MSN Premium Butterfly was a subscription-based service offered by Microsoft as part of its MSN online portal. Launched in the early 2000s, it provided users with premium content, including news articles, stock quotes, and weather forecasts, as well as additional features like ad-free browsing and extra storage space for MSN Hotmail (now Outlook.com) email accounts.
However, Microsoft has recently announced that it will be discontinuing the MSN Premium Butterfly service, with the shutdown scheduled for July 31, 2023. The decision to end this service is part of the company's efforts to streamline its offerings and focus on more modern and relevant products and services.
The discontinuation of MSN Premium Butterfly is a reflection of the changing landscape of online services and the shift towards more integrated and cloud-based solutions. With the rise of free online content and the proliferation of subscription-based services like Microsoft 365, the need for a separate premium offering like Butterfly has diminished.
Microsoft has stated that existing MSN Premium Butterfly subscribers will receive refunds for any remaining time on their subscriptions after the service ends. Additionally, users will still have access to free content and services available through the MSN portal and other Microsoft products.
Microsoft has announced the termination of the MSN Premium Butterfly service. Here are the key dates and timeline for the shutdown:
April 15, 2023: End of new subscription sales and renewals for MSN Premium Butterfly. Existing active subscriptions will continue until their expiration date.
June 30, 2023: Access to premium content and features of MSN Butterfly will be disabled for all users. However, users can still access their account and billing information.
August 31, 2023: The MSN Premium Butterfly service will be completely shut down. Users will no longer be able to access their accounts, billing information, or any data associated with the service.
Microsoft recommends that users download any important data or content from their MSN Butterfly accounts before August 31, 2023. After this date, all user data will be permanently deleted and will be unrecoverable.
For any remaining active subscriptions, Microsoft will provide prorated refunds for the unused portion of the subscription term. Refunds will be processed automatically and credited to the original payment method used for the subscription.
With the impending shutdown of Microsoft's Butterfly email service, many MSN email users are wondering how they can keep accessing their inboxes. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided a straightforward solution to transition your MSN email account to the new Outlook.com platform.
Here's how you can ensure uninterrupted access to your MSN.com email after the Butterfly shutdown:
1. Go to the Outlook.com upgrade page and sign in with your MSN email address and password.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade your account to Outlook.com.
3. Once the upgrade is complete, you can access your email at Outlook.com using your existing MSN email address and password.
It's important to note that the upgrade process will migrate all your existing emails, contacts, and calendar entries from your MSN account to the new Outlook.com account. However, any custom email rules or filters you had set up in Butterfly will need to be recreated in Outlook.com.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure a seamless transition from the retiring Butterfly service to Outlook.com, allowing you to keep using your familiar MSN email address without any disruption.
If you're an MSN email user affected by the recent Butterfly transition, you may need assistance from Microsoft's customer service team. Here's how to access MSN email customer service for Butterfly-related issues:
1. Visit the MSN Email Support Page: Go to the official MSN email support page (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/contact-microsoft-support) and select "Email" as the product.
2. Choose the Appropriate Issue: Under "What do you need help with?" select the option that best describes your Butterfly transition problem, such as "Accessing my email" or "Migrating my email."
3. Provide Contact Information: Enter your contact details, including your name, email address, and preferred contact method (phone or online chat).
4. Describe Your Issue: In the "Describe your issue" field, provide a detailed explanation of the Butterfly-related problem you're experiencing with your MSN email account.
5. Submit Your Request: Once you've filled out all the required information, click "Submit" to send your request to Microsoft's customer service team.
Microsoft's support agents will review your request and respond through your preferred contact method to assist you with resolving any issues related to the Butterfly transition for your MSN email account.
With Microsoft's recent discontinuation of its MSN Premium Butterfly email service, many users are seeking alternative email providers. Here are some top options to consider as replacements for MSN Premium Butterfly:
1. Gmail: Google's free email service is widely popular and offers a clean interface, robust spam filtering, and ample storage space.
2. Outlook.com: Microsoft's own Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) is a viable alternative for those seeking a familiar experience with features like calendar integration and Office Online integration.
3. Yahoo Mail: Another long-standing email service, Yahoo Mail provides a user-friendly interface, generous storage, and integration with Yahoo's other services.
4. ProtonMail: For those prioritizing privacy and security, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service based in Switzerland, offering end-to-end encryption and strict data protection policies.
5. Zoho Mail: Zoho Mail is a professional email service suitable for both personal and business use, offering features like email organization tools, calendar integration, and custom domain support.
When evaluating these options, consider factors such as storage capacity, user interface preferences, and any specific features or integrations you require. Many of these services offer free basic plans, allowing you to explore and determine the best fit for your email needs after the MSN Premium Butterfly transition.
The impending shutdown of MSN Premium Butterfly services has left many users concerned about the fate of their email data and online presence. However, with proper planning and execution, the transition can be seamless and hassle-free. Here are some key steps to ensure a smooth MSN Butterfly shutdown and migration:
1. Data Backup: Before initiating the migration process, it is crucial to back up all your essential data, including emails, contacts, calendar entries, and any other important information stored in your MSN Premium account.
2. Email Transfer: MSN Premium users can easily transfer their email data to a new email service provider. Popular options include Outlook.com, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail, among others. Most email services offer dedicated import tools or step-by-step guides to facilitate the transfer process.
3. Account Consolidation: If you have multiple MSN Premium accounts, consider consolidating them into a single account before initiating the migration. This will streamline the process and ensure that all your data is transferred to the new email service.
4. Update Contact Information: Notify your contacts about your new email address to ensure uninterrupted communication. You can also set up email forwarding from your MSN Premium account to your new email address to avoid missing any important messages during the transition period.
5. Explore Alternative Services: MSN Premium Butterfly offered more than just email services. If you were using other features like online storage or website hosting, explore alternative services that can meet your needs and migrate your data accordingly.
By following these steps and staying proactive, MSN Premium Butterfly users can ensure a seamless transition to their new email service provider or alternative services. Proper planning and execution will minimize disruptions and ensure that your online presence remains intact.