Outlook vs. Hotmail: Understanding the Differences and Features

Outlook vs. Hotmail: What are the Key Differences?

When it comes to email services, Microsoft offers two popular options: Outlook and Hotmail. While they share a lot of similarities in terms of features, there are some differences between the two that every user should be aware of. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Outlook and Hotmail.

Name and Domain

Hotmail was launched by Microsoft in 1996 and became a popular email service. However, in 2013, the company revamped the service and renamed it to Outlook. Despite the name change, Hotmail email accounts still exist and can be accessed through Outlook.

Users with @hotmail.com accounts can continue to send and receive messages through that account.

User Interface

The interfaces of both Outlook and Hotmail are quite similar. Both offer an inbox, calendar, contacts, tasks, and customization options. Since its release, Outlook has undergone several updates and improvements, so it may have some additional or improved features compared to Hotmail.

Email Domain

Hotmail accounts use the domain “@hotmail.com” while Outlook accounts use “@outlook.com”. Users who upgrade will be able to use the same username and password.

Upgrading to Outlook

Upgrading to Outlook does not mean creating a new email account. If you upgrade from Hotmail to Outlook, you’ll still be using the same account. All users will eventually be migrated to the new mail at some point in the future.

Integration with Other Microsoft Services

Outlook is more tightly integrated with other Microsoft services such as Office Online, OneDrive, and Skype. This makes it easier to use these services and collaborate online.

Creating a New Address

If you’ve already upgraded and want a new account in the @Outlook.com domain, there are two ways to go about it:

• Create an alias for your Hotmail account, which will allow you to have a new email address with the domain “@outlook.com”. Messages sent to this new address will arrive in your inbox as usual, and you can send messages from both addresses based on your preference.
• Change the name of your account completely. This means you’ll stop using your old username, such as “[email protected]”, and start using your new username, “@outlook.com”, to access Microsoft services like Xbox Live, SkyDrive, Windows Phone, and your email account.

No Need to Worry About Losing Data

All your information will be available in the new interface if you decide to upgrade. You won’t miss any of your emails, contacts, or calendar appointments. Inbox folder classification, message categories, and other organization rules are also maintained. You don’t need to take any extra steps – once you log in to Outlook, all your information will be kept intact.

Will Hotmail Continue to Work?

Yes, for now, Hotmail will continue to work for those who still use it. However, users can upgrade to Outlook to get a new experience. The accounts don’t disappear and can continue to be used even after upgrading.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is a multinational technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, and is one of the most recognized and leading companies in the technology industry. Microsoft develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of computing-related products and services, including operating systems, productivity software, business applications, electronic devices, cloud services, and artificial intelligence solutions.