Move Thunderbird to a new computer [Emails & Profile] – {Updated 2024}

Updated On - April 3, 2024 by Nasir Khan | Reading Time: 4 minutes

When you need to keep a check on messages received from different service providers, nothing works like a reliable email client. Thunderbird is one such option that is often hailed for its multiple advantages like excellent malware detection, and a solid reputation for dependability.

Additionally, the free Mozilla software offers the flexibility to modify, a high degree of privacy, compatibility with email protocols such as SMTP, POP3, and IMAP, and much more. But with the tech world experiencing unprecedented growth, it is necessary to keep up with the latest operating system versions. As such, one might need to move Thunderbird to a new computer.

Do you also want to move your Thunderbird profile to a new Windows 11 machine? If so, there’s no need to fret any longer. Simply use the below-listed steps to move Thunderbird to a new computer.

Usually, to allow your new desktop access to your data, you must copy your profile folder and account details from your former computer to your new computer for Thunderbird configuration.

Related Post: Reasons to move from Thunderbird to MS Outlook

Before you start, have you decided where to save the data?

You’ll need a destination to store the copied data from the existing profile. Emails, calendars, settings details, address books, events, saved passwords, and other data are commonly stored. The size of the total data depends on your use.

There are numerous solutions available for this purpose, including a USB flash drive (portable hard drive) or a cloud server, which includes Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and others

3 Simple steps to move Thunderbird  to a new computer (Emails & Profile)

In this article, we will use OneDrive to store data and describe the process. But you can use any other storage platform that suits you. Let us begin the procedure to move Thunderbird to a new computer.

Step 1: Start by copying data from your existing computer

1. Firstly, start Thunderbird on the desktop you’re currently using. Then, select the menu option.
   
2. Clear your trash and junk directories to lower the volume of your data and the duration it takes to copy and move it.
3. Choose assistance, followed by troubleshooting information.
4. Now, launch Windows Explorer and navigate to your Thunderbird data file.
5. Return to your Thunderbird profile and close it.
6. Find the roaming directory in the account folder you were formerly using. You’ll discover it is three levels higher than you are now.
7. Identify the Thunderbird folder on your previous desktop and right-click it. And then choose a copy.

Step 2: Moving forward, store the data on OneDrive

To migrate Thunderbird to a new PC, you should now be able to navigate to the storage device or cloud server you’re using to upload your files. Let’s utilize OneDrive for this lesson on your computer device. However, you can also utilize a flash drive or another form of cloud storage, depending on what suits you best.

• At this stage, you just need to store or paste the Thunderbird data from your existing device to OneDrive.
• Right-click and use the paste feature to upload your data into OneDrive.
• It will save your Thunderbird profile to OneDrive. The time that it takes will be determined by the volume of your files.

Step 3: Lastly, transfer the data to your new computer

Now, you’ve reached the final step in the process for Mozilla Thunderbird transfer to a new computer. Just paste or import the data into Thunderbird on your new desktop.

However, before installing Thunderbird on your desktop, click on OneDrive on your new desktop. Copy the Thunderbird directory by right-clicking it.

If you have already copied the data from OneDrive and installed Thunderbird on your PC, then follow the steps as described below:

1. Also, keep in mind that you don’t need to configure any additional accounts or add any email addresses (just like in the image below). Simply close the pop-up window.
2. Rather than establishing a new email account, go to the Thunderbird “menu” section.
3. Repeat the process followed when you copied the Thunderbird profile. Select troubleshooting information from the help option in the top navigation.
   
4. Choose the open folder from the troubleshooting interface.
5. Return to the Thunderbird client on the new computer and quit it, just as you did on the previous one.
6. Return to your Thunderbird profile directory and search for the roaming directory.
7. Within your roaming folder, right-click somewhere in it and choose paste. This will create a clone of your Thunderbird profile folder. That’s it.
8. After that, you’ll be asked if you want to replace the items in the location, skip them, or let each item determine its own fate. Select the “Replace the files in the destination” option.
9. Launch Thunderbird to ensure that you have properly moved your data from your existing computer to your new one.
10. When you activate it, you will notice that your previous configurations, emails, and profile are instantly on your new desktop.

Related Blog: How to Backup or Save Thunderbird Emails

If you decide to use Outlook on your new computer

In this case, you will face a problem with Thunderbird data. Thunderbird uses the MBOX file format to store its data files, while Outlook uses PST or OST files only. It doesn’t support the MBOX extension. In that situation, an MBOX to PST tool is the best solution for you.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $29

We strongly recommend using the Regain MBOX to PST converter software. It has a strong optimization method and an intuitive user interface for converting emails from MBOX email programs like Thunderbird, Entourage, Spicebird, AppleMail, Eudora, Pocomail, and many others to MS Outlook PST files.

Conclusion

Moving Thunderbird to a new computer can be a simple process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. By backing up your Thunderbird data and restoring it to your new computer, you can ensure that all of your important emails, contacts, and settings are transferred seamlessly. With the help of tools like Regain MBOX to PST converter, you can easily migrate your Thunderbird data to a new computer and get back to using your favorite email client in no time. Whether you’re switching to a new computer or simply want to make a backup of your data, following the steps in this guide will help you move Thunderbird to a new computer with ease.