Hotmail Guide 2025 – Create, Sign In, Secure & Use Easily
Hotmail is a free and easy-to-use email service that helps you send, receive, and organize emails. It is now known as Outlook and offers a clean design, strong security, and access to Microsoft tools like Word and Excel. Hotmail is perfect for both personal and professional communication needs.
Introduction
Hotmail is one of the earliest web-based email services, allowing users to send, receive, and manage emails directly through a web browser. Launched in 1996, it gained popularity due to its simple interface and global accessibility. Over time, Hotmail evolved under Microsoft and was eventually integrated into Outlook.com. Today, millions still refer to their accounts as Hotmail, although the platform now operates under the Outlook name. This article is designed to give users complete information about Hotmail’s current status, features, usability, and troubleshooting all in one place and optimized for better ranking on search engines.
What is Hotmail?
Hotmail started in 1996 as one of the world’s first web-based email services. It was founded by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith and quickly gained millions of users. Microsoft bought Hotmail in 1997 and integrated it into their services. Over time, Hotmail evolved and became part of Outlook.com. While the name “Hotmail” still exists in email addresses, all services now run on the Outlook platform. This change brought a more modern interface, better security, and more advanced tools. So, even if you’re using a Hotmail address, you’re actually using the power of Microsoft Outlook today.

Outlook Features That Come with Hotmail
When you create a Hotmail account, it connects to Outlook’s powerful features like calendar, contacts, spam filters, cloud storage, and smart inbox tools to improve email management and productivity.

Email Organization: Hotmail through Outlook helps you organize your inbox with filters, folders, and categories. You can quickly sort emails, pin important ones, and archive old messages. This helps keep your inbox neat and easy to manage, especially when handling a high volume of emails.
Smart Inbox: The Focused Inbox feature highlights important emails and moves less important ones to a separate tab. It learns from your behavior, so you see the emails that matter most right away. It saves time and helps you stay focused.
OneDrive Integration: You can attach files from OneDrive directly in your emails. This makes it easy to share documents, images, or videos without uploading each time. It’s also safer because your files are stored in the cloud.
Built-In Calendar: Hotmail offers a built-in calendar feature where you can schedule events, set reminders, and manage appointments. It syncs across all your devices, keeping your personal and work life organized.
Microsoft Office Tools: You can access Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly from your inbox. This allows you to view, edit, and even collaborate on documents without leaving Hotmail.
Mobile App Compatibility: Hotmail works perfectly on mobile through the Outlook app. It’s fast, easy to use, and gives you full access to your email, calendar, and tasks anywhere, anytime.
Security and Spam Filters: Hotmail uses strong filters to detect spam, phishing attempts, and suspicious links. You also get alerts for unsafe emails, keeping your inbox protected.
Difference Between Hotmail and Outlook
Hotmail is the old name, and Outlook is the new platform that runs it. While @hotmail.com email addresses still work, the system has been upgraded to Outlook for better features and performance. In simple terms, Hotmail is now Outlook. So, there’s no real difference in service just a name change with added benefits like a modern interface, smarter inbox, and Microsoft 365 integration.

Is Hotmail Still Active in 2025?
Yes, Hotmail is still active in 2025, but under the Outlook brand. You can still create and use @hotmail.com email addresses. Microsoft supports all Hotmail accounts through Outlook.com, ensuring security, updates, and access to the latest features. If you already have a Hotmail account, there’s no need to switch it works smoothly on both desktop and mobile.
How to Create a Hotmail Account?
Easily create a Hotmail account by visiting the official Outlook website. Choose your @hotmail.com email, set your password, verify your identity, and get started with secure, free email access.
Steps to Create a Hotmail Account:
- Visit https://www.outlook.com
- Click on “Create free account”
- Select @hotmail.com from the dropdown
- Choose a unique username and password
- Add recovery email or phone number
- Verify your identity with a code
- Your account is ready to use!
How to Sign In to Hotmail?
Sign in to your Hotmail account by going to outlook.com. Enter your email and password, complete any security check if prompted, and access your inbox to manage and read emails.
Steps to Sign In to Hotmail:
- Visit https://www.outlook.com
- Click on “Sign In”
- Enter your Hotmail email address
- Type your password
- Click Next
- Complete any security verification (if asked)
- You are now in your Hotmail inbox

Troubleshooting Hotmail Sign-In Problems
How to Reset or Change Your Hotmail Password
Need to change your password? Follow these steps:
- Go to outlook.com
- Click “Sign in”
- Select “Forgot Password”
- Choose recovery option
- Create new password
Securing Your Hotmail Account
To keep your Hotmail safe, always use a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols. Enable two-step verification for extra protection. Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments. Regularly update your recovery email or phone number. Also, check your login activity to spot suspicious access early and remove risky devices.
How to Recover a Deleted or Lost Hotmail Account
If you accidentally deleted your Hotmail account or lost access, you can try recovering it easily using Microsoft’s recovery tool. Follow these steps to regain your account and reset your password.
Steps to Recover a Deleted or Lost Hotmail Account:
Sending and Receiving Emails on Hotmail
To send an email, click “New Message,” enter the recipient’s email, write your message, and press Send. To receive emails, simply check your inbox or refresh it. Hotmail delivers emails instantly and alerts you with a notification. You can also set up automatic replies and filters for better email management.
Organizing Emails in Hotmail
Hotmail allows you to organize your inbox using folders, flags, and categories. Simply drag emails into folders or right-click to create a new one. Use filters to sort messages automatically. You can also pin important emails to the top, helping you find them quickly later. This keeps your inbox clean and stress-free.
Using Calendar, Tasks, and Contacts in Hotmail
Hotmail is built-in tools help you manage your day. Use the Calendar to set appointments or meetings with reminders. The Tasks section allows you to make to-do lists and mark completed ones. Contacts keep your email addresses, phone numbers, and notes organized. All these features sync with your devices, so you stay on track no matter where you are. Perfect for school, business, or personal use.
Hotmail App vs Outlook App: What to Use
Both apps work well, but the Outlook app is the official and updated version for Hotmail users. It offers better security, smarter inbox sorting, and more tools like calendar and files. The Outlook app is regularly updated by Microsoft, while the Hotmail app is no longer maintained. For 2025, it’s best to use the Outlook app on both Android and iOS to enjoy the latest features.
Using Hotmail on Android/iOS
Stay connected on the go by using the Outlook app for Android or iOS. Easily set up your Hotmail account, access emails, and enjoy smooth syncing with just a few simple steps.
How to Access Hotmail on Mobile and Desktop
To access Hotmail on desktop, visit outlook.com, log in, and use your inbox. On mobile, download the Outlook app and sign in with your Hotmail account. Both platforms offer the same features like email, calendar, contacts, and more. You can stay connected whether you’re at home or on the go, with real-time sync across devices for seamless access.
Hotmail vs Gmail vs Yahoo – Which is Better?
Hotmail (Outlook), Gmail, and Yahoo each have unique features. Gmail is known for Google integrations and search. Yahoo offers large storage and personalization. Hotmail (Outlook) stands out for its Microsoft 365 tools, clean interface, and reliable spam protection. In 2025, Hotmail offers the best mix of business and personal features, especially if you use Microsoft apps. Choose based on your needs, but Hotmail is perfect for all-round use.
Disclaimer
This website is an independent resource created to help users understand and use email services like Hotmail and Outlook. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation. All product names, logos, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. Always visit the official Microsoft website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
FAQs
Can I still sign up for a @hotmail.com address?
Yes, you can still create a @hotmail.com address by selecting it during the Outlook account signup process.
Is Hotmail secure in 2025?
Yes, Hotmail in 2025 uses encryption and two-step verification to protect your emails and account access.
Can I recover old emails in Hotmail?
Yes, if emails weren’t permanently deleted, you can restore them from Trash within 30 days.
What devices support Hotmail?
Hotmail works smoothly on Windows PCs, Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and most web browsers.
Why is Hotmail now called Outlook?
Microsoft rebranded Hotmail to Outlook in 2013 for a better interface, more features, and easier integration.
How much free storage does Hotmail provide?
Hotmail offers 15GB of free Outlook email storage and 5GB additional cloud space on OneDrive.
Is the Hotmail app still available?
No, the Hotmail app has been discontinued. Use the Outlook app on iOS or Android instead.
Conclusion
Use Hotmail with the Outlook app for the best experience. Set up two-step verification, organize your inbox regularly, and take advantage of Microsoft’s free tools. For businesses or students, use calendar and tasks to stay efficient. Do not forget to check your spam and recycle bin. Whether you are an old user or new, Hotmail is still a powerful, trusted email platform in 2025 simple, secure, and effective.