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.
Share and contribute or get technical support and help at My Digital Life Forums.
Related Articles
- Register Windows Live ID with Hotmail @live.com or @windowslive.com or Local Domains
- Windows Live Hotmail
- Opt Out of Windows Live Mail and Get Back to MSN Hotmail Interface
- 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
- Login to Two Google, Gmail, Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail and Other Accounts with Google Chrome Incognito Mode
- Move, Transfer, Migrate and Switch from @msn.com or @hotmail.com to @live.com for Fresh Start
- Free XBox Live Arcade Classic Games Online - Frogger, Pac-Man and Galaga
- Microsoft Latest Windows Live Suite And @live.com Email Address Available


























September 25th, 2007 00:12
I seem to be stuck with the new version. And I am pretty ticked off as I don’t like it and don’t know what to do to get back to the old hotmail. And who to complain to?
September 23rd, 2007 19:30
i like to switch off windows live back to old hotmail and i can’t get it,
i get some little Direction but it doesn’t work i go to Option place and i saw like this i don’t know if they change
(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.))..
i need another help if i can get
September 23rd, 2007 10:34
I am with everyone here, I have been trying to gain the original true orginal msn hotmail back with no luck from the msn live team what so ever. I left about maybe 3 negative feedbacks because their website email service is down. Probably too much pressure to revert. Unfortunately I always used the old hotmail as my main account and still love it. I about a few days away from moving everything I have into yahoo, its a pain but i really want to give them time to fix this. Hopefully!!
September 23rd, 2007 00:15
is is just me or did my old school Hotmail change to windows live classic by itself?
is anyone getting this forced upgrade?
September 22nd, 2007 21:57
JUST A CLICK WILL DO
Well I’m done with WINDOWS LIVE! It will be a week tomorrow and nothing has been done. I will be looking for another server. Thanks to who ever changed CLASSIC!!! windows live will never be a CLASSIC, it will be “windows dead”!
PS. You need to read your E/mails, if you can find them!!!!!!!
SO LONG LOOSER’S
September 22nd, 2007 13:37
Just keep demanding through feedback that MSN give the option to revert back. Hopefully MSN will soon understands that many of their users will abandon the service for a competitor. And once we leave it’s hard if not impossible to get us back. Just ask the Recording Industry & Labels!!!
September 22nd, 2007 07:31
I’ve tried every thing I can to get back the old hotmail look and still nothing… I cant even get ahold of customer service for msn.. so I’ll keep sending complaints thru “feedback” until I get customer service and then I’ll flood them with complaints and I think every body should do the same. I’ve also changed my hotmail to yahoo mail… its sad because I’ve been using msn for 7 years now and now i’ve got to change because some idiot thouth windows live is a good thing. to bad its not and never will be.
September 22nd, 2007 06:25
please give us the choice to switch or not what if someone did the same thing to you didnt give you a choice about something so please switch us back or give us a switch button that is actually there cause i done even see one the only thing there is to switch you back to classic windows live please give us it back or old msn hotmail how many people do you want to lose to this or hear complaning about it
September 22nd, 2007 05:59
i want the msm CLASSIC version… this cant be possible… c’mon tell us how to get it.
September 22nd, 2007 05:47
Just A Click Will Do
Remember Me, I’m Back AGAIN
AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE IT SAYS: “LEAVE WINDOWS LIVE AND REVIRT BACK TO CLASSIC HOTMAIL” Then theres a window in front of “SWITCH BACK TO CLASSIC” that you can’t get to. Well It’s not working still, HELLO !!!
1) can someone give us a answer, WHY !!!
2) Is there someone reading these SUBMITS that gives a DAMM.
3) can you tell that the plubic is Pissed off with HOTMAIL.
4) It would be nice if someone could send an e/mail to let us know whats going on.
5) “GOT Clue”
Whats it going to take to get an answer????
I forgot How many { of these } I have sent?
and I will keep on sending to you get something done or I get an answer !!!!!
September 21st, 2007 23:24
Windows Live Hotmail is slow, unattractive, and frustrating. I am very disappointed that I was automatically switched to this new version, that is definitely NOT an improvement. I want to revert to the MSN Hotmail version I was happily using before. I am angry that there does not seem to be option to do this. It doesn’t appear under the options menu. Is there another way to access this option? In the meantime I will continue sending feedback messages expressing my disgust with Live Hotmail every time I log in.
September 21st, 2007 23:10
these idiots at Msoft just shoved a piece of garbage down my throat with this Live thing. It sucks so bad that i tried it before and i switched back to the old hotmail. Now this time they forced it on me and i cant go back to old hotmail. I hate you hotmail and i dont think i will be using u for my primary email much longer.
September 21st, 2007 15:32
I’m surprised dinosaurs aren’t using this innovative upgrade. It would be something if the automated upgrade was actually that, instead of being a bulky, badly designed piece of programming that fails to work. When I finally located my mail options I found hardly any of them there. It doesn’t record any of my preference changes - like that for plain text or not viewing the today page. So many bugs. What a backwards step.
September 21st, 2007 12:23
All aboard! Let’s get off this ship as it is sinking fast! What a bunch of self center, egotistical idiots. I hope this Microsoft company goes down and fast! They disgust me!
MP
September 21st, 2007 08:31
I think we all need to flood the “Feedback” on Live hotmail as much as we can many many times. I’ve done it about 5 times and I will continue to keep doing it till I reach at least 100 times. Maybe they’ll get the hint that they screwed up with this crap
September 21st, 2007 08:24
I also hate this windows live hotmail…. no one asked us if we wanted to switch or even gave us the option to stay with the old hotmail format… it just goes to show you that we the people have no rights even on the web.. I agree with people that say Gates get what Gates wants… So what if he likes it… give us the option if we want your crap or not..
September 21st, 2007 04:37
I HATE THIS STUPID WINDOWS LIVE HOTMAIL! I want the old hotmail back. I mean I could understand it if they had actually asked for my permission, but I just signed on today, and bam, I now have Windows Live Hotmail. I do not want this, and I was happy with the old hotmail. But I can’t find the feature. I hate this!
September 21st, 2007 01:41
su@#$%
ok… I move to gmail.
September 20th, 2007 23:33
It would have been courteous of MSN to inform us that we cannot switch back to our beloved hotmail accounts, so that thousands of IT guys around the country would not have to lose the productivity of searching for a solution that does not exist.
Time better spent switching to g mail.
September 20th, 2007 20:56
They’ve remobed the “Switch to MSN Hotmail” link.
Gmail here I come!
September 20th, 2007 19:10
Now they went and “f^%$#up” hotmail for good I lost all my messages fucking idiots good bye hotmail and hallo Gmail.
September 20th, 2007 18:44
I might not hate the new version as much as I do if it actually WORKED!!! Cut and paste doesn’t work and often, for no apparent reason, e-mail bounces back to me when I have put in the proper e-mail address!!!!
September 20th, 2007 15:39
put a link for switching backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk i want old style orrrrrrrrrrr i will go to another comapny
September 20th, 2007 15:37
fuck you hotmail with your bill gates you have to ask clients mother fu@@@@ker i will go to other comapny Gmail mother fu@@@@@kerr
September 20th, 2007 02:50
Please please someone find out a solution. I have tried everything and still I can’t get back to the old MSN hotmail! I grow angry when I come on the computer because I know I have windows live mail. And how? I have no idea!!! It just, the other day. turned into a windows live account!! Please someone help…