How to Move Thunderbird Profile on Windows or Mac?

The Thunderbird profile folder is a separate directory on your computer. It is saved on a different location than the program files. All of your Thunderbird data, including email messages, contacts, add-ons, etc., is saved in this folder. By default, depending on your operating system, the profile folder is located in different directories. Such as

For Windows OS

For MacOS

For Linux

Now, let us see why moving the Thunderbird Profile folder is needed.

Need to Move Thunderbird Profile on Windows or Mac

For several reasons, users migrate Thunderbird profiles from one PC to another. Some of the common reasons are as follows:

• When users switch from one computer to a new computer.
• While taking a regular backup of the Thunderbird profile. Thus, keeping data safe in case of system crash or accidental deletion. 
• Migrating to a different Operating System (e.g., from Windows to macOS or Linux).
• While reorganizing Disk Space users need to move the Thunderbird profile to a new location on their system.
• In case of corruption or Thunderbird performance problems. Moving the Mozilla Thunderbird Profile to a new location might help resolve the issue.

Thus, these are possible reasons why users need to locate and migrate Thunderbird Profile. Now, the question arises, how?

How to Locate Thunderbird Profile on Windows?

The default location of the Thunderbird profile was mentioned earlier. For instance, you rearranged items in File Explorer and you forgot where the Thunderbird profile is saved. In that case, you can easily locate your Thunderbird profile. Further, enabling you to easily move Thunderbird profiles on Windows. Install Thunderbird on Windows and follow the steps:

1. Click on Start. Enter ‘%APPDATA%’ in the search box. Hit Enter.
2. Search results will appear. Locate a folder named Roaming. Click on it.
3. Within the Roaming folder, you will find a directory called Profiles.
4. Find your Thunderbird profile through a series of folders. The path will look like this:

C:\Users<YourWindowsUserName>\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles<YourProfileName>\

Now, you can locate your Thunderbird profile. Further, let us figure out how to transfer Thunderbird Profile from one system to another. 

Steps to Move Thunderbird Profile on Mac & Windows

This involves two major steps to be performed. First is copying the Thunderbird profile and saving it to any external drive. So that you can migrate it to a new computer. The second step involves setting up the migrated Thunderbird profile on the new system. Follow the step-by-step process as instructed further.

Step 1: Copying and Moving the Thunderbird Profile Folder 

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird on your system.
2. At the top right of the screen, click on Menu (≣).
3. Then, click on Help >> More Troubleshooting Information.
4. The Troubleshooting Information page appears. 
5. Scroll down to the Profile Folder section. Click on Open Folder.
6. You will see the location of the Profile Folder. 
7. Now, proceed to three levels up to the Roaming folder.
8. Locate and right-click on the Thunderbird folder. Copy the entire folder. 
9. Finally, paste the folder onto the External Drive or OneDrive, to move Thunderbird Profile to the new system.

Step 2: Configure Thunderbird Profile on a New Computer

1. Firstly, install Mozilla Thunderbird on your new computer.
2. Run the application. Close the setup wizard and do not create any new profiles.
3. Again, click on Menu >> Help >> More Troubleshooting Information.
4. Next, tap on Open Folder and navigate three levels to the Roaming folder.
5. Lastly, copy the Thunderbird folder from the external drive or OneDrive.
6. Paste it within the Roaming folder.

For these steps, all you need to do is install Thunderbird. No other applications are required. Moreover, this step works on both Mac & Windows systems. Hence, you are done moving Mozilla Thunderbird Profile.

Reliable Tool to Move Thunderbird Profile to Another Drive

You can find much software facilitating Thunderbird data migration. However, using the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool is the most secure and trustworthy solution. You do not need to follow the long manual process; directly migrate the Thunderbird profile to the Thunderbird email client. Moreover, this tool allows you to Migrate Mozilla Thunderbird to Gmail, Office 365, and other email clients. Apart from this, you can backup Thunderbird data to some of the prominent file formats and save it locally. 

How to move thunderbird profile to another drive?

• Download the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool from the official website and install it on your system.
• Open the tool and log in to your Thunderbird account. The tool will automatically detect your Thunderbird profile.
• Choose the specific folders you want to move (e.g., Inbox, Sent).
• Select the desired file format (e.g., PST, MBOX, EML, PDF).
• Set the destination path to the new drive where you want to save your Thunderbird profile.
• Click on the Start button to initiate the backup and move the profile data to the selected drive.
  

The tool is designed such that you need to choose the exact Thunderbird profile on your new system. Further, within a few simple steps, you can migrate data to your desired location. Additionally, it has various filters and options to help you get results as expected. Such as, removing duplicate emails, migrating selective data, excluding attachments from, migration, etc. You can opt for this tool for quick and easy migration.

Also Read: How to Backup Thunderbird Emails Locally?

Conclusion

Hence, this was a comprehensive write-up about how to move Thunderbird Profile. You can either go for a free manual process or buy the premium tool. Both procedures are effective and provide satisfactory results. However, for more ease, a professional tool is a better choice. Also, you can try the free demo tool to learn how to migrate Thunderbird data to a new system. It is safe and easy to understand for all. 

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About The Author:

Andrew Tie

Andrew Tie is a vastly experienced tech journalist who enjoys taking apart complex technology for a broad audience. Over more than a decade in the technology sector, Tie is good at making complicated technical concepts lucidly clear; enabling readers through engaging content. During his writing career so far, Andrew has written for several tech publications, right from industry-leading journals to popular tech blogs. Clarity, precision, and the ability to bridge technical vocabularies with everyday understanding mark his work.