What Is Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector?
Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector (formerly Hotmail Connector) is a free add-in for Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007 and 2010 that allows you to use your Windows Live Hotmail or Microsoft Office Live Mail accounts within Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007 and 2010.
Without Hotmail Connector, you can use your web browser to access your Windows Live Hotmail or Office Live Mail account.
However, if you want to use your e-mail address with a mail client such as Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007 or 2010, you will find that a web browser is not as convenient as using an e-mail client.
You will have to log on to the web interface in order to send and receive messages. With Hotmail Connector, you can send and receive e-mails just like the way you do with POP3/SMTP accounts.
Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector provides full integration between your Windows Live Hotmail or Office Live Mail accounts and Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007 and 2010.
This means that all of your information gets synchronized instantly in both your Outlook desktop application and the online service.
The synchronization process is one way only: it downloads all of the messages from the service into the local mailbox file of your choice (PST) but does not upload any information back.
Is Hotmail Connector Still Available To Use?
You can still use Hotmail Connector in Outlook 2010 and older. However, Microsoft no longer provides support for it. This means that you won’t be able to contact Microsoft for help if you run into any issues.
If you’re using a newer version of Outlook, you’ll need to set up an Exchange ActiveSync account to access your Hotmail account. This is the same connection method used by Microsoft’s other webmail services like Outlook.com and Office 365.
‘Does Hotmail still exist’ is another common question we get? Yes it does! But it is only available within Microsoft Outlook.
Can You Still Download Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector?
With the introduction of Windows Live Hotmail, it is no longer necessary to use the Hotmail Connector to connect to your e-mail account.
The only time that you would need the connector is if you are using Outlook 2003 or Outlook 2007 and want to synchronize your contacts and calendar.
If you are trying to get a new Hotmail Connector, it is no longer available from Microsoft.
What To Do If Asked To Download Microsoft Outlook Email Connector and 404 Message Appears
As earlier mentioned, MS outlook Hotmail connector was phased out.
Therefore, if you get a 404 error while trying to download it, all you have to do is adjust your computer update settings so that you automatically receive the latest windows updates.
Follow these steps to update your windows update settings:
1. Click on the Windows start button then select the settings icon.
2. Scroll down in the settings options and choose “updates and security”.
3. Go to Windows updates and click advanced options.
4. Enable all the necessary update options.
Why Has Hotmail Stopped Working With Outlook Connector?
Hotmail may automatically stop working with Outlook connector once your computer updates to Windows 10.
On your previous Windows OS versions, you may have noticed the words “connected with Hotmail Connector” on the status bar of your outlook email client, but this may also be missing with new OS updates. As MS outlook Hotmail connector is no longer relevant, there is no danger in not having it.
If you are on a Windows OS older than Windows 10, I would recommend updating your OS to Windows 10 and up to enjoy improved features (including security features) that come with exchange email.
