I can't access links in my email anymore

Sasia G 0 Reputation points
2026-08-07T20:50:06.57+00:00

I had a problem with my computer a couple of days ago and it took that long for me to get it back up and running but not a lot of my programs are giving me errors and I can no longer access links in my email because I get the error message, "This file does not have a program associated with it to perform this action. please install a program, or if one is already installed create an association in the Default program control panel." How do I do this? I am using Thunderbird because my Windows version of Outlook is no longer supported

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Email and communications
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  1. Sasia G 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-10T19:10:55.0166667+00:00

    If I create a new user account will I have to reinstall the software and recreate all the folders, because I have done all of this and it still doesn't work. I just haven't created another user account because I don't want to go through the hassle of reinstalling everything again.

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  2. Emma1-N 12,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-08T02:44:08.3233333+00:00

    Welcome Sasia G,

    I understand how frustrating it can be when clicking links in your email is no longer working and Windows displays the message "This file does not have a program associated with it to perform this action." 

    Before proceeding, I would like to narrow down the issue:               

    • Does the issue occur with all web links (http/https), or only links inside Thunderbird? 
    • Which version of Windows are you currently using (Windows 10 or Windows 11)? 

    In the meantime, you can try these steps: 

    Option 1: Set a default web browser  

    • Open Settings > Apps > Default apps 
    • Select your preferred browser (Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) 
    • Choose Set default 

    Option 2: Reset web link associations  

    • Open Settings > Apps > Default apps 
    • Search for your browser 
    • Ensure it is assigned to HTTP, HTTPS, .htm, and .html 

    Option 3: Repair the default apps configuration  

    • Open Settings > Apps > Default apps 
    • Scroll down and select Reset under Reset all default apps 

    Option 4: Run System File Checker  

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator 
    • Run: sfc /scannow  
    • Restart the PC after the scan completes 

    I hope the steps above help you deal with your issue. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  

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