Leave Windows Live Hotmail and Revert Back to Classic MSN Hotmail
Windows Live Hotmail which was briefly named as Windows Live Mail during beta, is officially launched as final version. Windows Live Hotmail is the new web-based email service from Microsoft which is intended as the replacement for the classic old MSN Hotmail existed since 1995. Major enhancements in Windows Live Hotmail are extensive use of AJAX for interactive feature and free 2GB email storage space. From 7 May 2007, all new Hotmail accounts will be created as Windows Live Hotmail accounts, while existing MSN Hotmail users can update to Windows Live Hotmail by clicking on the “Join Windows Live Hotmail” button below the Hotmail logo, with beta users automatically switched.
However, the user interface of Windows Live Hotmail is not as intuitive, as responsive or as attractive as you would have expected. After switching over, you may regret your choice and would like to revert back to the old classic Hotmail interface. Luckily, Microsoft still provide a way to switch back to MSN Hotmail, with the downside that you may lose your free 2GB space. Here’s how to do it.
There’re 2 version of Windows Live Hotmail – full version with all the AJAX capabilities such as address auto-complete, reading pane, color schemes and keyboard shortcuts, and classic version which pretty much resemble the user interface the original Hotmail. In fact, classic Windows Live Hotmail interface version is recommended for users with slow internet connection or a monitor that is under 1024 x 768 pixels. If you want to keep the 2GB free space, this is the best option to opt for.
Switch to classic version of Windows Live Hotmail
Simply look for “Switch to classic” link located in the bottom left corner, and you’re done.
Switch back to original MSN Hotmail
If you want to revert back to MSN Hotmail, and don’t care whether you have the free 2GB mail space, click on Options on the top right corner (in full version, a pull down menu will be shown, where you should further click on More Options). You will see the following message.
For full version:
You’re using the full version of Windows Live Hotmail.
Click here to try the classic version, which is good for slow connections.
You can also Switch to MSN Hotmail.
For classic version:
You are using the classic version of Windows Live Hotmail.
Have a fast connection and want more features? Try the full version to see message previews in your inbox. (It’s free, too.)
You can also Switch to MSN Hotmail.
So to revert, click on “Switch to MSN Hotmail”. In the Switch Back page, confirm by clicking on Switch back button. And you’re back to original MSN Hotmail.
Related Articles
- Opt Out of Windows Live Mail and Get Back to MSN Hotmail Interface
- Register Windows Live ID with Hotmail @live.com or @windowslive.com or Local Domains
- Download Windows Live Hotmail for Mobile Beta
- Set Windows Live Messenger to Always Auto Login to Hotmail Using Internet Explorer (IE)
- Windows Live Hotmail
- Windows Live Hotmail Free 5GB Email Storage Space
- How to Send Full Size Photos or Pictures with Windows Live (MSN) Hotmail
- How to Turn Off and Skip MSN/Windows Live Hotmail Today News Direct to Inbox
- How to Change Windows Live (Hotmail and Messenger) Password
- Move, Transfer, Migrate and Switch from @msn.com or @hotmail.com to @live.com for Fresh Start
Entries (RSS)
November 14th, 2008 05:15
I, too, am fed up with this SLOW nonsense. It doesn’t ever make sense to develop something and not obtain end-user opinion! I’ve submitted the “feedback” requested in the new Windows Live Slowmail, but am quite convinced that after this many people have expressed concern and they’ve not reverted, they probably won’t! So, let’s all change to different e-mail services and leave them stewing in their so-called upgrade…with no customers. Would THAT tell them anything?
November 13th, 2008 01:19
I’d like to add my comments in case anyone from Microsoft actually listens. Change Hotmail back to something that works fast and is easy to navigate. 30 more days of this lousy product and I’m switching to Gmail.
November 12th, 2008 21:57
please change me back this is useless
November 12th, 2008 17:08
and so what, every one is mad and still no way to switch back from this version, htere must be any solution
November 12th, 2008 05:12
the new version is utter rubbish we should have been given the choice as an oap who uses the web all the time to keep in touch with my friends and am very angry i was very happy with the old system but feel very let down
November 12th, 2008 04:11
where is the switch page?
November 12th, 2008 04:09
Hate windows live too. No contact list and can’t forward
November 11th, 2008 12:22
Bleedin’ Christ. Makes the web page slower and less usable in so many ways. Don’t they even consider the user experience. Don’t have to design stuff to pacify the developers by letting them change everything just for the sake of it.
November 11th, 2008 02:10
I can’t forward anymore they put the contacts on another page so it doesn’t send. I like the way that it was before.
November 10th, 2008 15:37
am sorry but i don’t like this version at all .. you had ask us first before you convert to this stupid version
November 10th, 2008 08:54
please give me a break ….please give me back my classic version…….
November 10th, 2008 07:14
i need stuff from my old folders
November 10th, 2008 04:51
hey windows manager! i want to switch back to my previous windows live hotmail,the one b4 i upgraded it to the newest version, but i can’t find the “switch to classic ” buton anywhere. could u pls help me coz i really dont like this version. thanx
November 9th, 2008 20:22
what can i do to switch to the classic version as my page don’t has this lik “switch to classic version” in its left corner or in any place on it, and also in my more option page i don’t have this message “You’re using the full version of Windows Live Hotmail.
Click here to try the classic version, which is good for slow connections.”
November 8th, 2008 07:16
Add my thoughts to the fact that the new format sux, bigtime. The change was probably “make work” to avoid someone getting canned, coz of lack of something to do. This format makes Yahoo interface look like it was designed by genius’.
November 8th, 2008 01:24
I’ve created a GMail account because I want to ditch Hotmail now – it totally sucks!!!
I know about exporting the Contacts list, but is there an easier way to forward all my existing mail than having to go to each and every one and forward them?
I want to keep all my existing email that I have in my varios folders – I’ve created the same folders in Gmail, but is there a “bulk” forward option? I thought maybe I could “checkmark” all the emails and then hit a forward button (in the same fashion as if I wanted to do a bulk delete), but I can’t find a way to select multiple emails and then forward them all.
Is there a way?
Help anyone, cause as we all know, this new Hotmail Live is CRAP …. and I’m going to leave Hotmail totally once I can get all my old email sent over to my new Gmail.
Thanks!!!
November 8th, 2008 01:03
Thanks LaMonte
I tried the windows live beta and it’s much easier to use. I still don’t trust them so I will see how it works. If you don’t want Windows Live Beta, export your contacts and save them to your desktop and import them from yahoo contacts options. They download in like 3 seconds. Saves time on trying to write and type all of the contacts you have in your list. I used the vacation reply and told everyone to contact me at yahoo now.. I’m still mad! But thanks for the tip.
November 8th, 2008 00:13
How do I find my folders when in the inbox? All I see is related places on the side where they use to be.
I hate this new version too but I really need something out of one of my old folders.. please help!
November 7th, 2008 23:48
HEY! THIS IS GREAT! I just wrote cuz I was pissed and wanted the classic.
Since we can’t have classic download WINDOWS LIVE BETA VERSION! I just did. I am involved in multiple programs on the web, so changing my address is a pain in the ass!
It is good. The scroll bar works now! I can see all of my folders again. Life is good!
I wish there was a way I could pass this to everyone! Just go to your hotmail and click settings or services or something I forgot.. Just look for the free beta download.
November 7th, 2008 23:17
I am extremely frustrated with this new windows live window! All my of my 20+ folders are squished and unrecognizable. I didn’t know how content I was with the old version until it was gone! Bring the classic version back! This is ridiculous!
November 7th, 2008 23:13
I don’t know when this article was originally written, but it does not apply any more. There was a rollback option in the Windows Live Mail beta, but that option is gone now. The only thing I don’t like about it is the absence of the Check Mail button, I don’t know why they would get rid of that.
November 7th, 2008 21:14
Your new “Windows live” version leaves a lot to be desired. I cannot access all of my email addresses when going to BCC. Not enough room to scroll down but 20 addresses of 105. I cannot remove addresses from emails that I forward and privacy is important. I do not care for this brilliant computer concept as it has completely disrupted my schedule, my communications and my disposition.
November 7th, 2008 17:36
From another blog:
“If your account has been upgraded to Windows Live Hotmail as part of the migration, you may not be able to revert to Hotmail, but you can use the classic interface of Windows Live Hotmail. The ability to revert existed during the beta when someone switched to the beta and allowed you to go back. All accounts will eventually be switched to WL Hotmail.
Stephen Boots
MVP Windows Live
Windows Live OneCare Forum Moderator
sboots@mvps.org
–
Everyone who is upset with the new Hotmail should let Mr Boots know what they think at sboots@mvps.org
Also, you can eventually submit a complaint directly to Hotmail if you surf through the ‘Help Central’ and ‘Feedback’ sections (click the blue question mark icon on the upper far right of your Hotmail inbox).
Complain long and loud, and just maybe they’ll bring back the classic view option.
Or just switch to Gmail
November 7th, 2008 14:28
Well the idiots are at it again. It is obvious that someone with the brain the size of a walnut redesigned the page layout using a large monitor. The type and left side bar are too large for the average 17 inch screen. Amazing these “creative geniuses” have jobs and their supervisors sign off on mistakes like this.
November 7th, 2008 13:49
The responses from hotmail seem to dwell on the change, trying to assure people that over time they will get used to the change, that they are only upset because it is a change…that is silly. We are upset because the new version is awful and far inferior to the other version. They could change it, WHY CAN’T THEY CHANGE IT BACK???