Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.

Every so often the Windows Live Hotmail interface changes and it's easy to miss where certain things went. I'll point you at Reply and Forward.

My Windows Live Hotmail changed a few days ago to a new version; a slightly new look according to them. I can't see how to forward messages and I can't reply them. I do not see any button to perform this task.

Reply and Forward are pretty fundamental, so they certainly didn't disappear.

As the message from Hotmail said, they're just slightly different.

And perhaps in a different place.

"As a result, if you're a Hotmail user you should be prepared for periodic changes ..."

The biggest difference to me is that they no longer look like buttons, so that it's very easy to miss them. Here's a picture, with the new location and look highlighted:

Windows Live Hotmail Reply and Forward Buttons

If you happen to be looking at your message in "Full view":

Windows Live Hotmail Reply and Forward Buttons in Full View

Hotmail is in a constant state of change as it tries to both catch up with it's competitors as well as perhaps even innovate with new features. As a result, if you're a Hotmail user you should be prepared for periodic changes, it's just a fact of life.

Some changes are subtle, such as this one, and they can be easy to miss.

But there will be change.

Update: I've posted a new article discussing the recent changes to Windows Live Hotmail, and your options in dealing with it: How can I get the old Windows Live Hotmail back?

Article C3559 - November 8, 2008

Leo 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.

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Recent Comments
32 Comments

you guys aren't the only ones... my reply, forward buttons are all missing... got a mac and runs beautifully - get rid of everything microsoft and your life will be much better - i promise.

Posted by: tony at September 4, 2009 8:34 AM

hello, if I reply in Hotmail i loose the initial message??? HELP!!

Posted by: Jasper at October 19, 2009 12:39 PM

its not there, the hotmail in the image shows the reply button, mine doesnt have the buttons help!

Posted by: bee at October 31, 2009 9:36 PM

This is a great way to get Windows Live IMAP support on your MAC http://fluentfactory.com/mboxmail-for-mac/

Posted by: tomb at November 3, 2009 2:30 PM

It seems the buttons are missing at least when using IE8, so this is bug. Try using another browser (FireFox, Opera).

Posted by: Higo at February 21, 2010 2:57 AM
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