Introduction: What Is Hotmail?
When we talk about the early days of the internet, one name always pops up , Hotmail. For many of us, it was our very first email account. Launched in 1996, Hotmail was a pioneer in free web-based email services. Back then, the idea of checking your messages from anywhere in the world (without needing a specific computer) was revolutionary.
Fast forward to today, Hotmail has evolved into Outlook.com, Microsoft’s modern email platform. But people still search for “Hotmail” every day because the legacy continues. If you’re wondering whether Hotmail still exists, how it connects to Outlook, or if you can still create a Hotmail account in 2025, you’re in the right place.
The History of Hotmail: From Innovation to Microsoft Takeover
The Launch of Hotmail (1996)
Hotmail was co-founded by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith. The goal was simple: give users a way to send and receive messages without relying on an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The name “Hotmail” cleverly included HTML (the markup language of the web). Originally stylized as HoTMaiL, it quickly gained traction, and by 1997 it had millions of users worldwide.
Microsoft Acquires Hotmail (1997)
Seeing the massive potential, Microsoft purchased Hotmail for around $400 million. This was one of the earliest big tech acquisitions and allowed Microsoft to integrate Hotmail into its MSN services.
Hotmail Becomes Outlook (2012)
By the early 2010s, the email landscape was dominated by Gmail and Yahoo Mail. To compete, Microsoft rebranded Hotmail into Outlook.com in 2012, offering a modern interface, stronger spam protection, and seamless integration with Office 365, OneDrive, and Skype.
Is Hotmail Still Around in 2025?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. The answer:
👉 Yes and no.
- You cannot sign up for a brand-new email ending in @hotmail.com through the normal process.
- However, if you created a Hotmail account years ago, it still works today. You simply log in via Outlook.com using your Hotmail address and password.
- Microsoft allows users to keep their old Hotmail, MSN, or Live.com email addresses active, even though everything now runs through the Outlook platform.
So, while Hotmail as a brand doesn’t exist, its legacy lives on.
Why People Still Use Hotmail
Even in 2025, millions of people continue using their Hotmails accounts. Here’s why:
1. Long-Time Trust
For many, Hotmails was their first email address. People have been using it for over 20 years, and changing an email tied to countless services and contacts is inconvenient.
2. Seamless Integration with Microsoft
Hotmails accounts now enjoy all the benefits of Outlook, including:
- Access to Microsoft Office apps online
- OneDrive cloud storage
- Teams and Skype integration
- Strong spam and phishing filters
3. Familiarity
Some users just feel comfortable with what they know. Even though the interface says Outlook, logging in with a Hotmails address feels nostalgic.
How to Access Your Hotmails Account Today
If you still have a Hotmails address, here’s how to log in:
- Go to Outlook.com
- Enter your old Hotmails email address (e.g., yourname@hotmail.com)
- Type your password and click Sign In
- You’ll be redirected to Outlook’s interface, where you can send/receive emails as usual.
💡 Tip: If you’ve forgotten your password, use Microsoft’s password recovery tool to reset your account.
Can You Still Create a Hotmails Account in 2025?
Technically, no. Microsoft no longer offers new @hotmail.com addresses during signup. Instead, you can choose from:
- @outlook.com
- @outlook.co.uk (region-based)
However, some legacy users can still create aliases that include Hotmail. But this is rare and not available for everyone.
Hotmails vs. Outlook: What’s the Difference?
Many people are confused between Hotmail and Outlook. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | Hotmail (Old) | Outlook (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 1996 | 2012 (as rebrand) |
| Ownership | Independent → Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Storage | Limited (MBs) | 15GB free (expandable) |
| Interface | Basic, old-school | Modern, fast, mobile-friendly |
| Status in 2025 | Legacy only | Active, supported |
Security & Privacy: Should You Still Use Hotmails?
Yes, but with caution. While Microsoft has upgraded security over the years, older accounts may be more vulnerable if users haven’t updated their passwords.
✅ Use a strong, unique password
✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
✅ Regularly update recovery options (phone/email)
These steps will keep your Hotmails/Outlook account safe in today’s cyber-threat environment.
Future of Hotmails in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
Microsoft has made it clear: Outlook is the future. Hotmails users will always log in through Outlook, and the transition is complete.
That said, the word “Hotmails” isn’t going away anytime soon. People will keep searching for it, and for many, it will always be the first email account that introduced them to the online world.
Conclusion
Hotmails may no longer exist as a standalone brand, but its spirit lives on in Outlook. From revolutionizing email in the late ‘90s to becoming part of Microsoft’s modern productivity suite, Hotmails played a key role in shaping digital communication.
Whether you’re logging into your old Hotmails account or just feeling nostalgic, remember: the email address might say Hotmails, but the service is powered by Outlook.
FAQs
Q1: Can I still create a Hotmails account in 2025?
No, you can’t create a new @hotmail.com address. However, existing Hotmails accounts remain active and can be accessed via Outlook.com.
Q2: Is Hotmails safe to use today?
Yes. Since Hotmails is now part of Outlook, it benefits from Microsoft’s advanced security, including spam filtering and two-factor authentication.
Q3: What’s the difference between Hotmails and Outlook?
Hotmails was the original service, launched in 1996. Outlook is Microsoft’s rebranded and upgraded version that replaced Hotmails in 2012.
