Setting Gmail as the default email application

This article outline the process for making Gmail the default mail application in Windows and your web browser.

Question

How do I make Gmail the default email application on my computer?

 

Environment

• Windows 10
• Google Chrome
• Firefox

 

Answer

Set the Default Application in Windows

1. Navigate to the system settings for default applications.
   • Start Menu > Settings > Apps > Default Apps
2. Under Email, select your browser.
   • GRCC IT recommends using Google Chrome for the best compatibility.

 

Allow Mail Handlers in Browser

Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome and click More  in the upper right corner and chose Settings. 
2. Click Privacy and security section from the upper left hand menu of options. 
3. Click Site Settings. 
4. Under the Permissions section, click Additional permissions. 
5. Click Protocol handlers. 
6. Under Default behavior, make sure that Sites can ask to handle protocols is selected. 
7. In a new tab, navigate to mail.grcc.edu. 
8. In the upper right of the address bar, click the Service handler button. 
9. Click Allow and Done. 

Firefox

1. In Firefox, open the menu in the upper right.
2. Click Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Applications section.
4. Under Content Type, find mailto
5. From the drop-down box, select Use Gmail.