So, you’re happily clicking around your computer, maybe trying to open a web link from an app or email, and then BAM! You get a message saying, “Your PC doesn’t have an app to open this link.”
Wait, what? Isn’t clicking links supposed to be easy?
Don’t worry. This problem isn’t as scary as it sounds. It just means your computer doesn’t know what to do with the kind of link you just clicked.
What Does This Error Actually Mean?
Apps and sites often use special links, also called protocols. For example, a mailto: link is for sending emails, while a zoommtg: link tries to open Zoom.
If your PC doesn’t have an app installed that knows what to do with that kind of link, it throws up the error message. Kinda like saying, “I have no idea what this is, so I’ll just let you know I’m confused.”
Let’s Fix It! Step-by-Step
There are a few easy ways to solve this issue, depending on what caused it in the first place. Let’s break them down.
1. Check If the App Is Installed
The most common cause? The app the link needs just isn’t on your computer.
- If you’re trying to open a link for Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, make sure that app is installed.
- Go to your Start Menu and search for the app name. If it doesn’t pop up, head to the app’s website and download it.
Still not sure what app you need? Have a look at the beginning of the link. It usually gives a good hint.
2. Set Default Apps for Specific Link Types
Maybe the app is installed, but Windows doesn’t know it should use it for this link type. You can fix that by setting default apps.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Default Apps.
- Scroll down and click Choose defaults by link type.
- Find the protocol you’re having trouble with (like mailto: or zoommtg:).
- Click on it, then select the app you want to open it with.
And just like that — problem (hopefully) solved!
3. Reinstall the App
If things still aren’t working, the app might be broken or not registered properly with your system.
- Uninstall the app from Settings > Apps.
- Restart your computer. (Yes, really. It helps!)
- Download and install the app again.
This gives the app a clean start and should reconnect it to those special links.
4. Use “Open With” As a Workaround
If the link points to a file, like a PDF or DOC, try this:
- Right-click the file.
- Select Open with and choose the app you’re pretty sure should open it.
- Check the box for Always use this app if it works well.
This tells Windows: “Hey, remember this for next time!”
5. Check for Corrupt Registry Links
This one’s more advanced, but it’s good to know.
Windows uses something called the Registry to keep track of which apps go with which link types. Sometimes, that data gets messed up — like a corrupted address book.
Fixing this manually is tricky and usually not recommended unless you know your way around the Registry (and its sharp edges). Instead, try using a system repair utility like:
- CCleaner (use carefully!)
- SFC command from the Command Prompt
To run SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start button > Command Prompt Admin).
- Type:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter.
This scans for broken system files and tries to fix them.
6. Windows Is Not Fully Updated
Sometimes, the culprit is an out-of-date Windows system.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
Install whatever shows up, then try opening your link again. New updates sometimes fix link-related problems or bugs.
What About Custom Protocols?
Have you ever seen a weird link like spotify: or slack://? These are known as custom URL protocols. Apps often create these to do cool things, like launching directly into a playlist or chat room. But if the app doesn’t exist on your PC, Windows gets confused.
Want to be extra sure?
Here’s how to see all the custom protocols your Windows can handle:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Default Apps > Choose defaults by link type.
- Scroll through the list, and you’ll see all the funky ones—mailto:, webcal:, spotify:, etc.
Make sure the right app is connected to the right protocol.
FAQs – Quick Answers
- Q: Can I just ignore this error?
A: If the link was important—probably not. Try fixing it. - Q: Why does this suddenly start happening?
A: You may have uninstalled something, or an update broke the app link. - Q: Does this mean my PC has a virus?
A: Not likely. But scanning with antivirus never hurts.
Final Tip: Use Another Browser
Sometimes the issue is browser-related. Chrome might not know how to handle an app-specific link, but Edge or Firefox might.
Simply copy the link, open a different browser, and paste it in. Boom, instant fix (sometimes).
Wrapping It Up
Your PC doesn’t have an app to open this link? Not the end of the world. It’s just confused and needs a little nudge in the right direction.
To recap:
- Check if the app is installed.
- Set default apps for protocols.
- Update or reinstall the offending app.
- Run SFC scan if needed.
- Let Windows Update do its thing.
Give these a try, and you’ll be back to clicking like a pro in no time.
Happy linking!
