To create a free Hotmail account, now known as Outlook.com, you can follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser: Launch your preferred web browser on your computer or mobile device.

2. Go to Outlook.com: Enter the Outlook.com website address in the browser's address bar. The address is "https://outlook.live.com/owa/".

3. Click on "Create account": On the Outlook.com home page, you should see an option to "Create account" or "Sign up." Click on it to proceed.

4. Provide necessary information: You will be directed to the account creation form. Fill in the required information, including the following:
   

   • Create a unique username: Enter a username for your new email address. This will be the part that appears before the "@hotmail.com" domain. If your desired username is unavailable, you may need to try different variations or choose a different username.

   • Create a strong password: Choose a strong password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Make sure it is unique and not easily guessable.

   • Personal details: Enter your first and last name, date of birth, and gender.

   • Country/region: Select your country or region from the provided list.

   • Phone number: Enter your phone number, which will be used for account recovery and verification purposes.

   • Alternate email address (optional): You can provide an alternate email address if you have one. This is useful for account recovery if you forget your password.

1. Verify your information: Complete the security verification process by entering the characters you see in the provided image or by receiving a verification code on your phone or alternate email address. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

2. Review terms and conditions: Read and review the terms of service and privacy policy. If you agree to them, check the box to indicate your acceptance.

3. Complete the account creation: Click on the "Next" or "Create account" button to complete the account creation process.

4. Set up your account: Once your account is created, you may be prompted to personalize your inbox, such as selecting a theme or organizing your folders. You can also import contacts from other email accounts if you wish.

5. Access your inbox: After completing the setup, you will be redirected to your new Hotmail/Outlook.com inbox. From there, you can start sending and receiving emails.

Remember to keep your account information secure and regularly update your password to maintain the security of your email account.