Chapter 1 · 1.2
Installing Thunderbird on Windows, Mac and Linux
Always download Thunderbird from the official site thunderbird.net. The latest version is available there in your language.
Release or ESR: which version should you choose?
Thunderbird has two main versions. On the download page, you choose one under Release channel.
| Version | What do you get? | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Release (recommended, default) | New features and improvements every month. | Almost everyone. |
| Extended Support Release (ESR) | New features once a year, with only security and stability updates in between. | Businesses that test everything first, or you if you want as little change as possible. |
On 9 November 2026, the Release version was 159 and the ESR version was 153. Both receive security updates. The names of buttons and menus are almost the same in both versions.
Windows
- Go to thunderbird.net/download and click Download.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the steps. Choose the standard installation.
- Start Thunderbird. The screen for adding an account opens automatically (see Adding your email address automatically).
Thunderbird is also available in the Microsoft Store. That version works the same way and is updated through the Store.
Mac
- Download Thunderbird from thunderbird.net/download.
- Open the .dmg file and drag Thunderbird to the Applications folder (in the Finder sidebar: Applications).
- Start Thunderbird from that folder.
Linux
On most Linux distributions, you can install Thunderbird through the software centre or the package manager. Thunderbird.net also points to Flathub and the Snap Store, and offers a download file. Preferably choose the version from your distribution or from Flathub, so you receive updates automatically.
Updating
Thunderbird updates itself. To see which version you have, open the menu button (the three lines at the top right), then Help and About Thunderbird. There you can also see whether an update is ready.
Please note: Do not download Thunderbird from other sites. They sometimes bundle extra software that you do not want.
On your phone
For Android, there is Thunderbird for Android (see Installing Thunderbird for Android and adding your address). Thunderbird is building its own app for iPhone and iPad, but on 9 November 2026 it was not yet available in the App Store. On the iPhone, use the built-in Mail app (see iPhone and iPad).