Hotmail was once the go-to email service for millions of users around the world. Even though Microsoft retired the brand in 2013, replacing it with Outlook.com, the nostalgia for that classic email address lives on. The good news? You can still create a Hotmail account today.
Hotmail is Gone, But Not Forgotten
Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Hotmail was the king of free email services. It was a pioneer in the era of web-based email, allowing users to check their inbox from any computer, anywhere in the world—a revolutionary concept at the time.
Acquired by Microsoft in 1997, Hotmail quickly became one of the most popular email services, boasting millions of users. The iconic old Hotmail sign-in page was a daily stop for countless people checking their emails from any computer, anywhere in the world.
However, as technology evolved, so did Microsoft’s approach to email. In 2012, Microsoft killed the Hotmail brand in favor of its new email service, Outlook.com. Hotmail users were transitioned to Outlook, and the Hotmail brand seemingly disappeared from the digital landscape.
But here’s a little-known fact: you can still create a Hotmail email account today, even though the brand itself is long gone. While the Hotmail name may not be prominently advertised, Microsoft has kept the option alive for those who want to retain a bit of email nostalgia.
How to Create a Hotmail Email Account
Creating a Hotmail account is straightforward, though it’s not immediately obvious how to do it, as Microsoft now defaults to Outlook.com. Follow these steps:
- Open your browser and go to the Microsoft account creation page.
- Click Get a new mail address.
- When prompted to choose an email address, click the dropdown menu next to @outlook.com and select @hotmail.com.
- Enter your desired email address before @hotmail.com and fill in the required information like your password, name, and birthdate.
- Verify your identity if prompted.
- Complete any additional setup steps, and you’re done—you now have a Hotmail email address!
Although the Hotmail brand was officially retired years ago, its legacy lives on. For those who want a touch of nostalgia or simply prefer the classic email address, creating a Hotmail account is still an option. The process is quick and easy, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the modern features of Outlook.com while using a Hotmail address.