Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
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One of the drawbacks of a huge email provider such as Hotmail is that by the time you get there, it seems like all the good names are taken. After choosing a name, often a poor substitute for what we'd really like, wouldn't it be nice to be able to just rename the account when we get a better idea?
Sadly, it's not to be...
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I know of no way to rename a Hotmail account. Or a Yahoo account. Or an account with any of the free email services. In fact, it's fairly common that even paid services cannot be renamed.
The only real alternative I know of is to create a new account, with the new name you want (assuming that's available, of course), and begin using that instead of the old.
Update: - I've added a new article that explores this topic in more depth: How do I change my Hotmail name or address?
Article C2346 - May 8, 2005
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
Hi im Ilmeet and i want to change my email address ....can you please find a way and tell me asap! Thanks.....
Posted by: Ilmeet at December 2, 2010 9:49 AMIlmeet
In desperation, due to hundreds of bogus emails being sent from my account, I set up a free acct. My question now is, how do I transfer all my account info such as contact lists, folders, etc to this new email account?
15-Jan-2011
Posted by: carole brown at January 14, 2011 1:20 PM
Hi I'm Adni i would like to change my email address from (email address removed) but every time i try to change it.. it says "Your Windows Live ID can't be changed at this time"
Please contact me back
Posted by: Adni at February 21, 2011 7:34 AMAdni
This article clearly explains what to do. You can't change it but you can open a new account and stop
Posted by: Mark J at February 21, 2011 9:28 AMusing the old one.
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_change_my_hotmail_name_or_address.html
Hi Leo
It is possible to rename a Hotmail address. See the following link. This must be a new feature since the article was written.
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-hotmail-rename-account-using
29-May-2011
Posted by: Christine at May 29, 2011 4:18 AM