Unable to Access Hotmail

Hello,
I haven't accessed my hotmail account for some time. When I did today I understood I should start an account with Outlook so I Cld access the Hotmail account. I have tried to export contacts from Hotmail to Outlook but while I click on"export from other" I can't find my Hotmail contacts. Did I have to start an account with Outlook to access my hotmail account?

Looking forward to your reply

Amos

Anna