Summary: This comprehensive guide elucidates the step-by-step process of how to migrate Hotmail emails to Office 365 Primary and In-Place Archive mailboxes. Two optimal methods are detailed, encompassing the transfer of emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes.
Acknowledging Hotmail as a retired web-based email service acquired by Microsoft in 1997, the transition to Outlook.com in 2013 retained functionality for existing hotmail.com email addresses. Given the contemporary need for Hotmail to Office 365 migration, users often seek efficient ways to merge email accounts for personal and professional requirements.
Reasons for Hotmail Emails to Office 365 Migration
1. Centralized Email Management: Users prefer consolidating emails into one Office 365 account for streamlined access.
2. Business Growth: Transitioning to Office 365 is essential for businesses in expansion, providing professional email addresses with custom domains.
3. Enhanced Productivity: Microsoft 365 offers a suite of online applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive, Planner, and SharePoint.
4. Scalability: Users can easily purchase Office 365 licenses based on their business needs, allowing for scalability.
Expert Suggested Software
The guide recommends using the ToolsBackup Outlook.com Backup Tool for seamless Hotmail to Office 365 migration. This automated tool ensures security by requiring only Hotmail and Office 365 account credentials without storing login details. A free trial version is available for understanding the tool’s functionality.
How to Migrate Hotmail Emails to Office 365 Account
1. Launch the Hotmail to Office 365 Migration Tool on your computer.
2. Click on Open > Email Account > Add Account and then Enter the Hotmail email address and password, then click the Add button.
3. The tool uploads Hotmail folders in the graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to select the folders to move.
4. Utilize advanced filters to migrate specific data based on dates, email addresses, and email subjects.
5. Set Office 365 as the saving option and enter the M365 account email address.
6. Click Export to commence the migration process, entering the Office 365 account password.
7. Once the Hotmail to Office 365 migration is complete, log in to the targeted Office 365 account to verify the imported data.
Also, read how to Import Hotmail Emails to Gmail Account with a complete step-by-step guide.
Why Hotmail to Office 365 Migration Tool?
1. Comprehensive Migration: Capable of transferring emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and more.
2. Selective Migration: Users can choose specific folders for migration using checkboxes, tailoring the process to their needs.
3. Advanced Filters: Offers filters for moving specific data based on dates, email addresses, and subjects.
4. In-Place Archive Support: Allows migrating Hotmail to Office 365 primary and in-place archive mailboxes.
5. User-Friendly: Provides an “I am admin” option for migrating Hotmail to Office 365 under a specific user account.
6. Log Reports: Automatically generates detailed log reports, maintaining transparency.
7. Preservation of Folder Structure: Maintains the original folder structure during the migration process.
8. Email Properties Preservation: Preserves email properties like To, Cc, From, Subject, Date, Time, Images, Text, HTML Links, and more.
Manual Approach to Migrate
While no direct manual approach is available, users with Office 365 administrator-level knowledge can follow three phases involving configuring Hotmail with Outlook Desktop, obtaining PST files from Outlook, and using the network upload technique.
Drawbacks of the Manual Method
1. Technical Expertise Required: Office 365 administrator-level knowledge is essential, posing challenges for non-technical users.
2. Time-Consuming: The manual method involves multiple phases, making it a lengthy process.
3. Cost of Outlook: The Microsoft Outlook desktop version, a prerequisite for the manual method, is not free.
4. Data Loss Risk: Incorrect operations during manual steps may lead to irreversible data loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the guide emphasizes staying abreast of technological advancements while advocating for efficient solutions. The ToolsBackup Outlook.com Backup Tool is recommended for its accuracy in migrating Hotmail emails to Office 365. Users may also opt for manual steps, but caution is advised due to the complexity and potential data loss associated with the process.