Top Tips to Move Thunderbird to New Computer | 2025

In this article, we guide you on how to move Thunderbird to new computer without losing any data. Mozilla Thunderbird is a popular, open-source email client that allows users to manage multiple email accounts, calendars, and contacts in one place. If you’re planning to move Thunderbird to a new computer, the process might seem daunting. However, with the right steps, you can easily transfer all your data, including emails, account settings, and add-ons, without losing any information. This guide provides top manual methods and Thunderbird Backup Tool to ensure a smooth transition.

Need to Move Thunderbird to New Computer

Creating a backup of your mailbox data is beneficial in many ways. Below we discuss some prominent advantages for backing up and migrating Thunderbird to new computer.

  • It helps you to back up your Thunderbird mailbox data and restore it when needed.
  • You need not manually add any Thunderbird profile to another PC while setting up email accounts.
  • Also, you can export your Thunderbird data to another webmail or email client.

We have now learned why we need to migrate Thunderbird to a new computer. It is time to check the effective technique to transfer your data.

How to Move Thunderbird to a New Computer?

You have to perform a two-step procedure to migrate Thunderbird to new PC. First, you need to locate the Thunderbird profile file and copy it to an external drive. Finally, paste it to the destination system and add it to the Thunderbird profile.

How to Transfer Thunderbird to New PC Manually

Let us check how to do it.

#1. Copy Thunderbird Data

  • Launch Mozilla Thunderbird Application in your system.
  • Now click on the Menu button in the top right corner.
  • After that, click on Help then select the More Troubleshooting Information option.
  • The Troubleshooting Information page will be opened. Scroll down to the Profile folder and press the Open Folder button.
  • It will open the location of the Profile Folder. Go three levels up to the Roaming folder.
  • Now, locate the Thunderbird folder and right-click on it. Copy the complete folder.
  • Note: Close the Thunderbird email client because it may hinder.
  • After that, paste the folder to the External Drive or OneDrive.

#2. Set up Thunderbird on New Computer

  • Install the Thunderbird application to the new computer.
  • Launch the application but do not create a new profile. Instead, close the setup wizard.
  • Click on the Menu button and select Help and then More Troubleshooting Information.
  • After that, click on the Open Folder button and return three levels up to the Roaming
  • At last, copy the Thunderbird folder from the external drive or One Drive and paste it anywhere in the Roaming folder.

By performing the above steps, you can move Thunderbird to new computer easily. You do not require any additional tools to complete the migration. When moving Thunderbird to a new computer, using manual methods for transferring data, such as copying the profile folder can be effective, but there are several drawbacks to be aware of.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

  1. Manually transferring Thunderbird data requires a certain level of technical expertise.
  2. It’s easy to accidentally copy only part of the profile or forget to transfer certain files, leading to missing emails, contacts, or settings on the new computer.
  3. During the manual transfer process, there’s a risk that the profile could become corrupted, especially if the transfer is interrupted or files are not copied correctly.

Considering these drawbacks, it’s worth exploring automated tools or professional assistance, especially if you’re dealing with large amounts of data or complex configurations.

Transfer Thunderbird to New Computer Using Pro Method

The DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool offers an efficient solution to move Thunderbird data from one computer to another. It allows users to securely back up Thunderbird emails, contacts, and other important data and restore them on a different system. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, the tool simplifies the migration process while ensuring no data loss. This makes transferring Thunderbird profiles between computers both easy and reliable, perfect for seamless data management. Apart from this, you can also export Thunderbird to Outlook PST, MSG, PDF, and more. Follow these steps to move Thunderbird to a new computer.

  • Download and install the DRS Thunderbird Backup Software on a computer.
  • Select the folders you want to back from the list and click Next.
  • Now, click on the drop-down section and select IMAP as a backup option.
  • After that, enter your IMAP credentials.
  • Now, define the desired location to save your resultant output data.
  • At the last click on the convert button to start the process

Conclusion

We hope you have learned how to move Thunderbird to new computer with the manual method and using a professional solution. Where the manual method comes with multiple drawbacks, and a professional solution makes the whole migration process smooth. Overall, it all depends on you which method is suitable for your needs.

About The Author:

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.

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