Hotmail, one of the pioneers in web-based email services, was acquired by Microsoft in 1997. In 2013, it was fully integrated into Outlook.com, providing users with a more efficient email management experience. Today, Hotmail remains available through Outlook.com, catering to millions of users across desktops and mobile devices on both iOS and Android platforms.

Hotmail Features

Hotmail offers a range of essential features that position it competitively against services like Gmail and Yahoo! Mail. Available in both free and premium versions, some of its notable features include:

• Large File Sharing: Users can send attachments of up to 10 GB through OneDrive links. Microsoft’s OneDrive offers 1TB of storage with options for expansion.
• Instant Communication: Exchange messages and share files instantly via Windows Live Messenger (formerly known as MSN Messenger), a pioneering real-time chat service.
• IMAP Support: Access emails through third-party webmail services, desktop clients, and mobile apps with IMAP compatibility.
• Email Organization: Efficiently manage emails by sorting and storing messages in personal folders based on sender, date, or topic.
• Event Integration: Sync with platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to track events and updates from your contacts.
• Built-in Security: Benefit from robust spam filtering and virus scanning for enhanced email protection.
• Customizable Themes: Personalize your inbox with various themes and color customization options.

Hotmail Plus Features

Hotmail Plus provides users with enhanced features that go beyond the free version, including:

• Advanced Security: Enhanced protection against phishing and malware, featuring improved attachment scanning.
• Email Encryption: Secure emails and attachments within the Microsoft 365 environment. External recipients can decrypt files using a special code, and forwarding protection ensures encryption remains intact after download.
• Personalized Email Address: Users could create custom email addresses; however, this feature was discontinued for new sign-ups as of November 30, 2023, though existing addresses remain functional.
• Expanded Storage: Enjoy up to 50GB of storage along with an ad-free email experience.

How to Create a Hotmail Account

To access Hotmail or Outlook.com services, you need a Microsoft account. Follow these steps to create your account:

• Visit the Microsoft login page and click “Create a free account.”
• Select your preferred email domain: hotmail.com or @outlook.com.
• Provide your details, including your name, date of birth, gender, phone number, and location.
• Complete the CAPTCHA verification and click “Next.”
• Confirm your registration by selecting “Confirm” and verify your account using the code sent to your phone or email.

Signing Up Without a Personal Phone Number

To create a Hotmail account without using your personal phone number, virtual phone numbers offer a secure alternative. Services such as PVApins provide virtual numbers from over 156 countries, enabling users to receive SMS online. For instance, you can register a Hotmail account with a Belgium virtual number using this method.

Steps to Utilize a Virtual Phone Number:

1. Go to PVAPins.com and create an account.

2.  Deposit funds into your PVApins account.

3.  Select the Belgium virtual number service Hotmail.
4.  Copy the virtual number provided by PVAPins.
5.  Open Hotmail and begin the registration process.
6.  When prompted for a phone number, paste the virtual number from    PVAPins.
7. Wait for the verification code to arrive at your virtual number.
8.  Return to PVAPins, refresh the page, and retrieve the verification code.
9.  Enter the code into Hotmail to verify your number

By following these steps, you can easily create a Hotmail account with a Belgium virtual number without having to use your personal phone number, offering an added layer of privacy and security.