Chaning default program for URL:callto (Windows 10)

Hello Nathan,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please follow the below mentioned step to launch default program on your Windows 10:

1. Right click on the Program and click on Open with.

2. Click on ‘More apps’ to check for the app with which you want to open.

3. If you are not able to find the application in search results click on ‘Look for another app’ on this PC.

4. Select the location of the application.

5. Click on open to launch the Phone number link with Optus Loop.

6. Check the box to select default apps.

Hope it helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking "Yes or No.

Harish

Microsoft Community – Moderator

Hi Harish, I'm not sure if you actually read my question.  It looks like you have cut-and-pasted a standard response.  Not at all helpful . . .

When I click the phone_number_link I get this screen:

There are no "More Apps" or "Look for another app" options.

Same issue when I try and choose default app by protocol. I'm not given either of these options.  All I get is (this one is for URL:tel):

Please take the time to read my questions and address them with more than a cut-and-paste reply.

Regards

Nathan

callto and mailto are prime examples of web browser calls. Your web browser (not Windows) is looking for a URL to send links that are calls or email. The browser may have the redirect built in or it may need a browser extension. It won't use a program installed on your computer (unless it was designed with hooks into your browser.)

For Optus Loop my suggestion is to talk to a specialist.

About 'cut and paste' answers in this forum ... don't get me started.

Thanks @BulldogXX.  I have already spoken to OptusLoop and am currently waiting for them to get back to me.

I disagree that it is a browser issue, not a windows one.  Windows has the ability to "set default app by protocol" but it does not give me the option to choose any app other than Skype or an app in the Windows Store.

Cheers

Nathan

Hi Nathan,

Thanks for the reply.

If the default protocol that you wish to change is not available in the Settings app, you can use Control Panel to change the default programs in Windows 10.

Follow these steps:

• Open the Control Panel and click on Default Programs.

• Click on the option saying ‘Set Your Default Programs’.

Control Panel will find the installed apps and programs and display the list. You will see the list of installed program in the left pane and the right pane will contain a description of program, along with options that let you set the program as default for files/protocols it can handle

• Select the program that you wish to set as default, and then click on ‘Set this Program as Default’. This will set the program as default for files and protocols.

To make further changes to files and protocols, click on ‘Choose Defaults for this Program’.

You will get a window that displays the list of file extensions and protocols registered by the program. Check the boxes against the files and protocols that you want the program to handle by default. Click ‘Save’ to return to the previous screen and close the Control Panel.

You may also restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Hope this helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

Regards,

Srimadhwa B

Seriously @Srimadhwa B?  Yet again another cut-and-paste response.  I have already explained that I have attempted all the normal options, have followed all the help guides.  The options that you mention ARE NOT THERE, when I go onto the "Set your default programs".

Screen shot here:

There are numerous installed programs that do not appear on this list (including Optus Loop).  It looks like this list has been restricted to programs/apps on the Microsoft store.

Same issue when I attempt to "Choose default apps by file type" and "Choose default app by protocol".  The options I get are apps selected as Microsoft partners or on the Microsoft store.  No other programs that I have installed myself are given as options.

Please don't send me another cut-and-paste response from the help pages.  I have sent multiple screen shots showing that the options you mention are-not-available.  Why is this the case?

@Microsoft any update on why I can't choose a non-Microsoft-approved app as a default for URL:tel??

Would be great to get some feedback.

Cheers

Nathan