I can't access links in my email anymore

Question

I can't access links in my email anymore

Sasia G 0

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

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

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".

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Sasia G 0 Reputation points

2026-08-08T19:49:14.36+00:00

Oh and I tried running the sfc /scannow but nothing happened. The box just flashed.
Emma1-N 12,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-10T07:28:39.36+00:00

Hello Sasia G,

Thank you for the update. Since the default app settings and System File Checker did not resolve the issue, the next step is to check whether the registry entries responsible for opening web links are damaged.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter

Navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\shell\open\command

Verify that the (Default) value is present and points to a valid browser executable

If the value is missing or incorrect, create a new Windows user account and test opening links there

Answer 2

Sasia G 0

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.

Emma1-N 12,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-12T07:55:58.55+00:00

Hello Sasia G,

Is there any add-ons installed, please remove all of them and then restart the Windows
Emma1-N 12,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-13T07:26:33.1866667+00:00

Hello Sasia G,

Is there any update from you? Please let me know, I will be here to assist you.