Following a Microsoft Outlook security update released on July 11, 2023, links to FQDNs (fully qualified domain names) or IP addresses may no longer open directly from Outlook. This is due to a change in Outlook’s internal behavior designed to mitigate vulnerability risks.

🔧 Workaround: Register the Link Destination as a Trusted Site

To restore hyperlink functionality, you can manually add the destination URL to your Trusted Sites list in Windows:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Run
2. Type inetcpl.cpl and click OK
3. In the Internet Properties window, go to the Security tab
4. Select Trusted Sites and click the Sites button
5. Uncheck “Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone”
6. Enter the URL of the site you’re trying to access and click Add

📚 Reference:

• Microsoft Support Article: Outlook blocks FQDN and IP address hyperlinks