Hotmail: Its History, News, Advantages and Complete User Guide

messagerie hotmail

As an Internet user, there is a good chance that you already have an email address and therefore, it is difficult not to have heard of the famous Hotmail messaging service. Since its creation, this electronic messaging service has literally left its mark on the history of the web and still continues, to this day, to be a pillar in the digital world. Well-known, of course, but in itself, what makes Hotmail so special in the eyes of its users? Without further ado, let's dive into the history, advantages, features and usage of Hotmail.

Hotmail celebrates its 15th anniversary (yes!)

Unless you are on the lookout, there is little chance that you will know that Hotmail messaging celebrated its 15th anniversary today! This is the perfect opportunity to review the key figures for Microsft and the stages of development of the service. Initially, it was in July 1996 that Hotmail saw the light of day and then, attracted by its success, Microsoft bought the tool from its creators in 1997.

Currently, no less than 15 million French people use Hotmail to share no less than 100 million messages, photos, documents and other videos each month (these figures date from 2011).

In all, no less than 340 million users regularly use the Hotmail messenger (ComScore figures).

More recently, Hotmail received a major update allowing it to work directly with Microsoft's office suite within the messaging service itself. No less than 9 million Office documents were edited and sent without even using a tool, only by using Office Web Apps.

In addition to including this Cloud version for free within Hotmail messaging, a free Cloud storage service called Skydrive is also offered. It allows you to benefit from 25 GB of online storage space.

A point that will delight sharing aficionados, Microsoft likes to point out that Hotmail offers the possibility of sharing up to 200 images by email, which still represents the equivalent of 10 GB attachments, a record!

Even though Hotmail is associated with Microsoft and linked to Windows Live, it is now fully cross-platform and adopts the HTML 5 standard. Available on PCs, smartphones and tablets, for example it has more than 4 million mobile users.

On the occasion of this anniversary, Pierre-Eric Jacoupy, in charge of the Windows Live Division at Microsoft France, emphasizes that Hotmail is “much more than a simple messaging service, offering relevant innovations for all devices. Hotmail represents the solution Microsoft's universal cloud, rivaling professional messaging services in power.”

This messaging system is really making headway in the face of growing competition from Gmail and Google Apps (Docs, Calendar, Picassa, etc.), which are continually becoming more dense.

History of Hotmail

Hotmail was invented in 1996 by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith. It was one of the first free webmail services and quickly grew in popularity. In 1997, Microsoft acquired Hotmail and integrated it into its MSN suite of products. Since then, Hotmail has undergone many transformations, the most notable being its transition to Outlook.com in 2013.

The story of the creation of Hotmail was a real revolution in the way and manner in which people communicate. Before Hotmail, email was a feature offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like AOL or Club Internet to name only the most popular at the time. However, Hotmail has made sure to make email accessible to everyone, regardless of their ISP. It was a revolutionary idea at the time and paved the way for the modern era of digital communication as we know it today.

Hotmail's growth has been meteoric. In just a few months, the number of users exploded from a few thousand to several million. This attracted the attention of Microsoft, which purchased Hotmail in 1997 for an estimated $400 million. It was one of the first big acquisitions of the Internet age, and it marked the beginning of Microsoft's involvement in the world of email.

Migration from Hotmail to Outlook

hotmail outlook migration

The transition from Hotmail to Outlook was a major turning point. Microsoft decided to make this transition to unify its services and provide a better user experience within the MSN suite of tools. Hotmail users were automatically migrated to Outlook, retaining their email addresses and settings. This transition also introduced new features and an improved user interface.

For the giant Microsoft, the migration from Hotmail to Outlook was a relatively complex process. Microsoft had to transfer billions of emails and user accounts without interrupting the service. However, despite the challenges, the transition was a success and was well received by the majority of users.

The transition to Outlook also brought a series of new features and improvements. The user interface has been modernized, with a cleaner and more intuitive layout. New features have been added, such as the ability to attach files directly from OneDrive, integration with other Microsoft services like Skype, and improved security tools. The transition to Outlook also brought a series of new features and improvements. The user interface (UX or UI) has been modernized, with a cleaner and more intuitive layout. New features have been added, such as the ability to attach files directly from OneDrive, integration with other Microsoft services like Skype, and improved security tools.

Hotmail/Outlook Features

Hotmail/Outlook offers a number of unique features that set it apart from other email services. First of all, the user interface is intuitive and offers intuitive handling, which makes it easier to manage your emails. Outlook also offers massive storage space, excellent spam management, and strong security tools to protect your personal information.

  • User interface : The interface is fluid and well thought out, with a side navigation bar to access your emails, calendar, contacts and tasks.
  • Storage : With Outlook, you benefit from 15 GB of storage space for your emails and attachments.
  • Spam management: Outlook has a powerful spam filter that helps keep your inbox clean.
  • Security : Microsoft has robust security measures in place to protect your information, including two-factor authentication and encryption of your data.

In addition to these features, Hotmail (now Outlook) also offers integration with other Microsoft services. For example, you can easily access your OneDrive from your inbox, making file sharing easier. You can also use Office Online to create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly from your browser.

Outlook (formerly Hotmail as you will have understood) provides access to tools designed to help you organize your emails. You can create folders to classify your emails, and use rules to automate certain actions, such as moving certain emails to a specific folder that you have previously created or marking certain emails as read. These tools can help you manage your inbox and stay organized.

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Benefits of using Hotmail/Outlook

So why choose Hotmail/Outlook over other email services? Here are some benefits that should tip the scales in its favor:

  • Integration with other Microsoft services: Outlook is integrated with other Microsoft services such as OneDrive, Office Online and Skype, making file sharing and collaboration easy.
  • Accessibility: You can access your Outlook account from any device, be it a computer, smartphone or tablet.
  • Personalization: Outlook lets you personalize your inbox with themes, signatures, and email rules.

In addition to these benefits, Outlook also offers a great user experience. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, and the service is fast and considered reliable. On this, Microsoft offers excellent customer support, so if you run into any problems, you can get help quickly.

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of using Hotmail/Outlook is trust. Microsoft is an established company with a long history in technology. You can trust that your emails and information are in safe hands.

Hotmail/Outlook User Guide

hotmail interface

If you're new to Hotmail/Outlook, here's a quick guide to help you get started with Microsoft's email formerly known as Hotmail:

Creating an account

Go to Outlook.com and click “Create a free account.” Follow the instructions and choose an email address and password, and provide your personal information.

How to connect to Hotmail/Outlook inbox?

Are you having trouble connecting to Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live or MSN? Here are some easy steps to follow to resolve this issue:

  1. Go to the Outlook.com login page.
  2. Click “Connect”.
  3. Enter your email address or phone number, then click “Next”.
  4. On the next page, enter your password.
  5. Finally, click “Connect”.

To log in automatically the next time you visit Outlook.com, check the “Keep logged in” option. If you prefer to enter your password each time, leave this option unchecked.

Navigating the interface

Once logged into your account, you will immediately have access to your inbox. On the left side, you will find tabs to navigate your email folders, calendar, your contact list as well as your scheduled tasks. You can also use the search bar at the top to search for specific emails.

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Email management

To read an email, simply click on it. You can reply, forward, delete, or mark the email as read or unread using the action buttons at the top. To write a new e-mail, click on “New message” at the top left and indicate the recipient, the subject of the e-mail as well as the message itself. You can also include one or more attachments from your computer or directly from Onedrive.

Outlook also offers tools for organizing your messages. You can create folders to classify them and find your way around more easily as well as use rules to automate certain actions, such as moving certain emails to a specific folder of your choice or marking certain emails as automatically read. These tools can help you manage your inbox and stay organized.

How do I find my Outlook inbox locally?

To find your Outlook mailbox, double-click the icon corresponding to the disk where Windows is installed. This will give you access to a page displaying “Documents and Settings”. Then, double-click the folder with your user name and select “OK” to open the Outlook folder.

Why connect to a Hotmail/Outlook box?

Connecting to your Hotmail or Outlook box offers a large number of advantages. Thanks to its simple and easy-to-use interface, this Webmail offers many features: calendar management, calendar, tasks, and much more.

It makes it easier to organize your emails by allowing them to be sorted and classified into separate folders. Plus, you can send an email directly from the Word text editor, a great asset for professionals.

With Outlook, create unique signatures or develop an email address adapted to your domain name, thus optimizing your company's internal communication.

Another plus? Chat live with your Facebook, Windows Live or MSN contacts via Outlook.com. You also have the ability to view emails from other email services. And the best for last: access to these features is 100% free!

How do I configure my Hotmail/Outlook box?

Installing your Outlook mailbox automatically syncs your updates across all your devices when you next log in. To set up your Hotmail account, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Outlook application.
  2. In the Microsoft Outlook Connector window, enter your email and password.
  3. Choose the name that will appear in your messages.
  4. Check “Save password” then validate with OK.
  5. Click OK again and relaunch Outlook.

If, despite this, you are having difficulty connecting, the following instructions could be beneficial to you.

To sum up

Hotmail has come a long way since its inception in 1996. Today, as Outlook, it continues to be a solid choice for email thanks to its unique features, security, and seamless integration with the Microsoft suite of tools. Whether you are a long-time user or a newcomer, Hotmail/Outlook will definitely meet your needs.

To conclude, choosing a courier service depends on your personal needs and preferences. However, with more than 25 years of existence and evolution, its numerous features and its commitment to the security of its users and confidentiality, Hotmail, aka Outlook, is clearly one of the best online messaging systems at the moment.

Whether you're a professional looking to make it easier to communicate with your clients, a student who needs a reliable way to submit assignments, or simply someone who wants to stay in touch with friends and family, the benefits of Hotmail are many. So why not open a free account now? You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover!

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

Forgotten Hotmail/Outlook password?

If you can't remember your password, select the “Forgot Password” option on the login page. Then follow the instructions to reset it. For more information, do not hesitate to consult the “Help Center”.

How to recover a Hotmail/Outlook account?

If you want to regain access to your Hotmail account, select the “Forgotten password” option. You will then be directed to a page offering different methods to find your security code. Finally, you will access an identity verification step.

How to stay logged in to Hotmail/Outlook?

To stay permanently logged in to your Hotmail/Outlook account, select the “Stay logged in” option. Once your information is saved, you will no longer have to enter it during your future visits. This is a useful feature, especially if you often forget your password.

What should I do if I can no longer log in?

If despite your attempts you are unable to access your account, select “Forgotten password” then choose the option “I don't have any of this”. Then, follow the instructions on the Microsoft page to regain access to your account.

What makes hotmail.co.uk, hotmail.com and Outlook different?

These services are broadly identical. All Hotmail addresses can be migrated to Outlook, as it is mainly a rebranding. However, you can keep your Hotmail account while enjoying the benefits of Outlook.

How do I clean my Hotmail/Outlook box?

The ideal tool for this task is Cleanfox. It is designed to effectively eliminate unwanted emails. By linking it to your address, it scans your emails and organizes them by sender. Then it suggests messages to delete or newsletters you could unsubscribe from.