Hotmail.com, now known as Outlook, is one of the world’s first webmail services and most popular email providers. Launched in 1996, Hotmail allowed users to access emails from any computer with an internet connection. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Hotmail login and using the email service on www.hotmail.com.
Overview of Hotmail Login and Outlook.com
Hotmail was founded in 1996 as one of the first free web-based email services. Within a year, it already had over 8 million users. In 1997, Microsoft acquired Hotmail and later rebranded it as MSN Hotmail. By 2011, Hotmail had over 360 million users worldwide.
In 2012, Microsoft decided to rebrand Hotmail as Outlook.com to align the webmail service (like webmailmanager.nl) with its desktop Outlook email client. The new Outlook.com interface was faster, simpler, and designed to compete with Gmail.
Despite the rebranding, many users still refer to Outlook.com by its old name Hotmail. The www.hotmail.com login page redirects to Outlook.com. Users can sign in with their existing Hotmail credentials.
How to Create a Hotmail Account
If you don’t already have a Hotmail or Outlook account, you can easily create one for free. Here are the steps:
- Go to outlook.com and click Create free account.
- Enter your name, desired email address, and password.
- Provide some additional personal info and agree to the terms of service.
- Complete the captcha verification.
- Confirm your account via email or phone.
Once your Hotmail account is created, you can start using the same sign in credentials to access Outlook.com.
How to Login to Hotmail.com
Logging in to Hotmail (Outlook) is a breeze. You can access your email from the Outlook website, desktop app, or mobile app.
Hotmail Login via Web Browser
To log in to your Hotmail account on the web, follow these simple steps:
- Go to outlook.com or www.hotmail.com.
- Enter your email address on the sign in page.
- Click Next.
- Enter your account password.
- Check the box to stay signed in (optional).
- Click Sign in to access your Hotmail inbox.
Hotmail Login via Windows
As Hotmail is owned by Microsoft, it seamlessly integrates with Windows PCs. To log in to your Hotmail account on Windows:
- Open the pre-installed Mail app.
- Click Get Started and select Outlook.com.
- Enter your Hotmail email address and password.
- Toggle Keep me signed in if desired.
- Click Sign in to access your inbox.
Hotmail Login via Mobile App
Hotmail offers official apps for iOS and Android mobile devices. Just download the Outlook app and sign in with your Hotmail credentials.
For iOS:
- Download the Outlook app from the App Store.
- Open the app and tap Get Started.
- Enter your email address and password.
- Toggle Keep me signed in if desired.
- Tap Sign In to access your inbox.
For Android:
- Download Outlook from the Play Store.
- Launch the app and tap Get Started.
- Enter your email and password.
- Toggle Keep me signed in if desired.
- Tap Sign In to access your inbox.
Access Hotmail.com via Email Protocols
Advanced users can also configure Hotmail accounts in third-party email clients using IMAP, POP3, or SMTP. Here are the server settings:
- IMAP – imap-mail.outlook.com (Port 993 with SSL)
- POP3 – pop-mail.outlook.com (Port 995 with SSL)
- SMTP – smtp-mail.outlook.com (Port 587 with TLS)
Enter your full Hotmail email address and account password when configuring the account.
Reset Forgotten Hotmail Password
If you forgot your Hotmail password, you can easily reset it:
- Go to account.live.com/password/reset.
- Enter your Hotmail email address.
- Complete the captcha.
- Choose to reset password via email or text message.
- Follow instructions in the email/text to create a new password.
You’ll be able to login to Hotmail again with your new password.
Key Features of Hotmail/Outlook
Hotmail and Outlook.com offer all the standard email features along with some great extra benefits:
- Inbox Customization – Choose custom themes and layouts for your inbox.
- Calendar – Access your email, calendar, contacts from one place.
- Aliases – Create additional email addresses linked to your account.
- Filters – Automatically sort incoming emails.
- Ads-free – Paid subscriptions let you access Hotmail ad-free.
- Attachment Size – Send attachments up to 150 MB in size.
- Storage – Get 15 GB free storage for emails and attachments.
- Security – Hotmail uses encryption and spam filters for security.
- Email Forwarding – Forward copies of emails to other accounts.
- Offline Access – Use offline email mode on mobile apps.
Getting Help with Hotmail.com Issues
If you ever face problems using your Hotmail account, there are a few ways to get assistance:
- Help Center – Outlook.com has a comprehensive help center with guides on resolving common issues.
- Virtual Agent – The virtual agent can automatically diagnose and fix many Hotmail problems.
- Community Forum – Post questions on the Outlook Community forums to get help from other users.
- Contact Support – If other options don’t work, you can contact Microsoft Support via phone, chat or email.
Conclusion
Hotmail, now known as Outlook, pioneered free web-based email services. With a Microsoft account, you can easily access Hotmail via outlook.com, Windows, or mobile apps. Key features include custom themes, calendar, large attachments, offline access, and top-notch security. If you forget your password, you can reset it after identity verification. Overall, Hotmail delivers a full-featured, convenient email experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Hotmail still exist?
Yes, Hotmail still exists but was rebranded as Outlook.com in 2012. Microsoft has migrated all Hotmail accounts to Outlook.
2. How do I create a Hotmail account?
Visit Outlook.com and click “Create free account” to sign up for a new Hotmail email address. Just provide some basic personal details.
3. How do I log in to my Hotmail account?
Go to outlook.com or www.hotmail.com and enter your email address and password to log in. You can also use the Outlook mobile apps.
4. I forgot my Hotmail password. What should I do?
Use the password reset option on account.live.com/password/reset. You’ll need to provide your Hotmail email address and verify your identity.
5. What are some key features of Hotmail?
Hotmail offers custom inbox themes, calendar, large attachments, aliases, offline email access, robust security, ads-free paid plans, etc.
Murphy Brad, is a legal content writer with expertise in environmental law, criminal law, and business associations. She holds a Juris Doctorate from William & Mary Law School and is licensed to practice in Tennessee. Murphy has taught legal research, writing, and citations to law students and has contributed to the Environmental Law & Policy Review. With a background in philosophy and political science, Murphy brings a well-rounded perspective to her legal writing projects.