Hotmail is still very much alive—just under a new name. Microsoft rebranded Hotmail to Outlook.com years ago, but your old @hotmail.com address keeps working, and you can still sign in the same way. For Kiwis, it’s a straightforward, free email service that plugs into Microsoft’s wider tools like OneDrive and Calendar. This guide explains what Hotmail is now, how it works behind the scenes, practical setup tips for New Zealand, the pros and cons, and answers to common questions.
What is
Hotmail began as one of the first webmail services and became part of Microsoft in the late 1990s. Today, Hotmail is the consumer email service branded as Outlook.com. If you have an @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.com address, you’re using the same Microsoft email platform.
Key points for New Zealand users:
- Your existing @hotmail.com address still works and will keep working.
- New sign-ups usually create an @outlook.com address. Microsoft sometimes offers @hotmail.com as an alias, but availability isn’t guaranteed.
- It’s a Microsoft account, so one sign-in gets you email plus services like OneDrive, Skype, and Microsoft 365 (if you subscribe).
- You can set your time zone to Auckland and language to English (New Zealand) for accurate dates and formatting.
How it works
Outlook.com (the modern Hotmail) is cloud-based webmail. You access it in a browser or through apps. Microsoft hosts your inbox on its global infrastructure, with spam filters, malware scanning, and transport encryption working in the background.
Email protocols
You can read Hotmail in any modern mail app using standard protocols:
- IMAP: Syncs mail across devices. Best for most users.
- POP: Downloads messages to one device. Legacy use only.
- SMTP: Sends mail from your app to Microsoft’s servers.
Security
- Two-step verification (2FA) via Microsoft Authenticator, SMS, or email codes.
- Passwordless sign-in options like Authenticator, Windows Hello, and FIDO2 security keys.
- Spam and phishing protection with machine learning and Safe Links in the Outlook apps.
- Transport encryption (TLS) while email moves between servers.
Storage and features
- Free accounts include limited mailbox and cloud storage; paid Microsoft 365 plans increase limits and add features.
- Built-in Calendar and Contacts sync across devices.
- Rules, Sweep, Categories, and Focused Inbox for managing clutter.
- Attachments saved to OneDrive for easier sharing and versioning.
- Ads show in the free version; Microsoft 365 removes them and adds premium features.
Privacy and data location
Outlook.com is governed by the Microsoft Services Agreement and Microsoft’s privacy policies. Data is stored in Microsoft’s global data centres; consumer Outlook.com data is not guaranteed to reside in New Zealand. If you run a business here, consider your obligations under the Privacy Act 2020—especially when handling customer data stored overseas.
Types / examples
Account types you’ll see
- Personal (consumer) email: @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, @live.com on Outlook.com.
- Work or school: Microsoft 365 accounts managed by your organisation (not the same as personal Hotmail, though Outlook apps can access both).
- Aliases: Extra addresses on your account (e.g., an @outlook.com alias). You can receive mail at multiple addresses but sign in once.
Everyday New Zealand examples
- Keeping a clean personal inbox for job applications and online shopping.
- Setting up a family email for school newsletters and sports clubs.
- Using Outlook mobile when you’re off-grid tramping with intermittent data—IMAP keeps devices in sync when you reconnect.
- Migrating from an old ISP address (like xtra or vodafone mail) to a portable address that won’t change when you switch providers.
- Connecting a custom domain with Microsoft 365 for a sole trader or small business.
Hotmail vs other free email services
| Service | Main domains | Standout strengths | Custom domain | Ads on free tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotmail (Outlook.com) | @hotmail.com, @outlook.com | Tight Microsoft ecosystem, good rules/Sweep, strong 2FA | Yes via Microsoft 365 | Yes |
| Gmail | @gmail.com | Powerful search, integrations with Google services | Yes via Google Workspace | Yes |
| Proton Mail | @proton.me, @protonmail.com | Privacy-first, end-to-end encryption options | Paid plans | No |
| Yahoo Mail | @yahoo.com | Large mailbox, shopping/receipt tools | No (consumer) | Yes |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free, familiar, and easy to use in a browser or app.
- Works across devices; IMAP keeps everything in sync.
- Strong security options including 2FA and passwordless sign-in.
- Rules, Sweep, and Focused Inbox help tame clutter.
- Integrates with calendar, contacts, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365.
- Aliases let you manage different addresses under one login.
Cons
- Free tier shows ads and has storage limits.
- New @hotmail.com addresses are not always available; @outlook.com is the default.
- Data stored overseas; consider NZ privacy obligations if you’re a business.
- Occasional interface changes can move menus and settings.
How to use or choose
Set up or secure your Hotmail step by step
- Go to outlook.live.com and select Create account (or sign in with your @hotmail.com).
- Choose a strong password: long, unique, and saved in a password manager.
- Add recovery info: a secondary email and a mobile number you actually use in NZ.
- Turn on two-step verification: Settings > Security > Advanced security options.
- Set the time zone to (UTC+12:00) Auckland, Wellington: Settings > General > Language and time.
- Create rules and use Sweep to auto-file newsletters and receipts.
- Install the Outlook app on iPhone or Android and sign in; enable notifications.
- Review privacy and ad settings in your Microsoft account dashboard.
IMAP/POP/SMTP settings for apps
| Purpose | Server | Port | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMAP (Incoming) | outlook.office365.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| POP (Incoming) | outlook.office365.com | 995 | SSL/TLS |
| SMTP (Outgoing) | smtp.office365.com | 587 | STARTTLS |
Use your full email address as the username. Authentication is required for sending mail (SMTP).
Choosing Hotmail vs alternatives in NZ
- Stay with Hotmail if you want a free, capable inbox that plays nicely with Windows, Xbox, and Microsoft 365.
- Pick a custom domain with Microsoft 365 if you run a business or want a professional address ([email protected]).
- Consider privacy-focused services if end-to-end encryption is your top priority.
- Moving from an ISP email? Set forwarding (if possible), change logins on key accounts, and keep the old address alive for a few months to catch stragglers.
FAQ
Is Hotmail the same as Outlook?
Yes. Hotmail was rebranded to Outlook.com. Your @hotmail.com address uses the same platform as @outlook.com.
Can I still create a new @hotmail.com address?
New accounts typically use @outlook.com. Microsoft sometimes allows @hotmail.com as an alias, but it’s not always offered and may vary by time and region.
How do I do a Hotmail login safely?
Go to outlook.live.com directly, not a link in email. Check the URL, use a password manager, and enable two-step verification. Avoid typing your password on shared or public computers.
How do I recover a Hotmail account if I forgot the password?
Use the Forgot password link on the sign-in page. You’ll be asked for verification via your recovery email, phone, or Authenticator app. If prompted for extra details, provide recent subjects you sent, contacts, or folders to prove ownership.
What’s the best way to set the New Zealand time zone?
In Outlook.com, select Settings (gear) > View all Outlook settings > General > Language and time > choose English (New Zealand) and (UTC+12:00) Auckland, Wellington. This ensures calendar times and message timestamps are correct, including daylight saving.
Is Hotmail free?
Yes. The free version is supported by ads and has storage limits. Microsoft 365 Personal or Family adds more storage and features and removes ads in Outlook.com.
Does Hotmail support two-factor authentication?
Yes. Use the Microsoft Authenticator app, SMS codes, email codes, or security keys. Passwordless sign-in is also available.
Where is my Hotmail data stored?
Microsoft hosts Outlook.com data in its global data centres. Consumer data isn’t guaranteed to be stored in New Zealand. If your organisation must meet local data residency rules, consider Microsoft 365 for business and review Microsoft’s regional offerings and compliance documentation.
Should I use IMAP or POP with Hotmail?
Use IMAP. It keeps mail synced across phone, tablet, and computer. POP is only suitable for one-device workflows and can cause message fragmentation.
How do I reduce spam in my Hotmail inbox?
- Mark junk as Junk, not Delete, to train the filter.
- Create rules or use Sweep to auto-file bulk senders.
- Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read.
- Use aliases when signing up for sites you don’t fully trust.
Can I use Hotmail with Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or Samsung Email?
Yes. Add your account using IMAP with the server settings above. Most apps auto-discover, but you can enter the servers manually if needed.
What if I change my mobile number in New Zealand?
Update your Microsoft account recovery details first, before you lose access to the old SIM. Add a secondary email so you’re never locked out when porting between Spark, One NZ (Vodafone), or 2degrees.
How do I migrate from an ISP email to Hotmail?
- Create or sign in to your Hotmail account.
- Set forwarding from your ISP mailbox (if available) to Hotmail.
- Import old mail via IMAP in the Outlook app or a desktop client.
- Change the email on key accounts: banking, IRD, My Health, utilities, subscriptions.
- Keep the ISP address active for 2–3 months to catch leftovers, then close it.
Is Hotmail good for small businesses in NZ?
For a professional brand, use Microsoft 365 with your own domain. You’ll get business-grade security, admin controls, Teams, and extra storage, while still using the familiar Outlook interface.
Bottom line
Hotmail—now Outlook.com—remains a practical, secure, and widely supported email choice for New Zealanders. Set it up with strong security, keep your time zone correct, use rules to tidy your inbox, and consider Microsoft 365 if you need more storage or a custom domain. Done right, it’s a low-fuss inbox that travels well wherever you do.