A Hotmail account is free, and the same login opens Outlook mail, OneDrive, Office on the web, and the Microsoft Store. This guide walks you through creating one from scratch on any device — and clears up the Hotmail-vs-Outlook confusion first.
01 — NamesHotmail and Outlook are the same service
Microsoft rebranded Hotmail as Outlook.com years ago. It's one email service with one inbox and one sign-in page. The only thing that changed is the menu of endings you can pick: during sign-up you can still choose @hotmail.com or the newer @outlook.com. Existing @hotmail.com addresses keep working exactly as before.
Note: there's no separate "Hotmail sign-up" anymore. You create both @hotmail.com and @outlook.com addresses through the same Microsoft account form below.
02 — PrepBefore you start
- A device with a browser — phone, tablet, or computer.
- A username idea — plus a backup, since common names are taken.
- Optionally, a phone number or spare email — for account recovery. You can often finish with just a puzzle, but adding a recovery method is strongly recommended.
03 — Sign upCreate your account, step by step
Open the sign-up page
Go to signup.live.com, or visit outlook.com and click Create free account.
Type the address you want
Enter the username part, then use the dropdown to choose @outlook.com or @hotmail.com. Click Next.
Create a password
Use a strong mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and a symbol. Click Next.
Enter your name
Add your first and last name — this is what recipients see — then continue.
Add country and date of birth
Microsoft uses these to set regional defaults and confirm you meet the minimum age.
Prove you're human
Solve the short puzzle or captcha shown on screen. If it's tricky, click for a new one.
Finish and secure it
Your inbox opens right away. If prompted, add a phone number or recovery email — this makes getting back in far easier later.
04 — Any deviceSign up on phone or computer
Open a browser, go to outlook.com, and click Create free account. The desktop form gives you the clearest view of the address dropdown and password field.
Install the Outlook app from the Play Store and tap Create new account, or open outlook.com in Chrome. The steps match the desktop flow.
Install the Outlook app from the App Store and tap Create new account, or use Safari at outlook.com. You can also add it later under Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account.
05 — Choose@hotmail.com or @outlook.com?
Both endings work identically — same inbox, same features, same reliability. Pick on preference:
| Ending | Feel | Pick it if… |
|---|---|---|
| @outlook.com | Modern default | You want the current standard and the widest availability of names. |
| @hotmail.com | Classic | You prefer the familiar look or want to match an existing family address. |
If your first choice is taken under one ending, try the other, or add a number or dot. Availability of @hotmail.com names in particular varies by region.
06 — SecuritySecure your account
Turn on two-step verification straight away so a stolen password alone can't get in.
Open your Microsoft account
Go to account.microsoft.com and open the Security section.
Go to advanced security
Select Advanced security options.
Turn on two-step verification
Choose Turn on and follow the prompts to link your phone or an authenticator app. Save your recovery code.
Watch out: Microsoft never asks for your password or a security code by email or phone. If a message does, it's a scam — don't reply or click.
07 — HelpFix common sign-up problems
"This email is already taken"
Common names disappear quickly. Add a number, a dot, or a word, or switch between the @hotmail.com and @outlook.com endings until one is free.
The captcha won't accept your answer
Click for a fresh puzzle, make sure your browser isn't blocking scripts, and turn off any VPN, which often triggers extra checks.
"We can't create your account right now"
Microsoft limits how many accounts can be made from one device or network. Wait a while, switch off any VPN, or try from a different connection.
The verification code never arrives
Check the number or email you entered, wait a minute, and request a resend. Try an alternate recovery method if one is offered.
08 — FAQFrequently asked questions
Is Hotmail still available in 2026?
Yes. Hotmail is now part of Outlook.com, and you can still register a new @hotmail.com address during sign-up. Existing Hotmail accounts continue to work normally.
Is a Hotmail account free?
Yes. Creating an Outlook.com or Hotmail account is free and includes email plus access to Microsoft services like OneDrive and Office on the web.
What's the difference between Hotmail and Outlook?
They are the same service. Microsoft rebranded Hotmail as Outlook.com, but both address endings share one inbox and one sign-in.
Do I need a phone number to sign up?
You can often complete sign-up with just a captcha, but adding a phone number or recovery email is strongly recommended so you can regain access if locked out.