How to Access Free Windows Mail in Gmail

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by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated February 20, 2019

Windows Live Hotmail was discontinued but users still have access to a free Windows Mail account. However, if you're concerned that service will be discontinued, you may want to set up a separate account through a different service and start funneling your Windows Mail message through that account. Gmail is a good option. 

You can access your Windows Mail in Gmail to consolidate accounts in one universal inbox, for example, or to feed the Gmail spam filter some additional junk.

Access Free Windows Mail in Gmail

To set up Windows Mail account for sending and receiving mail in Gmail:

  • Follow the Settings link in Gmail.
  • Go to Accounts.
  • Click Add another mail account under Get mail from other accounts.
  • Type your Windows Live Hotmail address under Email address.
  • Click Next Step.
  • Enter your full Windows Mail email address again under Username.
  • Type your Windows Mail password under Password.
  • Now enter pop3.gmail.com under POP Server.
  • Enter 995 under Port.
  • Make sure Always use a secure connection (SSL) when retrieving mail is checked.
  • Optionally:
    • Check Leave a copy of retrieved message on the server unless you want all your Windows Mail email only in Gmail.
    • Have Gmail apply a label (so you can identify messages from your Windows Mail account) by checking Label incoming messages.
    • See incoming messages only under the auto-assigned label or All Mail by checking Archive incoming messages (Skip the Inbox).
  • Click Add Account.
  • Make sure Yes, I want to be able to send mail as is selected.
  • Click Next Step.
  • Click Next Step again.
  • Now click Send Verification.
  • Switch to the main Gmail window and go to the Inbox.
  • Open the Gmail Confirmation - Send Mail as message as soon as it arrives (this may take a couple of minutes).
  • Highlight and copy the confirmation code.
  • Paste the code into the Enter and Verify the Confirmation Code form.
  • Click Verify.

Messages coming to your Windows Mail account will now also show up in Gmail, and you can send mail using your Windows Mail address right from within Gmail, too.