Hotmail, a trailblazer in webmail services, became a part of Microsoft in 1997. In 2013, it was integrated into Outlook.com, offering a streamlined platform for email management. Today, Hotmail remains accessible via Outlook.com, serving millions of users globally on PCs and mobile devices powered by iOS and Android.  

Hotmail Features  

Hotmail competes with services like Gmail and Yahoo! Mail by providing essential features in both free and premium versions. Key functionalities include:  

Large File Sharing: Send attachments up to 10 GB using OneDrive links. Microsoft’s OneDrive includes 1TB of storage with expansion options.  

Quick Communication: Exchange messages and files rapidly via Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger), a pioneering live chat service.  

IMAP Compatibility: Access emails through third-party webmail services, desktop clients, and mobile apps.  

Email Organization: Sort and store messages using personal folders categorized by sender, date, or topic.  

Event Management: Sync with platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to monitor events and updates from your network.  

Built-in Security: Benefit from spam filters and virus scanning for enhanced protection.  

Customizable Themes: Personalize your inbox with various themes and color schemes.  

Hotmail Plus Features  

Hotmail Plus provides advanced features beyond the free version:  

Enhanced Security: Robust protection against phishing and malware with improved attachment scanning.  

Email Encryption: Secure emails and attachments within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Recipients outside Microsoft 365 can decrypt files using a special code while forwarding protection ensures files remain encrypted after download.  

Custom Email Address: Use a personalized email address (this feature ended for new sign-ups on November 30, 2023, though existing addresses remain valid).  

Increased Storage: Access up to 50GB of storage space while enjoying an ad-free interface.  

Steps to Create a Hotmail Account  

To use Hotmail or Outlook.com, a Microsoft account is required. Follow these steps to set up your account:  

1. Go to the Microsoft login page and select “Create a free account”.  

2. Choose your preferred email domain: @hotmail.com or @outlook.com.  

3. Enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, gender, phone number, and location.  

4. Complete the CAPTCHA challenge and click “Next”.  

5. Confirm your registration by selecting “Confirm” and verify your account using the code sent to your phone or email.  

How to Register Without a Personal Phone Number  

Virtual phone numbers are a secure way to set up a Hotmail account without revealing your personal number. Receive SMS online using services like PVApins, which offer virtual numbers from over 156 countries. You can even register a Hotmail account with a Canada virtual number using this method.

Steps to Use a Virtual Phone Number:  

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

2.  Deposit funds into your PVApins account.

3.  Select the Canada 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