Hotmail is now Outlook.com. Learn how to sign in to access your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account.

If you can't sign in to your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account, or you're not sure how to sign in or sign out, here are some solutions.

Change your password in Outlook.com. Your Outlook.com password is the same as your Microsoft account password. Go to Microsoft account security and select Password security. As a security measure, you might be prompted to verify your identity with a security code.

If you're trying to add your Outlook.com account to Outlook or another mail app, you might need the POP, IMAP, or SMTP settings. You can find them below or by viewing them in your Outlook.com settings.

Here's how to unblock your account. Note: If either your Outlook.com mailbox or your OneDrive storage is full, you cannot send or receive email. Check your Outbox or your mailbox storage to see what's taking up space. Learn more.

Fix your audio drivers. Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically).

On your PC, in the Phone Link, select Messages. To start a new conversation, select New message. Enter the name or phone number of a contact. Select the person you want to send a message to. A new message thread opens for you to begin with.

Sign in to verify your Outlook.com account. When you click the verification link, you're asked to type a series of random characters as shown in a picture. You can listen to an audio file that states the characters if you prefer.

If you want to create another email address that uses the same inbox, sent, items, and contact list as your existing Outlook.com account, read how to create an email alias. If you want a completely fresh start, sign out of Outlook.com, then create a new account.

If you're having problems accessing Outlook.com, you can see the status of Microsoft Office Online Services at the Service Health portal. If you're having problems sending or receiving email, read how to Fix Outlook.com email sync issues . Last updated: 2 April 2024.