Can I still create a @hotmail.com email address in 2026?

Yes. When creating a new account at outlook.live.com, you can choose @hotmail.com from the domain dropdown. Other options include @outlook.com and @live.com — all are free and fully supported by Microsoft.

What is the Hotmail sign up URL?

New Hotmail accounts are created at outlook.live.com. Click 'Create free account' on the sign-in page to begin. You can choose an @hotmail.com address during setup.

Do I need a phone number to sign up for Hotmail?

Microsoft may ask for a phone number for verification during signup, but it is not always required. You can sometimes skip this step or use an alternative email for verification instead.

Hotmail Sign Up 2026 – Create a Free Hotmail Account (Outlook.com)

How to Create a Hotmail Account

New Hotmail accounts are created through Outlook.com. You can choose @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com as your address — all are free and fully supported.

Go to outlook.live.com Open any browser and visit outlook.live.com. Click "Create free account" on the sign-in page to begin.
Choose your email address Type your preferred username. Click the dropdown next to the text field and select @hotmail.com. Other options include @outlook.com and @live.com. Click Next.
Create a strong password Enter a password of at least 8 characters. Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for best security. Click Next.
Enter your first and last name Type the name you want associated with the account — this appears when you send emails. Click Next.
Select your country and date of birth Choose your country/region from the dropdown and enter your date of birth. Microsoft requires users to be at least 13 years old. Click Next.
Complete the CAPTCHA Microsoft will show a visual puzzle to verify you're a real person. Solve it and click Next.
Stay informed (optional) Microsoft may ask if you want to receive promotional emails. Tick or untick based on your preference, then click Next.
Your Hotmail account is ready You're now signed in to your new inbox at outlook.live.com. Your @hotmail.com address is live and ready to use.

💡 Pro Tip: When choosing your username, select @hotmail.com from the dropdown — it defaults to @outlook.com. Both work identically, but @hotmail.com is the classic address many people prefer.

Open the Outlook app or Settings Download Microsoft Outlook from Google Play. Open it and tap Create new account. Alternatively, go to Settings → Accounts → Add Account → Outlook/Hotmail → Create new account.
Choose your email address Enter your preferred username and select @hotmail.com from the domain dropdown. Tap Next.
Create a password Enter a strong password and tap Next.
Enter your name Type your first and last name. This will appear on outgoing emails. Tap Next.
Add your country and date of birth Select your country and enter your birthdate. Tap Next.
Verify with a code (if prompted) Microsoft may send a code to a phone number or backup email. Enter the code to confirm your identity and complete setup.
Complete the CAPTCHA and finish Solve the visual verification, review any optional settings, and tap Done. Your Hotmail inbox is now set up on Android.

💡 Pro Tip: Creating the account via Android Settings automatically syncs your Hotmail inbox, contacts, and calendar with your phone — no extra configuration needed.

Open the Outlook app or use Safari Download Microsoft Outlook from the App Store. Open it and tap Create new account. Or open Safari and go to outlook.live.com → Create free account.
Enter your preferred username Type the name you want and select @hotmail.com from the dropdown. Tap Next.
Set a password Create a strong password and tap Next. You can enable Face ID or Touch ID for the Outlook app after setup.
Enter your name, country, and date of birth Fill in all required fields and tap Next after each screen.
Complete verification Solve the CAPTCHA or enter a verification code if Microsoft requests one. Tap Next to proceed.
Account created Your @hotmail.com inbox is ready. To also use it in Apple Mail, go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Account → Outlook.com and sign in.

💡 Pro Tip: iPhone users get the best Hotmail experience through the Microsoft Outlook app — it supports Focused Inbox, calendar integration, and OneDrive file attachments directly from the compose window.

Choosing Your Hotmail Address

Your Hotmail address is permanent once created. These tips help you pick the right one from the start.

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@hotmail.com vs @outlook.com

Both work identically — same storage, same features, same Microsoft account. Choose @hotmail.com if you prefer the classic brand, or @outlook.com for a more modern feel.

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Keep It Professional

Use your real name or a clean variation (e.g. james.white@hotmail.com). Avoid nicknames or random strings if you plan to use it for work, banking, or job applications.

🔢

Use Numbers if Needed

If your name is taken, add a meaningful number — like a birth year or initials. Avoid strings like xyz9999 that look like throwaway accounts.

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You Can't Change It Later

Microsoft does not allow you to change your email address after creation. If you want a different address, you'll need to create a new account entirely.

💼

Create Separate Accounts

Consider one address for personal use and a second for newsletters, signups, or shopping. Microsoft lets you manage multiple accounts from the same Outlook app.

⚡

Check Availability Instantly

Just type your preferred name in the signup form — Microsoft tells you immediately if it's available. No need to search separately.

⚠️ Important: Hotmail/Outlook addresses cannot be changed after account creation. Take a moment to choose a username you'll be comfortable using long-term before completing the signup.

What You Get with a Free Hotmail Account

A Hotmail or Outlook.com account is a full Microsoft Account — giving you access to far more than just email.

📦

15GB Free Storage

15GB of mailbox storage included free. Upgrade to Microsoft 365 for 50GB mailbox + 1TB OneDrive.

☁️

OneDrive (5GB Free)

Store and share files in the cloud. Access from any device or attach directly to emails.

📄

Office Online

Free browser-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote — no installation needed.

🗓️

Outlook Calendar

Full calendar app synced across all your devices. Share calendars and set reminders easily.

💬

Microsoft Teams

Free video calls and messaging via Teams — sign in with your Hotmail credentials.

🎮

Xbox & Skype

Your Microsoft Account also works for Xbox Live gaming and Skype calls — same login everywhere.

ℹ️ Microsoft 365 upgrade: For $1.99/month you get 100GB of OneDrive storage and an expanded 50GB mailbox. Full Microsoft 365 Personal (including installed Office apps) starts at $6.99/month.

Hotmail vs Gmail – Quick Comparison

Choosing between Hotmail and Gmail? Here's how they compare on the key factors.

Feature	Hotmail / Outlook.com	Gmail
Free Storage	15GB mailbox + 5GB OneDrive	15GB shared (Gmail + Drive + Photos)
Office Suite	✓ Free Word, Excel, PowerPoint online	Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
Spam Filtering	✓ Good	✓ Excellent
Mobile App	✓ Outlook (iOS & Android)	✓ Gmail (iOS & Android)
Ecosystem	Microsoft 365, Xbox, Teams, Skype	Google Drive, YouTube, Maps, Meet
Focused Inbox	✓ Built-in	Smart labels / categories
Custom Domain (free)	✗ Paid only	✗ Paid only

What to Do After Creating Your Hotmail Account

Five quick steps to secure and set up your new account properly.

1

Enable Two-Step Verification

Go to account.microsoft.com → Security → Advanced security options → Two-step verification. Turn it on and set up the Microsoft Authenticator app for the strongest protection.
2

Add Recovery Info

Go to account.microsoft.com → Security → Update your security info. Add a recovery email and phone number. Without these, recovering a locked account is very difficult.
3

Set Up the Outlook App on Your Phone

Download the Microsoft Outlook app (iOS or Android) and sign in with your new @hotmail.com address. Enable notifications so you don't miss important emails.
4

Customize Focused Inbox

Outlook's Focused Inbox separates important emails from newsletters and notifications automatically. Go to Settings → Focused Inbox to turn it on or adjust what gets filtered.
5

Create an Email Signature

In Outlook.com, go to Settings → Mail → Compose and reply → Email signature. Add your name and contact details so every email you send looks professional from day one.
6

Log In Regularly

Microsoft closes accounts that are inactive for 2 years. Sign in at least once every 12 months to keep your @hotmail.com address active and your emails safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about creating a new Hotmail account in 2026.

Can I still create a @hotmail.com address in 2026?

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Yes. When signing up at outlook.live.com, click the dropdown next to the username field and select @hotmail.com. New @hotmail.com addresses are still available, though popular names may already be taken.

Is creating a Hotmail account free?

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Yes, completely free. You get a @hotmail.com address, 15GB of mailbox storage, 5GB of OneDrive storage, and free access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Online — all at no cost.

What is the difference between @hotmail.com and @outlook.com?

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No functional difference at all. Both are Microsoft email addresses powered by the same Outlook.com platform. They get identical storage, features, and Microsoft Account access. The only difference is the domain name in the address.

Do I need a phone number to create a Hotmail account?

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Not always. Microsoft may request a phone number or alternative email for verification during signup — but in many cases you can skip this step. If verification is required and you prefer not to use a phone number, try using an existing email address instead.

Does creating a Hotmail account give me access to Microsoft services?

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Yes. Your @hotmail.com address is a Microsoft Account, which gives immediate access to OneDrive, Office Online, Microsoft Teams, Xbox Live, Skype, and the entire Microsoft ecosystem — all with the same login.

Can I change my Hotmail address after signing up?

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No. Like Gmail, Microsoft does not allow you to change your email address after creation. You can add alias addresses (e.g. a different @outlook.com address that delivers to the same inbox) via account.microsoft.com → Email aliases, but the primary address cannot be changed.

Hotmail Sign Up – Create a Free Hotmail Account