Once upon a time, Hotmail ruled the internet email scene. If you had a Hotmail email address, you were basically an internet pioneer. Fast forward to today, and people are asking: “Is Hotmail still a thing?” Let’s dive into this digital mystery and discover what happened to Hotmail—and what you can still do with it today.
TL;DR: Is Hotmail Still Active?
Yes, Hotmail is still technically active, but it now lives under a new name—Outlook.com. While you can’t create new Hotmail addresses, those who have one can continue using it. Microsoft rebranded Hotmail in 2013. So your old Hotmail address is still valid, it just works through the Outlook site now.
A Brief History of Hotmail
Hotmail was born in 1996, one of the first web-based email services. It let people send and receive emails from any computer—no software needed. It was a game-changer!
In 1997, Microsoft bought Hotmail for around $400 million. That’s when it started merging with Microsoft services and adopting their style. Over the years, Hotmail got new features, but people started moving to Gmail and other providers.
What Happened to Hotmail?
By 2013, Microsoft decided to rebrand Hotmail completely. They turned it into Outlook.com. The goal was to give users a fresh, modern, and more functional email service.
The transition included:
- A new interface
- Better spam filtering
- Tighter integration with Microsoft Office and OneDrive
But here’s the twist: Existing Hotmail addresses were not deleted.
You can still use your @hotmail.com email address today, but you’ll log in through Outlook.com and use the Outlook interface.
Can You Still Use a Hotmail Email Address?
Absolutely. If you already have a Hotmail address, you’re good to go. Just head over to Outlook.live.com, log in, and boom—you’re in.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You keep your @hotmail.com address
- Your emails stay intact
- Your login info remains the same (unless you changed it)
- You get to enjoy the new Outlook look and tools
Basically, it’s like giving your email a new apartment with newer furniture. You’re still the same “you,” just with better views!
Can You Sign Up for a Hotmail Account Today?
Now this question comes up all the time. Can someone sign up for a @hotmail.com email address in 2024?
The short answer: Usually no—but occasionally yes.
Microsoft only allows new sign-ups with certain domain names. These usually include:
- @outlook.com
- @live.com
In very rare cases, Microsoft may allow @hotmail.com sign-ups again, but it’s random and not guaranteed.
If you try signing up and don’t see @hotmail.com as an option, it just means it’s not being offered to new users at the moment. But don’t worry, @outlook.com works exactly the same.
Hotmail vs Outlook: What’s the Difference?
This part gets a bit confusing. Let’s clear it up:
- Hotmail was the original webmail service.
- Outlook.com is the rebranded version of Hotmail with more features.
- The names are different, but under the hood, they’re connected.
Outlook is what you see and use now. Whether your address ends in @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com, you’re all part of the same service.
How to Access Your Hotmail Account Today
If you haven’t logged into your Hotmail for a while, don’t panic. It’s still possible that your account exists—if it hasn’t been inactive too long.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to Outlook.live.com
- Enter your Hotmail email address
- Type in your password
If your password works, you’re in! 🥳
If you forgot your password, just click on “Forgot password?” and follow the steps to recover your account.
Warning: If your account has been inactive for more than 2 years, it might have been deleted. Microsoft automatically deletes inactive accounts after 24 months of no sign-in activity.
What Happens to Emails Sent to Hotmail?
They still go to the correct place! Even though Hotmail is now under the Outlook system, your email address is valid and active.
So when people send you emails at your @hotmail.com address, you’ll still receive them inside your Outlook inbox. No bounces, no lost emails.
Should You Still Use Your Hotmail Account?
Sure! If it’s active and working, there’s no pressing reason to switch. But there could be a few reasons to upgrade or start fresh:
- People think Hotmail is “old-fashioned”
- You want a different email for work or professional use
- You’re tired of receiving spam in your old inbox
Still, if you love your Hotmail address, keep rocking it. No shame in keeping a digital classic alive!
Fun Facts About Hotmail
- Hotmail was one of the first free email services
- The name “Hotmail” was styled as “HoTMaiL” to highlight HTML
- It had over 350 million users before it rebranded
- Bill Gates was behind the scenes helping it grow after Microsoft bought it
Alternative Email Services You Can Try
If you’re looking for a new email home that maybe sounds more “2024,” here are a few awesome picks:
- Gmail – Super popular, fast, and full of features
- Outlook.com – Yep, where Hotmail now lives
- ProtonMail – Privacy-focused
- Yahoo Mail – Still kicking it!
Conclusion
Hotmail may have changed its name, but it never really went away. It just swapped its old jacket for a new one. If you’ve still got a Hotmail address, it still works just fine. And if you don’t, you can still join the Microsoft email world through Outlook.com.
So there you go—Hotmail is still active! It just had a name change and a glow-up.
