Migrate

Move Thunderbird to a New Computer with All Account Data

By Admin

Updated: February 24, 2026 ~ 6 Minutes Reading

Table of Contents

Upgrading to a new Mac or Windows device, and worried about Thunderbird data transfer?

This guide elaborates on how to move Thunderbird to a New Computer with:

  • Settings
  • Email Accounts
  • Address Books
  • Calendars
  • Local Folder
  • Hidden Data

Mozilla Thunderbird stores all its email and associated data locally on your PC in its profile folder, making migration to a new PC more organised.

To transfer Thunderbird profile to a new computer, you first need to export Thunderbird data, save it into a temporary location such as a USB or flash drive, and restore/import it into another computer.

Choose Your Method to Move Thunderbird to a New Computer

Here are 3-tried and tested methods to transfer the Thunderbird profile to a new computer:

  • Built-in Export & Import – Simple Method for non-technical users using native Thunderbird settings
  • Manually Copying Profile Folder – Requires additional steps and technical knowledge
  • Using an Automated Professional Tool – For larger mailboxes and simpler zero-risk import of Thunderbird profile to a new computer

Method 1: Built-in Way to Import Thunderbird Profile to New Computer

It is the recommended method for an everyday user to move the Thunderbird profile to a new computer. This works well with all the newer Thunderbird versions.
You can also reduce the risk of “Accidental Deletion” with this approach.

  1. Open the Thunderbird application on your Mac/Windows.
  2. Click on Navigation Menu (three lines) on the top-right.
  3. Choose Tools >> Export.
  4. Press the Export button to get a .ZIP export file.
  5. Choose the location on the source desktop and press Save.
  6. Transfer the exported Thunderbird profile folder (exported in .ZIP) to your new computer via email, Drive, or USB transfer.

Note: It is always recommended to back up the Thunderbird Profile before moving to another computer.

Step Import Thunderbird Profile to New Computer

  1. Go to the Thunderbird application on the new desktop. Add any IMAP account if prompted to.
  2. Go to the Navigation Menu >> Tools >>Import.
  3. Choose “Import from a File</strong>” and click “Continue”.
  4. Select “Import Backed Up Profile” and choose a ZIP file.
  5. Select the profile folder from another computer, press “Open”, and continue.
  6. Check all the boxes – Accounts and Settings, Address Books, Calendars, Mail Messages.
  7. Hit “Continue” & “Start Import” to move Thunderbird to a new computer.
  8. You have to restart Thunderbird after the process is completed.

Limitation: Does not transfer hidden folders.

Method 2: Copy Thunderbird Profile to New Computer Manually

Copying and moving Thunderbird to another computer may require technical knowledge and additional steps. But it has various advantages:

  • Keeps Thunderbird data 100% original and even preserves hidden folders.
  • Works even if Thunderbird is not working or crashes.
  • Suitable to move a large Thunderbird mailbox to a new computer without corruption.

Note: The profile folder location in Thunderbird may vary based on your operating system.

  • Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\
  • Mac: ~/Library/Thunderbird/Profiles/
  • Linux: ~/.thunderbird/

Here are the steps to follow to transfer the Thunderbird profile to another computer:

  1. Connect a USB/Flash drive to your old laptop/computer.
  2. Close the Thunderbird application.
  3. Go to the Profile folder on your old desktop.
  4. Copy the Profile folder and paste it into the temporary drive you connected.
  5. Connect the USB to your New Computer.
  6. Copy the profile folder from the USB drive.
  7. Go to the Thunderbird profile folder location on your new PC.
  8. Replace the existing profile folder with the copied one.

This will accurately move Thunderbird to a New Computer without any data loss.

Read More: Copy Thunderbird Address Book to New Computer

Method 3: Using a Professional Tool to Move Thunderbird to a New Computer

Pre-Requisite: Exported Thunderbird profile to the new computer, either in a ZIP file or via Manual copy & paste with USB.

Thunderbird Migration Tool is an alternative way to transfer multiple large Thunderbird profiles to a new computer at once. It reduces the risk of corruption and makes bulk data handling easier with its user-friendly interface. A free trial is available. Download the tool on your new Mac or Windows computer to transfer your Thunderbird profile to a new computer.

Advantages of using the tool:

  • Auto-detect the profile location – No Manual hassle.
  • The tools support ZIP, MBOX, and even profile folders for easy import.
  • Advanced filters to selectively move only the required Thunderbird emails to the new PC. Sort by -To/From, Date Range, Subject & Selective Folders.
  • Preserved Accounts and Settings, Email Messages, Folder Hierarchy, Attachments, Address Books, and Calendars.
  • Multilingual support to change the language when moving Thunderbird to a new PC.
  • The standalone tool is functional without Thunderbird installation.

Easy to set up and move Thunderbird to a new computer, Windows 10/11 and all standard MacOS.

Quick Steps to Move Thunderbird to a New Computer – Using Tool

  1. Install & launch the tool on your destination system.
    interface of pro tool to move Thunderbird email to a new computer
  2. Choose Let me select my Thunderbird Mailbox Data.
    select files to import Thunderbird emails to a new computer
  3. Select the ZIP file or profile folder.
    choose files
  4. Preview the email folders to import into the new computer.
  5. Choose Thunderbird from the saving option.
    Thunderbird as the saving option selected in the tools interface to transfer Thunderbird profile to a new computer
  6. Press Next to transfer Thunderbird from one computer to another.

Troubleshoot Common Issues when Moving Thunderbird to a New Computer

User Problem 1: Data not visible in Thunderbird on the new DesktopCaused because Thunderbird is fetching the incorrect or default profile.

Solution:

  1. Close Thunderbird.
  2. Go to Run on your Windows Computer.
  3. Enter thunderbird.exe -P.
  4. Select default-release-1.
  5. Check the “Use the selected profile without asking at startup” box.
  6. Then press “Start Thunderbird.”

User Problem 2: Missing Folders after Moving Thunderbird to a New ComputerSolution: Check local folders often after migrating Thunderbird accounts to a new computer, as data is stored in the local folder and not in the original folder structure.

FAQs: Move Thunderbird to a New Computer

Q1: Do I have to reconfigure the account after I transfer the Thunderbird profile to a new computer?

No! However, you may often need to enter passwords in case not transferred correctly or due to security regulations.

Q2: Can I move a Thunderbird account from a Windows computer to a Mac?

Yes, however, you will have to ensure the correct profile location. The best way is either to use an automated tool or the built-in Export/Import options for complete transfer without complexity.

Q3: Will I be able to move the Thunderbird local folder to a New Computer?

Yes, with both manual and automated approaches, the local folder will be migrated to the new computer.

Need Support to Transfer Thunderbird Profile to New Computer?

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