Hotmail used to be Microsoft’s popular email service. It was later integrated into Microsoft’s online services and became Outlook.com. Outlook.com offers improved security and a more organized email and scheduling system. If you still use an @hotmail.com or similar email address, you can still access your inbox so don’t worry about that. You can access the new page here:
When you sign in enter your full email address. So, for example, if your email address is mail@hotmail.com, enter mail@hotmail.com as your username:
Hotmail is Now Outlook: Your Guide to Logging In
Why the Change?
Microsoft made a big move a while back, changing Hotmail to Outlook.com. This wasn’t just a name change; it was a whole new look and feel for email. Don’t worry, though, your old Hotmail address still works. Just think of it as a new door to the same house.
Steps to Log In
- Head to the Outlook website: Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and type in “outlook.com.”
- Click “Sign in”: Look for the big button that says “Sign in” and click on it.
- Enter your email: Type in your full Hotmail (or Outlook) email address. It’s the same one you’ve always used.
- Password time: Type in the password that goes with your email address.
- Check that box (optional): If you’re on your own computer, you can check the box that says “Keep me signed in.” This means you won’t have to type in your info every time. But don’t do this on a shared or public computer!
- Click “Sign in”: Hit that button, and you’re in! Welcome to your inbox.
Forgot Your Password?
No problem! Click the “Forgot my password” link on the sign-in page. Follow the steps they give you, and you’ll be back in your email in no time.
Hotmail App
You can also use the Outlook app on your phone or tablet. Download it from your app store, then open it and sign in with your Hotmail/Outlook email address and password.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Double check your typing: Make sure you haven’t made any typos in your email or password.
- Caps lock: Is the caps lock key on by mistake?
- Old password: Are you sure you’re using your current password? If you changed it recently, you might be typing in an old one.
Still Stuck?
If you’re still having trouble, head over to the Microsoft support page for help: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/how-to-sign-in-to-hotmail-c378938b-c0eb-40c1-b99e-338dd9e776a8
Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/67945918@N00/112898110
Key Takeaways
- Hotmail was Microsoft’s primary email platform.
- Microsoft has now transitioned users over to Outlook.com
- You can access your old hotmail account by logging into Live.com
How To Access Your Old Hotmail Account (Video)
Recovering Your Old Hotmail Account
If you can’t access your Hotmail account and no longer have access to the associated phone number, alternate email, or security question answers, it can be frustrating. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to recover in this situation. The primary tool for recovery is the Microsoft Account Recovery form, but it doesn’t guarantee success. It’s important to be patient, persistent, and provide accurate information while trying to regain access. To prevent these situations, always keep your account details up-to-date and use strong passwords for all your online accounts.
The Unfortunate Reality:
Unfortunately, if you’ve lost access to the associated phone number, alternative email, and can’t recall the security questions, recovering your Hotmail account becomes significantly challenging. Microsoft’s security measures prioritize protecting your data, which sometimes means limited options for account recovery in such situations.
The Account Recovery Form: Your Last Resort
The Microsoft Account Recovery form remains your primary option. Despite not remembering the security questions, it’s crucial to attempt the form multiple times, providing as much accurate information as possible.
- Fill it out thoughtfully: Take your time, and try to recall any details about your account usage, such as past passwords, email subjects, or frequent contacts.
- Be consistent: Provide the same information across multiple attempts to demonstrate the legitimacy of your claim.
- Try different devices and locations: Accessing the form from devices and locations you’ve previously used to log in might improve your chances.
Important Considerations:
- Frequency: You can submit the recovery form up to twice a day.
- Patience: Microsoft’s review process might take time, so be patient and persistent.
- Alternative Contact: If possible, consider reaching out to contacts you frequently emailed from the account. They might have old emails that could help verify your ownership.
Beyond the Form: Limited Options
Regrettably, there are no alternative methods like providing a birth certificate or contacting Microsoft support directly to bypass the recovery form in this scenario. Microsoft’s security protocols prioritize the protection of user data, making it difficult to override these measures.
Notes
| Action | Notes |
|---|---|
| Account Recovery Form | Fill it out carefully and consistently, try from familiar devices/locations. |
| Contact Frequent Recipients | They may have old emails that could help verify ownership. |
| Patience and Persistence | Microsoft’s review takes time; keep trying the form (up to twice a day). |
The Harsh Truth:
While it’s disheartening, there’s a possibility that if the recovery form fails repeatedly, the account might be irretrievably lost. This underscores the importance of keeping your account information updated and utilizing strong, unique passwords across your online accounts.
FAQs & Info
Hotmail Account Lifespan and Activity
- How long does a Hotmail account stay active?
- If unused, Microsoft may close your Hotmail account after two years of inactivity.
- How long does Hotmail keep emails?
- As long as your account remains active, Hotmail will keep your emails indefinitely.
- How old is Hotmail/MSN?
- Hotmail was launched in 1996, making it over 25 years old. It transitioned to Outlook.com in 2013, but the Hotmail domain still functions.
- How to find the age of my Hotmail account?
- You can find the creation date in your account settings when you’re logged in.
Accessing, Recovering, and Deleting Old Hotmail
- How to access/recover old Hotmail emails?
- If you can log in, access them through Outlook.com. If locked out, use the recovery form (discussed above) and hope for the best.
- How to delete old Hotmail emails?
- You can manually delete emails within Outlook.com or use the search function to filter and delete emails by date or sender.
- How to delete an old Hotmail account?
- Log in and go to account settings to initiate the closure process.
Reactivating and Linking Old Accounts
- How to reactivate an old Hotmail account?
- If closed within 30 days, you might be able to reactivate by logging in. Beyond that, recovery is unlikely.
- How to link an old Hotmail account to Outlook?
- Generally, Hotmail accounts are Outlook accounts. If you have a separate Outlook account, you can’t merge them but can set up email forwarding between them.
Miscellaneous Queries
- How big can Hotmail attachments be?
- The current limit is 25MB per attachment.
- How long does Hotmail block accounts?
- Temporary blocks can last from minutes to days, depending on the reason. Permanent closures are final.
- How long will Hotmail (Outlook.com) be around/supported?
- Microsoft has not announced any plans to discontinue Outlook.com. It remains a core service.
- How long has Hotmail been Outlook?
- The rebranding from Hotmail to Outlook.com happened in 2013.
Remember…
Even if the recovery form fails, keep trying. If you have old devices or can recall specific email details, those can help. If all else fails, consider creating a new Outlook.com account.
