Windows Live's Hotmail is a simple way to get a free email address that is accessible from anywhere. Hotmail has the advantage of being free, fast, seldom out of service, and it comes equipped with some great features, including a proven anti-spam system, and robust anti-virus and anti-phishing features. In addition, your Windows Live ID can be used to access Skype, Xbox Live, or any online service offered by a Microsoft (network NET Passport Network) account.
This walkthrough will show you how to get started with a Hotmail (Outlook) account.
If you are wondering what happened to Hotmail emails, look no further. As of February 2013, Microsoft accounts have been upgraded to the new Outlook interface. All Hotmail accounts are now accessible via https://login.live.com/.
Create a Hotmail Account (Outlook.com)
To create a Hotmail (@hotmail.com) account, or an Outlook (@Outlook.com) account, simply create a Microsoft account or use an existing one.
Subscribe to Hotmail (Outlook.com)
Head to the Microsoft account signup page, and select No account? Create one!:
Personal information about you will be requested by Microsoft. It is not necessary to fill in all of the information fields if you would prefer that your personal data remain confidential. However, if you forget your password or lose access to your account, such information can be useful to recover it.
Switch to the Use your email instead option if you would prefer to access the service this way:
Choose Get a new email address to create a new address entirely:
Or, use the Use a phone number instead option to sign up using your phone number:
Click Next to save your changes:
Choosing Your Hotmail (Outlook.com) Password
When creating your password, we advise that you choose a password that is easy enough for you to remember, yet difficult for an outsider to guess. We recommend a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (!@#$). For further tips on how to create a secure password, please see our article on managing and securing your passwords.
Hotmail Identification
Once your Hotmail account has been created, you may test your login by going to the Live homepage and logging in with your new username and password.
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