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If you’re trying to log in to your Hotmail account and running into trouble, you’re not alone. Microsoft’s shift from Hotmail to Outlook.com over the past decade has created confusion for many users—especially those returning after a long break. Whether you still remember your credentials or are completely locked out, this guide will help you figure out the best way to get your account back.
1. What Happened to Hotmail?
Hotmail was one of the first major free web-based email services, launched in 1996. Microsoft bought it in 1997 and kept it running until:
In 2012, Microsoft started transitioning Hotmail accounts to Outlook.com
By 2013, the Hotmail brand was retired
But don’t worry—your Hotmail address (e.g., example@hotmail.com) still works. It just runs on Microsoft’s Outlook platform now.
2. Where to Log In to Hotmail Now
Even if you still use a Hotmail email address, you must access it through the Outlook.com website or Microsoft sign-in page:
🔗 Login here: https://outlook.live.com
or
🔗 https://login.live.com
This is where all Hotmail, Outlook, MSN, and Live email accounts are now managed.
3. How to Access Your Hotmail Account (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to sign in:
Go to https://outlook.live.com
Click Sign in
Enter your Hotmail email address (e.g., johnsmith@hotmail.com)
Click Next
Enter your password
Click Sign in
✅ If everything is correct, you’ll be taken to your Outlook inbox, where your Hotmail emails reside.
4. If You Forgot Your Password
If you don’t remember your password, follow these steps:
Go to: https://account.live.com/password/reset
Enter your Hotmail email
Choose “I forgot my password”
Choose a verification method (email, phone, etc.)
Enter the code sent to your recovery email or phone
Set a new password
If you don’t have access to the recovery methods on file, choose “I don’t have any of these” to continue with Microsoft’s advanced recovery process.
5. If You No Longer Have Access to Recovery Info
You can still try to recover the account without your old phone or email:
Go to: https://account.live.com/acsr
Enter your Hotmail address
Enter an email address where Microsoft can contact you
Answer questions about your account:
Previous passwords
Contact names
Subject lines of old emails
Approximate account creation date
Submit the form and wait for a response
📧 Microsoft will email you in 24–48 hours to confirm whether your recovery attempt was successful.
6. Using Microsoft’s Account Recovery Form
If the standard methods fail, the ACSR (Account Self-Recovery) form is your last resort:
🔗 https://account.live.com/acsr
Make sure to:
Use a device and browser you’ve used before with this account
Be accurate and detailed with your answers
Submit it only once per 24-hour period
⛔ If your answers don’t match Microsoft’s records, they’ll deny the request. You can try again with improved info.
7. If Your Account Has Been Inactive for Years
Microsoft deletes accounts after prolonged inactivity:
If you haven’t signed in for 2 years, your account may be permanently deleted
All emails, contacts, and data would be gone
You may be able to reuse the address, but it’ll be an entirely new account
To check:
Try logging in
If you see “That Microsoft account doesn’t exist,” the account was likely deleted
In this case, unfortunately, recovery is not possible.
8. What to Do If Your Account Was Hacked
If someone else accessed your account and changed the password or security info:
Go to: https://account.live.com/password/reset
Choose “I think someone else is using my Microsoft account”
Follow the prompts to verify your identity and reset your password
💡 Once recovered:
Change your password immediately
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Review account activity
9. Tips to Keep Your Account Safe Once You’re Back
After successfully logging in or recovering your account, protect it from future issues:
✅ Update your recovery options: Add your current phone number and alternate email
✅ Turn on 2-step verification for added security
✅ Use a secure, unique password
✅ Sign in at least once a year to avoid deactivation
✅ Use a password manager to avoid forgetting credentials
Related Blog:
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my @hotmail.com email address?
Yes! Hotmail addresses are still supported—you’ll just access them through Outlook.com.
I created my Hotmail account 15 years ago. Is it still usable?
It depends. If you've logged in within the last 2 years, it likely still exists. Otherwise, Microsoft may have deleted it.
Will my old Hotmail emails still be there?
Yes, if the account hasn’t been deleted. All past messages should still be in your inbox, sent folder, or archived folders.
Can I create a new Hotmail address?
Not exactly. While you can't sign up for new @hotmail.com addresses, you can still use existing ones. New signups only offer @outlook.com.
What if I only remember part of the email address?
You can try entering the partial address at https://account.live.com/username/recover, where Microsoft may help retrieve the full email if you linked recovery info.
11. Final Words
Accessing your Hotmail account in 2024 is completely possible—as long as the account hasn’t been inactive too long or deleted. Your old email address still works, and Microsoft now manages all Hotmail services through Outlook.com.
Here’s what you should do:
Start at https://outlook.live.com
Try to sign in using your Hotmail address
Use the “Forgot Password” and recovery tools if needed
If you're stuck, fill out the ACSR recovery form
If all else fails and the account is gone, consider creating a new Outlook.com email and setting up proper recovery options from the start.
Need help with a specific recovery step? Just tell me your situation (e.g., forgot password, account inactive, can't remember email) and I’ll guide you through it personally.
