”, it usually means Windows no longer knows which browser to use. This happens when default app settings get reset, the browser was uninstalled/reinstalled, or a policy is blocking links.

Here’s the quick fix.

1. Reset Your Default Browser

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps → Default Apps
3. Select your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
4. Click Set default at the top

Try the link again.

2. Repair the Office Installation

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features
2. Find Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365
3. Click Change
4. Select Quick Repair, then Repair

If that doesn’t solve it, repeat with Online Repair.

3. Re-Register the URL Handlers in Windows

Press Windows + R, type:

control /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms

Select your browser again and reassign it as the handler for:

• .htm
• .html
• HTTP
• HTTPS

4. Reset Outlook’s Web Browser Setting (Registry Fix)

Only do this if you’re comfortable editing the registry.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice<version>CommonInternet

3. Look for a key named:

ForceDefaultBrowser

4. Delete it if it exists.
5. Restart Outlook.

<version> is usually 16.0 for Microsoft 365.

Quick Recap