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 2nd, 2008 13:32
I like Kristinas post up there, feel the same. They are such morons, “new” live shit aint working AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tons of important mail and info in there so what I want is to find the best mail on the net ( and now screw hotmail forever). Anyone who has experience of mail2world.com ?
I emailed them and it was possible to have multiple email adresses but they didnt specify how many ? I wish to be able and have unlimited mail adresses. Is there maybe a script to upload my own ? Hmm.searchin….
November 2nd, 2008 13:22
I dont think its possible to get back to the old classic version which just shows they are idiots………BECAUSE its not working smooth or at all. Move away to another, this is something I have to even though it is plenty work. They are idiots, just leave them. Read the rest of the net, it seems everyone wants to leave em now………listen to customers, whats that ???
November 2nd, 2008 12:49
i want the MSN Hotmail Classic please somebody help us this is so unfair!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 2nd, 2008 06:25
I’ve been trying for 3 weeks to get back to Classic. I agree with all of you. Can’t print out correctly, can’t see complete messages in the window, etc., etc.
Thinking of changing to another Internet Provider, as this is unbelievable what they’ve done with no notification or reason. Thanks for letting me vent.
Shirl
November 1st, 2008 22:52
HOW can they just upgrade my account to a Live Hotmail account – WHEN i DIDN’T SIGN UP OR ASK FOR IT??? DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A PHONE NUMBER TO CALL TO HAVE THEM REMOVE IT & GIVE ME BACK MY CLASSIC lIVE ACCOUNT? Or – is there an online tech support to get help? This is CRAZY! My email is all screwed up. I can’t do anything. I can’t believe they have FORCED this on people.
November 1st, 2008 03:51
After hours of trying to switch back to MSN Hotmail Classic from Windows Live it seems that option is no longer available. However I still have another ‘Classic’ acount that has a smaller capactiy and hasn’t been forcibly changed. I now have all my e-mails automatically sent to my ‘Classic’ account from Windows Live which is still optional and where I can manage them as before. What a pain in the arse!
November 1st, 2008 01:02
I called MSN support at 800-386-5550, & got some wog who said since my account was free there was nothing to do. I’m trying the MSN Auto care. We shall see
Download MSN Auto Care
MSN Auto Care is a tool you can install to diagnose and automatically fix common MSN Premium and MSN Dial-up problems. When you have problems with MSN, use Auto Care to help ensure that the software is running properly.
Get help with this
To install Auto Care, click the appropriate link below, click Run, and then click Install. Auto Care will start automatically. To access Auto Care for later use, go to C:/Program Files/MSN/Support, and then double-click AC.exe.
Microsoft respects your privacy. MSN Auto Care doesn’t collect any information from your computer, and it doesn’t send anything to your computer. For more information: Read the privacy statement | Read the MSN Subscription Agreement
To download MSN Auto Care, click a link:
Download on Windows XP or later
Download on earlier versions of Windows
November 1st, 2008 00:55
Well they switched me too without asking and I can’t figure out how to go back to classic… and on TOP of that.. they don’t allow you to compose emails anymore (unless you are running an acceptable operating system)…
YES YOU HEARD ME RIGHT!!! If you are running Firefox on Linux, chances are you can do most things, but cannot actually TYPE in the body of the email.
FWIW, I’ve created a user agent profile (to lie to websites and javascript) that I am running FireFox 2.0.0.11 on Windows98 (really Linux/Ubuntu) and magically I can compose emails and use the new interface JUST fine — even though it’s the SAME web browser!??
Don’t believe me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEsrohWe3Vo
I wish I had a higher res version available (which it was 480×360 and I tried with 640×480) .. but it’s really lame that switching user agent (lying to hotmail) solves a issue — oh wait that’s a feature (causing problems to non-windows OS’s)
–Doug
November 1st, 2008 00:23
What a load of shit the new Hotmail Live is! The task bar blocks your contact list when you want to send a multiple contact e-mail. If I wanted to change I’d of asked to. Either give me my ‘Classic Hotmail’ back or get bent Gates.
Arseholes!
October 31st, 2008 22:14
I HATE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Windows Live is a piece of CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!
None of these help instructions are useful, none of the methods taught here to switch back to classic hotmail are really avaialble.
There is no button on the bottom left to “Switch back to Classic”
There is no menu option in the Options dropdown menu to “Opt out of Windows Live” or to “Switch back to Classic”
I can’t stand the new interface, and I too was upgraded to this new CRAPPY Live without consenting.
I tried to log into my old classic Hotmail and wa presented with a page that asked if I wanted to upgrade to new Live, I clicked the NO button, but wham-bam, thank-you ma’am it was sent to the new CRAP and am now stuck with it.
I’ve sent numerous emails to their Feedback, Help Central, Contact Us links, etc … and no reply.
If they don’t resolve this or provide a way to switch back SOON …. I will forward all my email and setup a new account on Yahoo or some other service and LEAVE this DUMBSH!T, CRAPPY, Live bull dung.
With all the AJAX crap, half the crap no longer loads, it constantly freezes up and I have to switch to Task Manager and end the IE session … it’s a big bunch of CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 31st, 2008 11:54
fuck hotmail new is………so stupid
October 31st, 2008 03:43
foi mal a grosseria, mas nao tem como não ficar com esse windons live!
October 31st, 2008 03:38
Seria melhor não ter posto nada aqui do que essa enrolação!
por favor explicam melhor isso aí!
October 30th, 2008 20:53
Não estou conseguindo voltar à versão clássica pelo canto superior esquerdo pois a página não apresenta a opção depois de clcar em “mais opções.” A equipe do hotmail não sabe que estamos com problemas com a nova versão?
October 30th, 2008 18:32
You know what? It isnt even my computer what is this crap?
I can get into my inbox, see everything that I happen to very IMPORTANTLY NEED RIGHT NOW SEEING AS I HAVE AN EXAM THAT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TOMORROW
And yet, I cant click anything
I cant delete
I cant read
I cant move
I cant send anything
WHAT THAT FUCK
IS
WRONG
WITH
YOU
RETARDED
PEOPLE?
A friggin nerd in my class could do a better job than the overpaid retards to created Live
it is an ABOLISHMENT
A piece of shit
The mess my dog makes in the yard
is worth more than this
‘Cool new simple’ live crap.
It doesnt work
I hate you
I hope you die.
I hope your family die.
I hope everyone associated with you dies
because help that I happened to need for this exam I have TOMORROW
I need to access through email
and funny thing is I MOTHERFUCKING
CANT ACCESS IT
Rofl?
Would you look at that?
Cant access it!
=D
FUCK YOU FUCKING MOTHERFUCKING PIECES OF SHIT.
I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN AND KILL YOU. =D
Much love, sweetiepies. <33
October 30th, 2008 18:24
D:
What in the HELL
My computer is too slow for this crap..
Nothing works. I can’t access work mail, when I -need- it. Like really, -need- it.
I just want a simple normal hotmail like what we had before all this ‘live’ crap came in.
IT SUCKS.
Who ever invented it has issues. =|
Seriously.
Also as for these ‘instructions’
I’ll have you know, when you click more options it says nothing that you seem to believe it says..
?
October 30th, 2008 06:33
Same here, cannot opt out — can someone PLEASE supply up-to-date information how to revert back to Hotmail Classic ?
October 30th, 2008 06:18
I cant do a thing with my mail. I want the classic version back yet when i follow the instructions i get no where.
October 30th, 2008 05:14
Anyone have any idea how to switch back to classic? They tell us how here but the places they tell you to click are not there. Why did they change me without my permission anyway!!?? I hate the ‘new look’. And, right, I can’t find a way to contact them. I used to be able to send tech an email – guess they have no tech support anymore.
October 29th, 2008 18:29
I learn if you are not a lawer in the USA you will get rip off in the USA. My county sold me a home and they lie so much that you have to be a lawer to gt the truth out of the doing business in the USA. I now have $$$$ as I will not buy a thing in the USA. GOD DAMN LIERS is the contry of the red white and blue. Going to move to a asina country where items are built with CLASSSS. HAHAHA to the ones that think the USA is the best. My life turn into hell living in calif. hope USA end up like MEXICO for lieinggggggggg
October 25th, 2008 23:53
this is so stupid, you send us here to change back to classic and no way to do it….can’t contact anyone to help with some kind of link to do it either….I HATE the new windows live hotmail I want the old hotmail where everything worked fine. Nothing works on this new thing
October 22nd, 2008 03:28
I am with everyone else on this new e-mail. I want the Classic version back. Nothing you have on this page will get you back to Classic version from the new e-mail and it don’t work right. HELP
October 19th, 2008 02:22
i dont like the new windows email i cant attach photos, and when i forward somethimg i cant access the email to contact iwant the old one back i didn;nt ask for a change
October 16th, 2008 23:55
This is absurd – no such message appears at all and it’s driving me nuts… great.
Fk Microsoft.
October 11th, 2008 00:13
if it aint broke dont fix it. I clicked on somehting mentioned in the article (smirk) and it takes me to a windows programs download page. The last thing I want are programs from you guys. See how this program is working? None of us want it.
Im missing appointments due to this. No one will help, no way to contact anyone. I hope you all lose your fucking jobs