The first web-based mail client is known as Hotmail, but now it is integrated into the Microsoft family of products and is called Outlook.com.
Despite being called Hotmail for a long time, Microsoft decided to rebrand it as Outlook in 2013 and although many still refer it to it as Hotmail.
As a new user or even if you have been a hotmail user for several years it is important that you learn how to navigate and login to your account.
This detailed guide will cover everything about Hotmail login, including the main steps to login, the possible problem, and the new amazing options related to your Microsoft account.
How to Log into Hotmail Account
However, as touching the login process, Hotmail login is quite easy, but differs slightly on the device, or the method used in signing in. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for accessing your Hotmail (Outlook) account:
1. Login via Web Browser
The usual way of signing into Hotmail is through a web browser. If you are using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and others, the operation is easy.
- Locate a suitable internet browser on your computer and go to the Outlook login page, outlook.com.
- On the home page, find the Sign In button on the right corner of the page, and click on it.
- Type in your Hotmail (Outlook) email address (for example, yourname@hotmail.com) and press the Next button.
- Input your password in the given blank and then click on Sign In .
- There is always an option of requesting a new password whenever you feel like you’ve forgotten your password, this can be done by clicking the button labelled ‘Forgot Password?’
2. Account Locked
Of course, if Microsoft somehow considers that there is some shady business going on in your account, your Hotmail account may be temporarily disabled. You will receive a notification giving you a prompt to complete identification confirmation.
To unlock your account:
- Visit the recover your account page at account.live.com.
- You will then be required to type in your email address and follow the instructions that you will receive to confirm your account.
3. Challenges to Two Factor Identity Confirmation
For users who have signed up for the two Factor Authentication, they will have to input a code which the Hotmail administrator sends to the user’s phone or email.
- If all of the above options do not work you can navigate on the Microsoft Account Recovery Form and get your account back.
4. Incorrect Email Address
A regular problem is inputting an incorrect one for Hotmail email address. Redo the whole process and ensure you are using the right email address and confirm that it is linked to your Microsoft account.
Guidelines to protect Hotmail Account
Security is paramount important when signing into your Hotmail (Outlook). Here are a few best practices to protect your account from unauthorized access:
1. Make Two Factor Authentication available
It is always useful to have two factor authentication put in place. For instance, when you are to enter your password to gain access to your account, there will be an additional identification code sent to the account owner’s phone making it difficult for hackers to breach into the account.
To enable 2FA:
- This can be done under the Microsoft account in settings, security.
- Navigate to the next section called ‘Advanced Security Options’; turn on the ‘Two-Step Verification’ and then will be directed on the process to follow.
2. Use a Strong Password
Never use simple or inferences that other people can easily identify or decode passwords. A good password should be made of both capital and small letters, numbers as well as special characters.
3. Regularly Update Your Security Information
Check that your recovery email address and the recovery phone number are correct in case you have changes related to a Microsoft account. This will help you despawn your account if you lose control of it or want to regain control of it.
4. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Never give in to any email spam or pop-up messages that would request you to sign in to Hotmail. Also remember that Microsoft will never send out messages that request your password. If you receive something like this, please do not click on any links provided in the email and you should delete the email as spam.
Why You Should Stay With Hotmail (Outlook)
Unfortunately, as the case of Hotmail would show, even when it is rechristened as Outlook, it remains a good mail service. Here are a few reasons why Hotmail remains a top choice for millions:
- Integration with Microsoft Services: Currently, Hotmail has a very strong interconnection with several other Microsoft products like OneDrive, Office 365, Xbox Live, etc.
- Spam Filtering: Outlook also has great options to manage spam and junk emails making your inbox all the more organized.
- User-Friendly Interface: Clean and minimalistic with easy-to-use features, managing one’s email has never been a hassle.
- Customizable Settings: It is possible to professionally organize inbox through folders, labels and focused Inbox options.
- Security Features: Although the two-factor authentication and secure email encryption present the most exciting feature of the Hotmail, there is no option for encryption of Hotmail emails.
Conclusion
It is easy to sign into your Hotmail (Outlook) account, but, to ensure the account’s safety, the following precautions should be taken.
Regardless of whether you are accessing content through a web browser, a smartphone app, or an application in the Microsoft Office suite of tools, checking that your credentials are correct and account is protected should solve any login problems.
Microsoft also provides recovery tools helpful if you have forgotten your password or are having problems with user accounts.
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