A handy reference guide to Windstream ISP email, account log in, settings, speed test, and support. Windstream has been using the Kinetic brand since 2019, but the company name is still Windstream Communications.
| Username |
Your email address (including the @ portion)
|
| SMTP server |
Server: smtp.windstream.netPort: 465 if using SSL (recommended) or 587
|
| IMAP server |
Server: imap.windstream.netPort: 993 if using SSL (recommended) or 143
|
| POP server |
Server: pop.windstream.netPort: 995 if using SSL (recommended) or 110
|
These settings apply to the following email accounts:
@windstream.net, @ctc.net, @dejazzd.com, @iowatelecom.net, @izoom.net, @ktc.com, @navix.net, @nuvox.net, @valornet.com, and @vnet.net.
Here's every way that you can pay your residential Windstream bill online.
| Modem admin URL (for most devices supplied by Windstream) |
http://192.168.254.254
|
| Modem admin username |
admin
|
| Modem admin password (Sagem 4320, 2705, and 1704N) |
admin
|
| Modem admin password (Actiontec T3200) | Printed on a sticker on the side of the device. |
| Windstream DNS See note below about selecting a DNS server. |
primary DNS: 166.102.165.13secondary DNS: 207.91.5.20
|
Yes you can! Windstream charges residential customers $10 a month to lease a modem. If you use your own, you don’t have to pay the monthly fee.
If you have a modem lying around from another provider, you can always plug it in to see if it works. Or, even if you have to buy one, you can quickly recoup the cost and save money in the long run.
Windstream uses different technologies to provide internet access, so you’ll have to find out which type you have before you purchase a modem:
You can refer to Windstream’s list of approved modems, but in theory, any modem that supports the required technology features required by your particular service (ADSL, ADSL2+, VDSL2, or bonded ADSL ) should work.
If you specifically want a Windstream-approved modem, your best bet is to buy one on eBay. You can often find ex-Windstream customers selling modems for as cheap as $15, which is a great way to save a lot of money. Just be sure that it supports the correct technology for your service.
After you’ve purchased your own modem, you can arrange to return your Windstream equipment by calling their customer service line at 1-866-445-5880.
Modems are also known as gateways, and may also have dual functionality as a WiFi router. A router and modem aren’t the same thing. A modem provides connectivity to your internet service provider, while a router distributes that internet connection to the devices in your home over WiFi or ethernet.
If you want to upgrade your WiFi, you don’t have to replace your modem. Simply purchase any WiFi router that you want, and plug it into an ethernet port on your modem. If your modem includes WiFi functionality, log into the modem using the admin credentials and turn off the WiFI antenna. You can then switch to the improved WiFi service provided by your new router.
You can use any WiFi router with Windstream by plugging it into the ethernet port of your modem. (The ethernet port will supply internet connectivity to the router.) The router doesn’t need to be Windstream-approved.
There are a huge selection and variety of routers available. Check the various review sites for advice about which is best for your situation. You can also start by browsing the top-reviewed routers on Amazon.
service provided by your new router.You can use any public DNS servers that you like. In fact, it’s often a good to not use the DNS provided by your internet service provider, because it’s a common practice for ISPs to use their DNS service to inject ads.
Which public DNS service should you use? There are several to choose from. Another benefit is that many of these services provide you with additional security blocking access to known malware sites.
Here are some third-party speed tests you should also try:
The maximum size of attachments with your Windstream email is 25 megabytes (MB).
This limit is the total file size of all attachments on one email. If you need to send multiple files that add up to more than 25 MB, try sending one attachment per email, or compress the files. In Windows, right click the file, select Send to, and then click Compressed (zipped) folder.
Keep in mind that some spam systems filter out .zip files. Another alternative is to send your files with a cloud service such as iCloud, Dropbox, or Firefox Send.
If you are setting up an email program to access your Windstream email and it is asking for your server hostname, it is usually referring to the incoming server hostname.
For all email domains such @windstream.net, @ctc.net, @dejazzd.com, @iowatelecom.net, you can use either the IMAP or POP3 server as the incoming server. The IMAP server is imap.windstream.net, and the POP server is pop.windstream.net.
You can use either the IMAP or POP server, but IMAP is more modern and has more features. It will leave a copy of the email on the server, which means you could set up an email program on both your laptop and your phone, and retain access to all of your emails. With POP, the default behavior is for your email program to download your email and remove it from the server, making it accessible on only that device.
If you can’t access your Windstream email, there are a few possible reasons why.
First, check to see if you have internet access. You can use the speed test and also check if there is an outage reported.
Another possibility is that you email accounts are marked inactive if they haven’t been accessed in 180 days. If that’s the case, you will need to call Windstream technical support to help you.
The last thing to try is to reset your password.
You can use either POP or IMAP with Windstream email. This applies to Windstream and other legacy email accounts provided by Windstream. Check the email settings section above for the server details.
There’s a two-step process if you want to transfer your Windstream email to Gmail. First, you’ll want to do a bulk import of all your emails and contacts. Next, set up Gmail to fetch all any new emails that are received.
In Gmail, click on the gear icon and then click Settings. Follow the prompts to set up the import, using the IMAP email settings listed above.
After you've done the initial import, configure Check email from other accounts, which is in the same settings menu. This will set up Gmail to fetch new emails from your Windstream account.
You can read more at the Gmail Support page.
To set up email forwarding:
No. You will lose access to your Windstream email when you discontinue your service. To retain your email history and contacts, use an email client such as Gmail to import your old messages. You should also set up a new email service, set up email forwarding to copy your new Windstream emails to your new service, and then notify people on your contact list about your new email address.
It's a good idea to do this well ahead of time before cancelling your Windstream service. While your email access may not be discontinued immediately after you send your cancellation notice, you will lose access shortly after.
For an example of how to do this, check out the "How do I transfer my Windstream email to Gmail?" answer above.