How to Change a Hotmail Username After a Surname Change
Question details
The user changed their surname and wants to update their Hotmail username to reflect the new name, while retaining access to existing email messages and contacts.
- Product
- Hotmail / Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Updating an email address after a legal name change without losing previous emails.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft does not allow direct renaming of an existing Hotmail email address, requiring users to set up an alias or forward emails to a new account.
Ensure you have access to your current Hotmail account and decide whether you prefer adding a new address to your existing inbox (alias) or starting with a completely new account.
Add a New Email Alias to Your Existing Account
Creating an alias allows you to add a new email address linked to your new surname while keeping the same inbox, contacts, and account settings.
An alias is an additional email address associated with your Outlook or Hotmail account. It shares the same inbox, password, and contact list as your primary address.
This is the most seamless method because it requires no data migration and lets you choose which address you send from.
Navigate to the Microsoft account website and log in with your current Hotmail credentials.
Click on 'Your info' at the top of the page, then select 'Edit account info'.
Under 'Account aliases', click the link that says 'Add email'.
Select 'Create a new email address and add it as an alias', type your new desired username using your new surname, and click 'Add alias'.
Once added, you can click 'Make primary' next to the new alias so it appears as your main sender address.
Create a New Microsoft Account and Forward Messages
If you want a completely fresh start rather than using an alias, you can create a new account and forward incoming mail from your old address.
Discover a Free and Lightweight Office Suite with WPS Office
While you update your email credentials, consider switching to WPS Office for your document needs. It offers a completely free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that is easy to install and requires no complex account configurations to start working.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation file for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and immediately start opening and editing your existing Microsoft Office files with full compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I directly rename my existing Hotmail email address?
No, Microsoft does not allow users to directly change an existing email address or domain. Instead, you must add a new alias to your account or create a completely new Microsoft account.
Will I lose my old emails if I create an alias for my new surname?
No, creating an alias simply links an additional email address to your current inbox. You will retain full access to all your old emails, contacts, and calendar events.
Can I create a new alias with an @hotmail.co.uk domain?
Microsoft has discontinued the creation of new regional domains like @hotmail.co.uk. Any new alias or account you create will need to use currently available domains such as @outlook.com or @hotmail.com.
