Set Outlook as Default Mail Client on a Mac

The following instructions are to update the default mail client that opens when trying to use certain links on a Mac, from Apple Mail to Outlook, without needing to add an account to Apple Mail for accessing the Mail preferences.  I tested it with Outlook 2016 for Mac successfully.

There is a Microsoft utility that allows users to make Microsoft Outlook their default mail application.

Scenario:  The user desires Outlook to open a new email whenever they click on a mailto: link in an email or website.  Clicking on a mailto: link opens the default email application and Outlook is not the default mail application, until you set it as such.

Steps:

1)  Direct download the SetDefaultMailApp.zip file here:
https://msdnshared.blob.core.windows.net/media/2017/12/SetDefaultMailApp.zip

2)  Double click the downloaded .zip file to expand it and reveal the SetDefaultMailApp icon

3)  Double click the SetDefaultMailApp icon, and select "Open" to proceed through any security warnings

4)  In the Default Mail Application window, click the dropdown menu and choose the "com.microsoft.outlook" option, then click the "Make Default" button

5)  Once set, quit the Default Mail Application from the top menu bar or by pressing the Command + Q keys at the same time





Sources:

Mac Outloook Support Utilities -
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/office_for_mac_support_team_blog/2017/08/10/mac-outlook-support-utilities/