Hotmail was all the rage when it launched in 1996. Microsoft purchased the popular email service provider in 1997. Back then, it was called MSN Hotmail. For many internet users, it was the first email account they shared with others, proudly celebrating the liberation from a specific ISP. However, over the years, Microsoft services and, in turn, Hotmail have undergone multiple rebranding exercises.
In 2005, Microsoft introduced Windows Live to enhance the user experience on its widely adopted OS, under which Hotmail became Windows Live Hotmail. And then again, in 2011-12, Microsoft launched Outlook.com, improving Hotmail with new features and a fresh user interface. Just like that, hotmail.com ceased to exist.
Can you still access your hotmail.com account?
Starting in 2012, Hotmail has become Outlook.com. If you try to access your old hotmail.com account, your browser will redirect you to outlook.live.com. Technically, Outlook is Hotmail’s successor. You can no longer register a new email address on the Hotmail domain.
However, your existing @hotmail address (a “legacy address”) will still work as Microsoft hasn’t announced any plans to end support for it. Consider adding an @outlook alias from Edit Account Info > Add email. It is a future-ready step and may help you with new advancements, migration, etc., conducted by the company. All your data — including emails, OneDrive, etc. — remains intact.
You can sign in to your outlook.com email through a web app (Outlook on the Web or OWA). If you need a desktop email client, Microsoft offers Outlook Mail. You can configure it to send/receive your outlook.com email, but it also works with any other address.
Steps to Sign in to Hotmail
Go to outlook.com and enter your Hotmail email and password. The password is the same as on your Microsoft account. The interface lets you access sign-in help if you have forgotten your password. You may also get prompted for confirmation about your identity if you sign in from an unusual computer or location. It adds a security layer to your account to keep away malicious activity.
You can remain signed in if you access your email on a personal computer. However, it may not be a good idea for the computer to remember your password if it is a shared device.
Tips for signing in during traveling:
- Add an alternate email address or phone number to your account to receive the security codes. You can do this by going to Select Security contact info > Add security info.
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator app for your phone.
- Add a trusted device so you won’t need to enter a security code.
What to do if your Hotmail account is blocked?
Your account may get blocked if you entered the password incorrectly several times or if the system detected a suspicious sign-in attempt. You can unblock your account by resetting your password.
To do this, you must enter your blocked email address and follow the authentication instructions on Microsoft’s Recover Account page. Typically, you will receive a text message with a security code on your phone — any phone will work, and a smartphone is not a prerequisite.
While resetting your password, it is best to pick a strong one that combines letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols. Ideally, it is something you have not used elsewhere.
Troubleshooting for Signing in to Hotmail
You may encounter problems while checking your email, even if you have been able to sign in. In this case, the problem is likely in the service, i.e., it may be down.
You can check the service status on the official page. A green flag indicates everything is well, but a red sign denotes something is amiss. In the latter case, you must wait until the trouble gets fixed from the developer’s end.
What to do if your Hotmail account gets hacked?
Email accounts can fall prey to malware, phishing attacks, etc. A hacker can compromise your account, so you must change your password. It is best to use an antivirus application to clear the system of any threats. You should also check account settings for automatic replies, forwarding messages, etc., and verify the emails in the deleted items folder.
What about Outlook Express & Outlook Online?
Outlook Express was a widely used email client at a time — it no longer exists. In 1996, it was part of the Internet Explorer package. However, it didn’t relate to Microsoft Outlook at all.
In 2005, Microsoft launched Windows Mail to succeed Outlook Express. It coincided with the launch of Windows Vista. Wait — things got even more heady when the company released Windows Live Mail in 2007. But here’s the only thing that matters: Outlook Express, Windows Mail, and Windows Live Mail do not exist today.
As for Outlook Online, it was never legit. Some users mistakenly refer to outlook.com as Outlook Online, but it is not a recognized name.
With multiple Microsoft services floating around, things can get confusing. For clarity’s sake, let us reinstate: Hotmail does not exist in 2024. But that doesn’t mean your @hotmail.com email account won’t work. You will be redirected to outlook.com and can proceed with business as usual.