If you've been trying to find the old "Hotmail login" page, this clears it up: Hotmail moved to Outlook.com, and your @hotmail.com address and password still work there. Below is how to sign in on every device, plus what to do when an old account won't let you in.
01 — WhereHotmail lives on Outlook.com now
Microsoft merged Hotmail into Outlook.com, so there's one sign-in page for everyone. Whether your address ends in @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, @live.com, or @msn.com, you log in the same way, at the same place. Nothing about your inbox or address changed — only the front door.
Note: the official sign-in pages are outlook.com and login.live.com. Both are run by Microsoft and lead to the same place.
02 — DesktopSign in on a computer
Go to outlook.com
Open a browser, visit outlook.com, and click Sign in in the top-right.
Enter your email
Type your full Hotmail or Outlook address and click Next.
Enter your password
Type it in and click Sign in.
Choose "Stay signed in?"
Pick Yes on your own device to skip logging in next time, or No on a shared one.
Complete verification if asked
If two-step verification is on, approve the prompt or enter the code to reach your inbox.
03 — MobileSign in on your phone
Open the Outlook app, tap Add account, and type your Hotmail or Outlook address. Enter your password, approve any security prompt, and the app keeps you signed in until you remove the account.
Open the Outlook app and tap Add Mail Account, or add it under Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Outlook.com. Enter your address and password to finish.
04 — SafetySigning in on a shared device
- Pick "No" at the "Stay signed in?" prompt, or use a private / InPrivate window.
- Don't let the browser save your password.
- Always sign out when you're done — click your profile picture in the top-right, then Sign out.
Watch out: only enter your password on login.live.com or outlook.com. A "Hotmail login" page reached from an email link may be a phishing copy designed to steal your password.
05 — RecoveryForgot your password?
Start a reset
On the sign-in screen, enter your address and click Forgot password?
Get a security code
Choose to receive a code by text, call, or your recovery email, and enter it to confirm it's you.
Set a new password
Create a strong password you haven't used before, then update it in any mail apps.
06 — Old accountsGet back into an old Hotmail account
Trying to reach an address you haven't used in years? A few things to know:
- Inactive accounts can be closed. Microsoft may recycle accounts left unused for a very long time. If yours was closed, the address may no longer exist.
- Use Account Recovery. If the account still exists but you've lost the password and recovery options, fill in Microsoft's account recovery form with as much detail as you can — old passwords, contacts you emailed, and folder names all help verify you.
- Check for typos in the ending. An old address might be @hotmail.co.uk or @live.com rather than @hotmail.com — try the exact ending you originally had.
07 — HelpFix common login errors
"Your account or password is incorrect"
Check Caps Lock and keyboard language, and make sure you're typing the full address with the correct ending. If it still fails, reset with Forgot password?
Stuck at a verification code screen
If the code doesn't arrive, wait a minute and request a new one, or pick a different method such as an authenticator app or backup email.
"Help us protect your account" loop
Microsoft shows extra checks when it sees an unfamiliar device or location. Complete the verification from a device you've used before to clear it.
Account "temporarily blocked" or locked
This can follow unusual activity or too many wrong attempts. Follow the on-screen unlock steps, which usually send a code to your recovery phone or email.
08 — FAQFrequently asked questions
Where do I log in to Hotmail now?
At outlook.com or login.live.com. Hotmail moved to Outlook.com, but your @hotmail.com address and password still work there.
Why can't I sign in to my old Hotmail account?
Common causes are a mistyped address, a forgotten password, or an account closed after long inactivity. Try Forgot password first, then account recovery.
How do I stay signed in to Hotmail?
Choose "Yes" at the "Stay signed in?" prompt on your personal device. Avoid this on shared computers.
How do I sign out of Hotmail on all devices?
Go to your Microsoft account security settings and use the sign-out-everywhere option. Changing your password also ends other active sessions.