Microsoft Outlook's behavior for "OpenLinks" app configuration keys on Android/iOS is updated. Two keys control hyperlink behavior, with changes rolling out in mid-September 2024. Documentation will be updated to reflect the new functionality, and organizations may need to review their configurations.
Updated August 13, 2024: We have updated the content below to show as intended. Thank you for your feedback.
Microsoft Outlook for iOS/Android supports two app configuration keys for controlling hyperlink behavior:
com.microsoft.outlook.Settings.OpenLinks.UseSystemDefaultBrowsercom.microsoft.outlook.Settings.OpenLinks.UserChangeAllowedThis message clarifies the intent and functionality of these configuration keys. Before rollout, we will update existing documentation to match this message.
When this will happen:
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out this change in mid-September 2024 and expect to complete by mid-September 2024.
How this will affect your organization:
com.microsoft.outlook.Settings.OpenLinks.UseSystemDefaultBrowser controls whether links open in the system browser (with Safari and Chrome as defaults for iOS and Android), and whether the user is prompted periodically to optionally install Microsoft Edge
com.microsoft.outlook.Settings.OpenLinks.UserChangeAllowed controls whether the Open Links row appears in Outlook Settings and determines whether users can choose between the system default browser and Microsoft Edge.
Before this rollout, the interaction of these two keys was not fully documented, with potentially unexpected results. The week of September 15, 2024, we will update Outlook mobile for iOS/Android so the behavior with respect to these two policies match the behavior described in the table below:
Note: Behavior differs depending on whether Microsoft Edge is already installed on the mobile device.
| Key=value | Settings State | Default link behavior: Edge Installed | Default link behavior: No Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings includes Open Links with Default Browser and Edge/"Get Edge" options | Links open in Edge | Links open in default browser, and Outlook periodically offers to install Microsoft Edge |
| Settings includes Open Links with Default Browser and Edge/"Get Edge" options | Links open in default browser | Links open in default browser |
| Open Links Settings row is hidden | Links open in Edge | Links open in default browser |
| Open Links Settings Row is hidden | Links open in default browser | Links open in default browser |
What you need to do to prepare:
Learn more: Deploying Outlook for iOS and Android app configuration settings in Exchange Online | Microsoft Learn
This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before the rollout. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.