Windows · Apps
Manage app links that open from websites
Apps for websites shows which installed apps are registered to open links from specific websites directly, instead of opening them in a browser.
How to open Apps for Websites
- Open Settings → Apps → Apps for websites
- Review the list of apps and their associated domains
- Toggle off any association you don't want
- Restart the affected app if changes don't apply immediately
What you should know
- View a list of apps and the website domains they're associated with
- Turn off an app's ability to open links from a specific domain
- See which apps have registered deep-link handling on your PC
- Understand how links behave before clicking them in Mail, Edge, or other apps
Why it matters
Many modern apps register themselves to intercept links to their associated website, such as a social media app opening instead of the browser when you tap a shared link. This can be convenient, but it can also be surprising or unwanted if you'd rather always view content in a browser. Managing these associations gives you control over your browsing experience and prevents apps from hijacking links without your consent. It's especially relevant for shared or work devices where consistent, predictable link behavior matters for training and support purposes.
Best practices
- Review this list after installing a new app that seems to intercept links unexpectedly
- Disable app link handling for services you'd always rather view in a browser
- Revisit periodically, since new app installs can silently register new associations
- Use this alongside Default Apps if you also want to change your default browser
Common problems and fixes
- A link always opens the wrong app instead of the browser
- Find the associated app in this list and turn off its website link handling.
- An app that should open links isn't listed
- Not all apps register for this feature; check the app's own settings for link-handling preferences instead.
- Changes don't seem to apply
- Restart the app or sign out and back in for the association change to take full effect.
Tips and tricks
- Check this list first if a shared link keeps opening an unwanted app
- Combine with Default Apps settings for full control over what opens what
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect my default browser?
No, this only controls specific apps intercepting specific website domains, not your overall default browser.
Why does an app open instead of my browser?
The app has registered itself as the handler for that website's links, which this page lets you disable.
Is this the same as Default Apps?
It's related but more specific, focusing only on website-to-app link associations rather than file type defaults.
Related settings
- Default AppsDefault Apps settings let you choose which application opens specific file types and links by default, such as your browser, email client, photo viewer, or music player.
- Apps & FeaturesApps & Features lists every application installed on your PC, including size, install date, and whether it came from the Microsoft Store or a traditional installer. From here you can uninstall software you no longer need, modify or repair certain apps, and move installed apps to a different drive to free up space on your main disk.
More Apps guides for Windows
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