Complete guide to downloading and installing Mozilla Thunderbird on Windows, macOS and Linux systems. Get your free email client today!
Thunderbird is available for all major operating systems. Choose your platform to download the latest version:
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 (32-bit and 64-bit versions available)
Supports macOS 10.12 Sierra and later versions (Universal binary for Intel and Apple Silicon)
Available as .tar.bz2 archive or through your distribution's package manager
Before downloading Thunderbird, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:
| Operating System | Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 7, 1GB RAM, 200MB disk space | Windows 10/11, 2GB RAM, SSD |
| macOS | macOS 10.12, Intel processor, 200MB disk space | Latest macOS, Apple Silicon, 500MB disk space |
| Linux | GTK+ 3.14 or higher, 200MB disk space | Latest distribution, 500MB disk space |
Follow these steps to install Thunderbird after downloading:
Locate the downloaded file (typically in your Downloads folder) and double-click to run the installer.
Thunderbird Installation Wizard
The installation wizard will guide you through the process. You can typically accept the default options unless you have specific preferences.
Select between:
Wait for the installation to finish. This usually takes less than a minute on modern systems.
After installation completes, you can launch Thunderbird immediately and begin setting up your email accounts.
Linux users have several options for installing Thunderbird:
Most Linux distributions include Thunderbird in their official repositories. Install using your package manager:
sudo apt install thunderbirdsudo dnf install thunderbirdsudo pacman -S thunderbirdInstall the sandboxed version through Flatpak:
flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.Thunderbird
Download the .tar.bz2 archive from the Thunderbird website, extract it and run the thunderbird executable.
When you first launch Thunderbird, you'll be guided through these setup steps:
Choose whether to set up an email account, import data, or explore Thunderbird without configuration.
Enter your name, email address and password. Thunderbird will attempt to automatically configure your email provider settings.
Thunderbird Email Account Setup
If automatic setup fails, you'll need to manually enter your server settings (IMAP/POP3 and SMTP information from your email provider).
You can import emails, contacts and settings from other email clients like Outlook or Apple Mail.
Explore preferences to adjust the interface, notifications, and other settings to your liking.
If you encounter issues downloading or installing Thunderbird, try these solutions:
Try an alternative download mirror or use a download manager. Check your internet connection and firewall settings.
On Windows, ensure your user account has administrator privileges. On Mac, check Security & Privacy settings if you see "unidentified developer" warnings.
Redownload the installer and verify the file size matches what's listed on the Thunderbird website.
If updating, close all Thunderbird windows before installing the new version. Uninstall previous versions if necessary.
Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation if it's blocking the process.
Downloading and installing Thunderbird is a straightforward process that takes just minutes on most systems. The email client is available for all major operating systems and offers automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest features and security improvements.
Remember to download Thunderbird only from the official website to ensure you're getting a genuine, malware-free version. The installation process preserves your existing email data if you're upgrading from a previous version, making the transition seamless.
With Thunderbird successfully installed, you can now enjoy a powerful, privacy-focused email client that brings all your accounts together in one place with excellent organization features and customization options.