, which wasn't possible through standard POP or IMAP at the time.

While the was once a vital tool for syncing Hotmail accounts with older versions of desktop Outlook, it has been officially discontinued and replaced . Modern Microsoft accounts now use the Exchange ActiveSync protocol, which Outlook handles natively without extra downloads.

The Outlook Hotmail Connector (Version 14.0) allowed users of to sync their Windows Live Hotmail or Office Live Mail accounts. It enabled: Two-way synchronization of emails and folders.

, using Outlook's robust filters on Hotmail messages. Why You Don't Need to Download it in 2026 New Outlook Hotmail Connector released today - Microsoft

Below is an overview of what the connector was, why it is no longer needed, and how to connect your Hotmail account today. What was the Outlook Hotmail Connector?