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How to Archive Hotmail Emails on Windows in Easy Steps

· May 20th, 2026 · Tips · 4 Min Read
How to Archive Hotmail Emails on Windows in Easy Steps
Tired of a heavy Hotmail inbox? You can archive Hotmail emails in three safe ways. Use the built in Export Mailbox option, the Print to PDF route, or a direct backup tool for a clean bulk save. This guide shows every step. If you also need to save Hotmail mail to a hard drive for offline use, that guide pairs well with this one.
Table of Contents
  1. Why Archive Hotmail Emails
  2. Method 1: Export Mailbox From Hotmail Settings
  3. Method 2: Save Hotmail Mail as PDF With Print
  4. Method 3: Archive Hotmail Emails With Corbett Backup
  5. Steps to Archive Hotmail Emails in Bulk
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Conclusion

Why Archive Hotmail Emails

A clean archive brings real gains for any user with a heavy inbox.

  • Free up Hotmail mailbox space
  • Offline read of old mail and attachments
  • Court ready record with full header and date
  • Safe long term copy in PST, PDF, or MBOX
  • Faster sign in once the inbox is light

Method 1: Export Mailbox From Hotmail Settings

This is the built in path. It saves a one time copy from the Microsoft account.

  1. Sign in to outlook.live.com with your Hotmail address.

log into hotmail account

  1. Click the Settings gear and pick View all Outlook settings.

click gear, then view all outlook settings option

  1. Open General > Privacy and data.

select general, privacy and data option

  1. Click Export mailbox and wait for the request to finish.

click on export mailbox option
The export can take a few days. The output is one PST file with every Hotmail folder inside.

Method 2: Save Hotmail Mail as PDF With Print

This path saves one mail at a time as a PDF. Use it for a small set.

  1. Open any mail in Hotmail and click the Print icon.

click on print option

  1. Pick Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
  2. Browse a save folder and click Save.

archive hotmail emails in pdf file

Method 3: Archive Hotmail Emails With Corbett Backup

The fastest path uses a direct tool. Corbett Email Backup reads every Hotmail folder and saves the mail as PST, PDF, MBOX, or EML in one job. It keeps every folder, attachment, and date intact.

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Steps to Archive Hotmail Emails in Bulk

  1. Install and launch the software on a Windows PC.

click open buttton

  1. Click Open > Email Accounts > Add Account.

click on emails accounts then add account

  1. Type the Hotmail address and the app password.

add hotmail account

  1. Preview every folder and mail in the side pane.

preview hotmail emails

  1. Click Export and pick PST, PDF, MBOX, or EML as the output.

click on export option

  1. Browse a save folder and click Save.

browse and save the file

You may also like the guide on how to add Hotmail to Windows Live Mail for a desktop link. If you plan to move Hotmail mail into Gmail later, the dedicated guide covers every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I archive Hotmail emails without the export request?

Yes. The Corbett backup tool saves every Hotmail folder as PST, PDF, MBOX, or EML in a few clicks. The Microsoft export is not needed.

Q2. Will the archive keep the folder layout?

Yes. Each Hotmail folder becomes a Windows folder with the same name and the same mail inside.

Q3. Do I need an app password for Hotmail?

Yes. Microsoft blocks normal passwords for third party access. Create an app password in the Microsoft account.

Q4. Will the archive open on a Mac or an iPhone?

A PDF or MBOX archive opens on Mac and iPhone. PST is best for Windows Outlook.

Conclusion

You can archive Hotmail emails with the built in Export Mailbox option, the Print to PDF route, or a direct backup tool. The export is fine for a one time PST. The print is great for a single PDF. The backup tool is the right pick for a clean bulk archive in any format. Your old mail will sit safe on the local drive.

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