Email has revolutionised communication, with billions of emails now being sent and received every day. Outlook, Microsoft’s successor to Hotmail, is one of the world’s most popular email platforms, boasting an estimated 400 million regular users. And although it is no longer possible to create new Hotmail email accounts, developer Microsoft continues to allow Outlook users to retain Hotmail domain names.
Microsoft’s seeming continual rebrands have left some Outlook users confused.
Below is a brief summary of what you need to know.
Outlook.com is the current name for Microsoft’s email service, formerly known as Hotmail.
Outlook Mail is the web app allowing users to browse their Outlook.com email account.
Office Outlook is Microsoft’s desktop email client, used with Outlook.com email addresses or any other email addresses.
Microsoft’s other offerings, including Outlook Express, Windows Mail, and Windows Live Mail are now obsolete.
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How to set up email accounts in Outlook:
Setting up email accounts in the Outlook desktop app in Office 365 is easy.
Begin by visiting the File menu in the ribbon in Outlook.
Next type in your email address in the pop-up Outlook box and press the blue Connect button
Those using an Exchange account, Google, or a POP account which requires advanced security settings, should choose the Advanced Options drop-down menu.
If your account is POP or IMAP will want to choose the Let me Set up my Account Manually option and input the appropriate fields.
Microsoft has a list of suggested settings HERE.
How to access an old Hotmail account:
Those who have misplaced their Microsoft account password can use the security information to recover their Hotmail email account.
But these security questions can easily have been forgotten for particularly old Hotmail accounts.
However, help is at hand with Microsoft’s account Recovery Form.
The Hotmail account Recovery Form is a tool providing additional information, meaning Microsoft can ensure you – and only you – regain access to your account.
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Hotmail account users who have disabled two-step verification cannot, however, use the recovery form.
Activating two-step verification prevents people from signing in without two forms of identification, regardless of how much information is known about their account.
A working email account is required so Microsoft can send you information about your request.
Users can use any active email account, even one belonging to a close friend or relative.
Alternatively, those who do cannot access another email account can create a temporary outlook.com account for free by selecting Create One at the Microsoft account sign-in page.