How to Add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail Step by Step

Shaks George · Updated May 24th, 2026 · Backup · 4 Min Read

Need to add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail on a desktop? You can do it in three quick steps with IMAP or POP settings. This guide shows the safe step by step path. It also covers how to take a local backup of every Hotmail folder. If you also want to save Hotmail mail to a hard drive for offline use, that guide pairs well with this one.

Why Add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail keeps every account in one clean desktop view. It works offline, and it loads fast on old PCs. A Hotmail link inside Windows Live Mail brings clear gains.

One inbox for many accounts on the same PC
Offline read of every old mail and attachment
Free desktop tool with no extra cost
Easy local backup for important mail
Simple way to migrate mail to other clients later

Prepare Hotmail for the Windows Live Mail Setup

A clean start saves time later.

Sign in to outlook.live.com and confirm access.
Turn on 2 Step Verification in the Microsoft account.
Create an app password for Windows Live Mail.
Install Windows Live Mail if it is not on the PC.

Steps to Add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail

Follow the steps below to link the account in a few minutes.

Launch Windows Live Mail on the desktop.
Click the Accounts tab and pick Email.
Type the Hotmail address, the app password, and a display name.
Check Manually configure server settings and click Next.
Choose IMAP as the incoming server type.
Type the server values shown below for incoming and outgoing mail.
Tick Requires a secure connection (SSL) on both ends.
Click Next, then Finish to complete the setup.

Hotmail IMAP and POP Server Settings

Use these values when Windows Live Mail asks for server details.

IMAP server: outlook.office365.com, port 993, SSL on
POP server: outlook.office365.com, port 995, SSL on
SMTP server: smtp.office365.com, port 587, TLS on
Username: full Hotmail address
Password: the app password from your Microsoft account

Take a Local Backup of Hotmail Mail

A desktop link is great for read. A backup keeps the data safe for years. Corbett Email Backup saves Hotmail mail to PST, MBOX, EML, or PDF in one click. It works with the same Hotmail address and the app password used above.

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Steps to Backup Hotmail With Corbett Tool

Install and launch the software on a Windows PC.
Pick Hotmail or Outlook.com as the source.
Sign in with the Hotmail address and the app password.
Select the folders and the output format.
Browse a save location and click Start Backup.

You may also like the guide on how to import MBOX mail into Hotmail for a cross platform copy. If you plan to move Hotmail data to Gmail later, the Hotmail to Gmail transfer guide covers every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail in 2026?

Yes. The setup works with the new outlook.office365.com server and an app password from the Microsoft account.

Q2. Do I need a Microsoft 365 plan for the setup?

No. A free Hotmail or Outlook.com account works with Windows Live Mail. A paid plan is not required.

Q3. Why does the Hotmail sign in fail in Windows Live Mail?

The normal password does not work after 2 Step Verification is on. Create an app password and use that.

Q4. Will Hotmail folders sync inside Windows Live Mail?

Yes. IMAP syncs every folder with the same name. POP only downloads the inbox by default.

Conclusion

You can add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail with IMAP or POP settings in a few minutes. The desktop client then shows every Hotmail folder with full body and attachments. Take a backup so the data stays safe for years. Your Hotmail mail will then sit safe on the local PC.