Approval Response Opening in Browser Tab Fix

Overview

Some users, when attempting to respond to an approval request reminder via email, are unable to do so because a blank browser tab opens instead of a new email message. The reason for this is that the user more than likely has their default email application on their computer set to a web browser instead of Microsoft Outlook. Use the below instructions to adjust your settings so that Outlook opens a new email message when sending an approval response via email.

Windows Solution

1. Click the magnifying glass icon on your taskbar to search for programs.
   
   
   
   
2. Search for "Default Apps" in the search bar that appears.
   
   
   
   
3. Click on the result labeled Default apps, a part of the System settings application.
   
   
   
   
4. Under the Email section, click on the current default application.
   
   
   
   
5. In the list of options that appears, click on Outlook to set it to your default email application.
   
   
   
   
6. Now you should be able to repeat the steps in Respond to an Approval Request from Email with a successful result.

Mac Solution

1. Navigate to your email application.
2. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, select Preferences.
3. A new window should appear with preferences settings. Click on the dropdown labeled Default Email Reader.
4. Select Outlook from the dropdown if it is present.
5. If not, click the Select... option from the dropdown to search for Outlook.
6. Once you find Outlook, click on the program to make it your default email application.
7. With your settings updated, you should be able to repeat the steps in Respond to an Approval Request from Email with a successful result.