Is Hotmail Down Today? What to Do?

Jackson Strong | August 4th, 2025 | Data Backup

Are you unable to open your Hotmail (Outlook.com) account today? You’re not alone. Many users often face this issue where the service stops loading, won’t send emails, or won’t let you sign in. This guide will help you find out if Hotmail is actually down, why it’s happening, and what steps you can take to fix the issue or wait it out safely.

Is Hotmail Down Today? – Confirm first

Before trying anything, confirm whether the issue is with Hotmail’s servers or just your device.

You can check Hotmail’s service status using these methods:

Visit Outlook.com status page.

Check live reports on sites like:

Downdetector – Hotmail
IsTheServiceDown – Outlook

If many people are reporting issues, then Hotmail is likely down for everyone. If not, the problem may be on your end.

Tip: If you’re thinking “is Hotmail down today”, a quick check on service monitoring websites can give you real-time updates on outages or disruptions.

Common Reasons Why Hotmail Might Not Work

Here are some common reasons behind Hotmail issues:

Server outage or scheduled maintenance
Slow or unstable internet connection
Browser issues (cache or outdated version)
App or device glitch
Login problems (wrong credentials or 2FA issues)

What You Can Do If Hotmail Isn’t Working

If the issue seems to be on your side, try these quick steps:

1. Refresh the Page or Restart the App

Sometimes it’s just a momentary glitch.

restart hotmail to check if it working

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Try opening other websites or apps to test.

check internect connection before you check hotmail not working

3. Clear Your Browser Cache

Cached files can prevent Hotmail from loading correctly.

Go to browser settings >> clear browsing data >> cache & cookies >> restart browser.

clear cache

4. Try a Different Browser or Device

Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge if one browser isn’t working.

Try a Different Browser or Device

5. Update Your Browser or App

Make sure you’re using the latest version.

update chrome browser

6. Check for Login Errors

Make sure your username and password are correct.

If you’ve enabled 2-step verification, check your backup codes or authenticator app.

Check for Login Errors

Still Not Working? What to Do Next

If Hotmail is still down, and you’ve confirmed it’s a server-side issue:

Wait and try again after some time. Microsoft usually resolves issues quickly.
Visit Microsoft’s Service Health Dashboard for updates.
Use your Hotmail email backup for urgent work in the meantime.

If you’re repeatedly asking yourself, “Is Hotmail down today?” and facing the same issue often, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance.

Bonus Tip: Backup Hotmail Emails (If This Happens Often)

If you regularly face downtime or can’t afford to lose email access, consider backing up your emails. You can use email backup tools to download a copy of your mailbox and access it offline.

For example, if manual options don’t work, tools like Advik Outlook.com Backup Tool can help you save all your emails to your computer in formats like PST, MBOX, or PDF.

Note: Use this option only if you’re experiencing frequent access issues or need to transfer your emails securely.

Final Words

If you’re wondering “is Hotmail down today?”, always check the status first before trying fixes. If it’s a local issue, clearing the cache, changing browsers, or checking your internet usually helps. If it’s a server problem, all you can do is wait or use a backup plan if email access is critical.