How to sign in to Hotmail
Applies ToOutlook.com

Sign in to Hotmail or Outlook.com

Hotmail is now Outlook.com

To sign in to Hotmail, you'll need your Microsoft account username and password. 

Sign in

Screenshot of the Outlook web app home screen

Tips: 

  • The web browser sign-in experience is changing when you sign in to any product or service using your Microsoft account. Starting in February 2025, you will stay signed in automatically unless you sign out or use private browsing.​​​​​​​ Learn more.

  • If you can't sign in, or have forgotten your username or password, use our sign-in troubleshooter.

  • If you're looking to open a new account, you can create one here.

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Can't sign in to Hotmail or Outlook.com?

Notes: 

  • Your Hotmail or Outlook.com password is the same as your Microsoft Account password.

  • If you can you sign in but are having problems with Outlook.com, check the service status. If the status isn't green, wait until the service is running normally and try again.

  • Microsoft always keeps an eye out for unusual sign-in activity, just in case someone else is trying to get into your account. If you're travelling to a new place or using a new device, we might ask you to confirm that it really is you.

If you're unable to sign in, try the sign-in troubleshooter tool below, or check the other solutions listed.

Start troubleshooter  

Your account might be temporarily blocked because we noticed some unusual sign-in activity. If your account is blocked, see Unblock my Outlook.com account.

Microsoft always keeps an eye out for unusual sign-in activity, just in case someone else is trying to get into your account. If you're travelling to a new place or using a new device, we might ask you to confirm that it really is you.

Read How to access Outlook.com when traveling for more information.

Hotmail is now Outlook.com. To sign in to your Hotmail account, go to www.outlook.com and select Sign in.

If you have forgotten your username or password, use our sign-in troubleshooter, but note that if you haven't signed in to your account for more than 2 years, your account may have been deleted.

The web browser sign-in experience is changing when you sign in to any product or service using your Microsoft account. Starting in February 2025, you will stay signed in automatically unless you sign out or use private browsing.

If you use Outlook on your own computer, your browser will remember your sign in information, but if you sign in on a computer, phone or tablet that doesn't belong to you, or is accessed by other people, you should follow the steps below to use a private browsing window instead.

Private browsing ensures that others won't be able to:

  • Access your Microsoft account, OneDrive or Outlook.com mailbox.

  • See your search and browsing history.

To sign out of Outlook in a web browser, select your profile picture and select Sign out. Alternatively, you can sign out manually below.

Sign out

Tip: Always close all browser windows after signing out. If you no longer have access to a device where you were signed in, read How to sign out everywhere.

See Also

Getting started with the new Outlook for Windows

Manage email accounts in Outlook.com

Unblock my Outlook.com account

Supported browsers for Outlook on the web and Outlook.com

If you sign in with a work or school account, read How to sign in to Outlook on the web

Still need help?

Get help with Outlook.com

To get support in Outlook.com, click here or select Help on the menu bar and enter your query. If the self-help doesn't solve your problem, scroll down to Still need help? and select Yes.

To contact us in Outlook.com, you'll need to sign in. If you can't sign in, click here

For other help with your Microsoft account and subscriptions, visit Account & Billing Help.

Get Help app icon

To get help and troubleshoot other Microsoft products and services, enter your problem here

Post questions, follow discussions and share your knowledge in the Outlook.com Community.

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