Hotmail is a free webmail software that has been owned by Microsoft since 1997. In 2013, it was merged with another Microsoft mail client, Outlook.com. Since then, Windows Live Hotmail (or simply “Hotmail”) has been available as a separate service through Outlook.com.

Although Hotmail was merged with Outlook.com in 2013, it still has a significant user base worldwide. According to a 2023 report by SellCell, Gmail is the most popular email provider with 1.5 billion active users, followed by iCloud with 850 million active users. Microsoft’s Outlook email client has around 400 million active users, while Yahoo Mail has around 230 million active users. However, the exact number of Hotmail users is not available in the public domain. Despite this, it is safe to say that millions of people worldwide still use Hotmail on their PCs and mobile phones (iOS and Android supported)

As for the features, Hotmail offers a range of useful features to its users, including unlimited storage, calendar integration, spam filtering, virus scanning, customizable themes, and mobile access.

What features does Hotmail offer?

Remaining competitive in a challenging market alongside Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and other competitors is a formidable task for Hotmail, despite the significant features it offers in both its free and premium versions.

With the fundamental features, you will have the capability to:

• Share attachments up to 10 GB via a URL, similar to Gmail, with the actual file stored on Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage. OneDrive provides 1TB of storage space, and there’s an option to increase it if needed.
• Communicate and share messages and attachments rapidly on Windows Live Messenger, formerly recognized as MSN Messenger, which seems to be the pioneering platform for live chat.
• Access your email account from other webmail mobile apps and desktop clients with the support of IMAP.
• Efficiently organize your emails by utilizing the personal folders feature, allowing you to categorize them based on your preferences, whether by date, sender, or category.
• Stay informed about crucial events and handle updates from your connections by syncing your Hotmail with Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Receive protection through virus scanning and spam filtering.
• Personalize your Hotmail account by choosing from a variety of themes and color schemes to match your sense of aesthetics and uplift your mood.

However, if these features seem insufficient, you can always explore the option of subscribing to Hotmail Plus.

How does Hotmail Plus differ from the free version?

At a cost of $19.95 per year, you’ll receive:

• Benefit from advanced security measures costing $19.95 per year to protect your account from phishing attacks and various malware. Additionally, the service employs advanced detection methods to scrutinize your attachments.
• Email encryption is provided in two ways: a “simple” encryption method and encryption with forwarding protection. In the first method, the email stays encrypted within the Microsoft 365 system. Owners of Outlook.com and Microsoft 365 mail can download attachments without encryption, while account owners on other mail services require a special code to decrypt attachments. The second method ensures that downloaded attachments, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, remain encrypted.
• You have the option to customize your email address (act quickly, as this feature will be available until November 30, 2023 — users with existing personalized addresses can continue using them).
• Enjoy up to 50GB of storage space, providing ample room for storing additional data. Furthermore, experience an ad-free environment.

So, how can you become a new user of Windows Live Hotmail? Let’s find out.

How to set up a new Hotmail account?

Access to both Windows Live Hotmail and Outlook.com is exclusive to Microsoft account holders. Therefore, when logging into these services, you will be automatically redirected to the address login.live.com.

For those with an existing Microsoft account, you can utilize your account credentials to log in to both Windows Live Hotmail and Outlook.com.

To understand the process of creating a new Hotmail account, follow these straightforward instructions:

1. Access the sign-up form by clicking the “Create a free account” button located at the bottom of the page.
2. Next, select your domain name from the two available options: @hotmail.com or @outlook.com.
3. Furnish Microsoft with additional essential personal information, including your name, date of birth, gender, Hotmail phone number, and place of residence.
4. Following that, complete the robot’s captcha and then click “Next.”
5. Next, select “Confirm” to verify your application.
6. Complete the verification process by entering the code sent to you via text message or email.

Therefore, validating your phone number is a compulsory step in the registration process that cannot be bypassed. However, an alternative exists—instead of your personal phone number, you can use a virtual one.

Is it allowed to make a Hotmail account without entering a phone number?

The optimal approach is to utilize a virtual phone number, enabling you to use Hotmail without relying on your personal phone number.

The PVAPins platform is a trustworthy source for virtual phone numbers designed for receiving SMS. Select from a range of 156+ countries for registration across 1000+ platforms, including social media, messaging apps, delivery services, ride-hailing, and more.

Here is a detailed guide outlining the steps to utilize a virtual phone number:

1. To access our services, you must either create an account on pvapins.com or login if you already have one.
2. Proceed to the “Top up” section and deposit the necessary amount.
3. Head back to the home page and select the country and service “Hotmail” that you require.
4. After that You will receive a virtual number located at the top right corner.
5. Certainly, you need to copy your virtual number and use it during the registration process.
6. When verifying, return to PVAPins and select the ‘’Refresh’’ button next to the number in order to receive the code.
7. Finish the registration process by applying the code you have been given.
8. To view your purchase history, click on the “Top UP” button then scroll down to locate the “My Top UP History” section.