Hotmail, one of the first free web-based email services, was launched in 1996 and quickly gained popularity. In 1997, it was acquired by Microsoft and rebranded as MSN Hotmail. Over the years, Hotmail has undergone several changes and updates, and in 2013, it was officially replaced by Outlook.com. With all these changes, many users may wonder: is a Hotmail account the same as a Microsoft account? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some tips for Hotmail account recovery.
Hotmail vs. Microsoft Account
The short answer is yes, a Hotmail account is a Microsoft account. When Microsoft acquired Hotmail, all existing Hotmail accounts were automatically converted to Microsoft accounts. This means that if you have a Hotmail email address, you can use it to sign in to any Microsoft service, such as Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox Live. Your Hotmail email address and password are your Microsoft account credentials.
Hotmail Account Recovery
If you are having trouble accessing your Hotmail account, you can use the Microsoft account recovery process to regain access. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Account Recovery Page
The first step is to go to the Microsoft account recovery page. You can do this by typing “account.live.com/password/reset” into your web browser or by clicking on the “Can’t access your account?” link on the Hotmail sign-in page.
Step 2: Enter Your Email Address
On the recovery page, enter your Hotmail email address and click “Next.”
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
You will then be prompted to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a security code via email, phone, or text message. Once you receive the code, enter it on the recovery page and click “Next.”
Step 4: Reset Your Password
After verifying your identity, you will be able to reset your password. Choose a strong and unique password and click “Next.”
Step 5: Sign In
You can now use your new password to sign in to your Hotmail account.
Tips for Hotmail Account Recovery
If you are unable to recover your Hotmail account using the steps above, here are some additional tips that may help:
- Make sure you are entering the correct email address. If you have multiple email addresses, try each one.
- Check your spam or junk folder for the security code email.
- If you have a recovery email or phone number associated with your account, make sure they are up to date.
- If you have not used your Hotmail account in a while, it may have been deactivated due to inactivity. In this case, you will need to create a new account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Hotmail account is a Microsoft account. If you are having trouble accessing your Hotmail account, you can use the Microsoft account recovery process to regain access. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully recover your Hotmail account.
