Thunderbird has received a critically important update, bringing improvements to stability, security, and user experience.These updates are rolling out now for both the standard release (version 146) and the Extended Support Release (ESR) version 140.6.Let’s dive into what you need to know.
What’s New in Thunderbird 146
Several key issues have been addressed in this latest release. Previously, Thunderbird could unexpectedly crash when you renamed or moved mail folders. This frustrating problem is now resolved, offering a smoother file management experience.
Additionally, creating Exchange Web Services (EWS) accounts manually through the Account Hub sometimes failed.This functionality has been stabilized, ensuring a more reliable setup process for your work or school email.
I’ve found that keeping your folders organized is crucial, and this update also fixes an issue where the ‘Offline’ folder flag for EWS folders would reset each time you restarted Thunderbird. Now, your offline settings will be remembered.
Furthermore, if you frequently open Microsoft Office attachments, you’ll be pleased to know that the “Open with” function now correctly marks files with the “Mark of the Web” (MOTW) label. This enhances security by indicating the file originated from an external source.
Beyond these fixes,the update includes various visual and user experience (UX) improvements designed to make Thunderbird more intuitive and enjoyable to use.
Vital Security Updates
Security is paramount, and this release includes critical fixes to address known vulnerabilities. You can review the detailed security advisory for a complete list of changes.
Thunderbird ESR 140.6: Stability Focused
If you prioritize stability over the newest features, Thunderbird’s Extended Support Release (ESR) is an excellent choice. The ESR version 140.6 incorporates most of the security fixes found in the standard v146 update.
However, it’s important to understand that the ESR receives major feature updates less frequently. If you want to benefit from the new features introduced since v140, you’ll need to switch to a different release channel or wait for the next ESR upgrade. Here’s what works best: consider your workflow and choose the release that aligns with your needs.
Downloading and System Requirements
You can easily download the latest version of Thunderbird for your operating system. It’s compatible with Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.15 or newer, and any modern Linux distribution. The system requirements remain unchanged, ensuring a seamless experience for most users.
Updating Thunderbird is a quick and straightforward process that will enhance your email experience. I always recommend keeping your software up to date for optimal performance and security.