How to Switch from Hotmail to Outlook.com Account?

Published On - May 21, 2025 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Are you still searching for a Hotmail login with Outlook? Many users are still wondering what’s going on with your old email. But this is not just with you. Every Hotmail user is figuring out what the relationship is between Hotmail and Outlook.com. This guide will tell you all, including the step-by-step process to switch from Hotmail to Outlook.com. Microsoft has upgraded Hotmail with advanced features and renamed it as Outlook.com. We have got everything covered from the manual procedure to the professional Regain Hotmail Backup Tool.

Are Hotmail and Outlook.com Same or Different?

Before you begin to transfer Hotmail emails to Outlook.com, you must be clear about both email platforms. Hotmail and Outlook.com are essentially the same service, just Microsoft rebranded Hotmail.

Hotmail’s email client was launched in 1996, and it is one of the first web-based email services. However, in 2012, Microsoft officially rebranded Hotmail as Outlook.com. Microsoft simplified Hotmail’s interface, enhanced its security, and integrated it with Microsoft 365 tools. Although they changed the name, you can still use your @hotmail.com email address to log in through Outlook.com. Your old emails and settings remain unchanged.

Why Switch from Hotmail to Outlook?

While Hotmail has already been merged with Outlook.com, many users still try to access emails through an old interface. Therefore, here is why you need to change:

• The modern interface of Outlook.com is clearer, performs better, and has a user-friendly dashboard.
• Also, users can now work with Office 365 productivity tools like OneDrive, Teams, and more.
• Offers improved security features like spam filters, two-factor authentication, and phishing protection.
• Additionally, it easily syncs mailbox, contacts, and other data across Windows, mobile apps, and browsers.
• Furthermore, Microsoft regularly updates Outlook.com with better features and enhanced security. Thus, making it the most widely used web-based email service.

So, if you are wondering ‘how to change my Hotmail account to Outlook.com?’, head to the solution.

How do I Move Hotmail Account to Outlook?

You can do this either by using a manual method, which is a bit complicated, or by choosing to purchase a professional tool. The key difference between the procedures is ease and convenience. Where the manual method needs keen attention during migration, the professional is automated. Let us move to explore the steps one by one.

Free Method- Switch from Hotmail to Outlook Manually

Follow the procedure mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit Outlook.com

1. Firstly, open Outlook.com on your default browser.
2. Click on the Sign In tab.
3. Here, enter your Hotmail email address and existing password to log in successfully.

Step 2: Check Mail and Sync Settings

1. Once you have successfully signed in, the Outlook.com interface appears.
2. Here, all your old emails, contacts, and calendar events (from Hotmail) will be available.
3. Now, open the Settings (gear icon) and click on View all Outlook settings.
4. Go to Mail > Sync email to ensure your account is syncing properly.

Step 3: Backup Hotmail Emails (Recommended)

1. Click on the Gear icon to open Settings.
2. Select General > Privacy and data.
3. Click on the Export mailbox option.
4. This will create a downloadable copy of all your emails for a local backup.

Step 4: (Optional) Create a New Outlook.com Account

1. If you want a new Outlook.com account > go to https://signup.live.com.
2. In this interface, create a new Outlook.com account.
3. Once you have created the account, login to your new account.

Step 5: Forward/Migrate Hotmail to Outlook.com New Account

By Forwarding Methods

1. Log in to your Hotmail account (via Outlook.com).
2. Next, open the Settings > click on Mail > choose Forwarding.
3. Here, add your newly created Outlook.com account and confirm.
4. Finally, all incoming emails will now be automatically forwarded to your new Outlook inbox.

Use Import Method

1. Access your new Outlook.com > Settings > Sync Email.
2. Go to “Connected accounts,” > Other email accounts.
3. Now, add your previous Hotmail credentials.

Hence, this is how the Hotmail to Outlook migration is complete. Further, you can update your new Outlook account through various banking apps, contact lists, social media, etc.

Why Manual Method Less Preferred?

Although you can perform these steps to change Hotmail to Outlook interface, it has some restrictions. You may face the following issues:

• Old emails may take significant time to sync.
• It may take several hours or even days for large mailboxes.
• The forwarding method will only forward new incoming emails to the inbox.
• It may miss some subfolders or attachments to migrate.
• You may also face sync issues or data loss sometimes.

To avoid such circumstances, you can turn to buy professional software. Wondering why? Let us know.

Professional Software- Best Way to Switch from Hotmail to Outlook

For crucial mailbox data, you must consider the Regain Hotmail Backup Tool. It is a comprehensive software for quick backup and migration of Hotmail emails to Outlook for Web without data loss. The software solution requires no additional installation; simply log in and migrate.

It has multiple features like bulk data processing, speedy migration, and wide compatibility. Fully loaded with features, the software also shows a preview of emails before migration to enable selective and accurate transfer. You can conveniently migrate Hotmail emails to Office 365, Gmail, G Suite, and more.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $29

Steps to Transfer Hotmail Emails to Outlook.com

1. Download Regain Hotmail Email Backup Software and install it.
2. Next, run the software as an administrator.
3. Enter your Hotmail credentials and log in to your account.
4. Preview mailbox data before migration for accuracy.
5. Choose the destination email platform, Web Outlook.
6. Next, properly log in to your destination account.
7. Finally, click on Convert Now to complete the migration.
8. Verify your output mailbox to ensure all emails are transferred.

Hence, this is a simple procedure for Hotmail to Outlook migration.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you have understood how Hotmail and Outlook.com are different and why migration is needed. To ease your task, we have mentioned both possible solutions to handle migration smoothly. With a manual process, you may face some inconveniences, but professional software is the best. This proficient utility facilitates easy and quick Hotmail migration to various platforms without data loss. Moreover, you have the privilege to test the software functionalities before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions-

Q. Can I still use my old Hotmail email in 2024?

Ans- Yes. You can still use your old Hotmail account via Outlook.com. Hotmail was rebranded as Outlook.com in 2012; however, the old email address still works. So, you can sign in at Outlook.com to access Hotmail emails.

Q. Do I need to migrate my Hotmail emails to Outlook.com manually?

Ans- No, not actually. As Microsoft rebranded Hotmail as Outlook.com, all your emails and other data are automatically upgraded to Web Outlook. So, log in to Hotmail through Outlook, and all your emails, contacts, and calendar should already be accessible. On the other hand, you can use the Regain Hotmail Backup Tool for migration in case it is needed.