Hotmail Signup — How to Create a Hotmail / Outlook Account in 2026

Want a fresh @hotmail.com or @outlook.com email? This 2026 guide walks through Microsoft Account signup on web and mobile.

📌 How to Sign In on Desktop

Open signup.live.com.

Pick your address ending: @hotmail.com or @outlook.com.

Choose a username and click Next.

Create a strong password.

Enter your name, country, and date of birth.

Solve the CAPTCHA to confirm you are human.

Your inbox opens at outlook.live.com.

🔹 Pro Tip: Tick "Stay signed in" only on a personal, secure device.

📱 How to Sign In on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

You can create a Microsoft Account directly from the Outlook app.

Step 1: Get the App

Step 2: Sign In

Open the Outlook app.

Tap Create new account.

Pick @hotmail.com or @outlook.com and enter a username.

Set a password.

Enter name, region, and date of birth.

Confirm via CAPTCHA — your inbox is ready.

💡 You can sign in to multiple accounts and switch between them in one tap.

🚫 Troubleshooting Login Issues

Username unavailable? Add a number or punctuation, or try a different word.

CAPTCHA loop? Reload, switch network, or try a different browser.

Microsoft requires phone verification on suspicious networks — supply a working number.

Region restriction? Pick the correct country — VPN traffic is often blocked.

🔐 Account Security Tips

Use a unique password — never reuse from another site.

Enable Two-Step Verification right after signup.

Add a recovery phone and recovery email.

Install Microsoft Authenticator for passwordless sign in.

Print or save your backup codes when 2FA is on.

Hotmail / Outlook signup form to create a Microsoft account

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hotmail signup free?

Yes. Creating an @hotmail.com or @outlook.com address is free. Microsoft 365 paid plans are optional.

Can I still get an @hotmail.com address?

Yes. The @hotmail.com option appears in the dropdown on the signup form.

How many free Hotmail accounts can I create?

There is no hard cap, but Microsoft will rate-limit repeated signups from the same device.

Do I need a phone number to sign up?

Not always, but Microsoft may require one on networks it flags as suspicious. Adding one improves recovery options.

Can I use my Hotmail account for Office?

Yes — your Microsoft Account works with Office, OneDrive, Teams, and other Microsoft services.

Hotmail SignupHow to Create a Hotmail / Outlook Account in 2026