hotmail not working

Check Microsoft’s service-health page first, because Outlook/Hotmail access problems are currently being reported; if Outlook is listed as affected, wait for Microsoft to restore the service rather than changing your computer settings.^1^

If no incident is shown

1. Open Hotmail directly at:
   https://outlook.live.com/mail/
2. Open the same address in an InPrivate/Incognito window:
   • Edge: press Ctrl+Shift+N
   • Chrome: press Ctrl+Shift+N
   • Firefox: press Ctrl+Shift+P
3. If it works privately, temporarily disable browser extensions—especially AdBlock or uBlock—and refresh Outlook. Microsoft documents that these blockers can cause Outlook.com messages to time out or fail to load.^2^
4. If disabling the extension works, add outlook.com as an allowed site in the blocker. Otherwise, clear cookies and cached data for Outlook/Microsoft sites, close the browser, and reopen it.^3^
5. Test another browser such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. If Outlook works there, the problem is isolated to the original browser rather than the mailbox.

If it still keeps asking to refresh

Try Outlook on a phone or another device. If the same account fails there after Microsoft’s service status returns to normal, request Outlook.com support through Help on the Outlook.com menu bar. If the mailbox will not open far enough to use Help, use Microsoft’s alternate sign-in support option documented under Still need help?^4^

Record the exact error text or any code displayed—particularly Error 500, Error 440, or BootResult: fail—because that distinguishes a mailbox/service failure from a browser refresh loop.

References

1. Microsoft service health status
2. Fixes or workarounds for recent issues on Outlook.com | Microsoft Support
3. outlook.com - Microsoft Q&A
4. Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com | Microsoft Support