<!-- Note to localizers: Some of this is a copy and paste from https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/thunderbird-beta/ --> We recommend you bookmark this page, so you can refer to it later if you have difficulty. '''You probably arrived here from a notice in Thunderbird titled "Upgrade to Thunderbird Release". We recommend that you switch from the ESR (Extended Support Release) channel to Release channel for the best experience. Follow the [[#w_how-do-I-change-from-ESR-to-Release?|instructions below]] to make that switch. ''' The '''Release''' channel receives updates every four weeks that include new features, improvements, bug fixes and security patches. This channel represents the best balance between new functionality and stability, therefore it is the default channel for Thundderbird, and what most users should download and use. For more information about channels see [[Choosing a Thunderbird Release Channel]]. __TOC__ = How do I change from ESR to Release? = * [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data|Backup the Thunderbird profile]], as you should always do before making major changes. * If you are using the most current version ESR then your computer is OK. Otherwise check the [https://www.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/138.0/system-requirements/ System Requirements for the current release]. {for win,mac} * Visit the [https://thunderbird.net/download/release download website] which should show "Release Channel", and click the ‘Download’ button. * Run the downloaded file to install the monthly release '''into the same directory where the ESR is currently installed'''. Note: if you previously installed Thunderbird ESR into a directory that is different from the default location, then you must do a custom installation to that directory. {/for} {for linux} * For Linux, consult the [[Install Thunderbird on Linux#w_changing-channels|Linux installation knowledge base (KB) article]] for the remaining installation steps. {/for} If you have difficulty, please [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/thunderbird ask a question in support]. To learn more about channels see [[Choosing a Thunderbird Release Channel]]. One reason to not use Release is if you have installed an add-on based on webexperiments, which most users do not have. You can test this be installing and running the [https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/addon/addon-compatibility-check/ Compatibility Checker add-on]. = How do I change from release back to ESR? = If you switched to Release but want to switch back to ESR, for example because of [[add-ons FAQ|add-ons]], follow the steps below. <!-- the following text is not yet ready for users ... Please note, this is valid for the '''current''' Release and ESR channels, and we will update here in the event of an underlying database change in ESR that would not make this possible. --> * [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data|Backup the Thunderbird profile]], as you should always do before making major changes. * [https://www.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/all/?release=esr Download ESR] and install ESR into the directory where the release version is installed (shown in {menu Help} > {menu Troubleshooting Information} > Application - typically “Mozilla Thunderbird”), but … * You must use command line for the first start up, to override downgrade protection, using [[Dedicated profile per Thunderbird installation#w_what-happens-to-my-profile-if-i-downgrade-to-a-previous-version-of-thunderbird?]]. If you do not use the command line then you will see a “you are using an old version” check. If you have difficulty, please [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/thunderbird ask a question in support]. = How to install and run release = * Visit the [https://thunderbird.net/download/release download website] and click the ‘Download’ button. * Run the installed download, which will install Thunderbird Release into its own program directory. * If you need more help or want to install on Linux using other sources see [[Install Thunderbird on Windows|Windows]], [[Install Thunderbird on Mac|macOS]], [[Install Thunderbird on Linux|Linux]], and [[Well known sources for downloading the Thunderbird email software|official sources]] for additional details. = Add-ons = <!-- DO NOT REMOVE THIS HEADING ANCHOR, there are links to it from other locations --> Most Thunderbird add-ons will work with the release channel. Consult the [[Thunderbird add-ons - frequently asked questions#w_what-if-my-add-on-is-broken|add-ons FAQ]] if you have difficulty. = What if I want to help the Thunderbird project? = [https://www.thunderbird.net/participate/ Participate] lists many ways for you to help in the community, and places to learn more about Thunderbird. Some examples are [[Thunderbird Beta|using the beta channel of Thunderbird]] and [https://www.thunderbird.net/donate/ donating].

We recommend you bookmark this page, so you can refer to it later if you have difficulty.

You probably arrived here from a notice in Thunderbird titled "Upgrade to Thunderbird Release". We recommend that you switch from the ESR (Extended Support Release) channel to Release channel for the best experience. Follow the instructions below to make that switch.

The Release channel receives updates every four weeks that include new features, improvements, bug fixes and security patches. This channel represents the best balance between new functionality and stability, therefore it is the default channel for Thundderbird, and what most users should download and use. For more information about channels see How to select a Thunderbird release channel.

How do I change from ESR to Release?

• Backup the Thunderbird profile, as you should always do before making major changes.
• If you are using the most current version ESR then your computer is OK. Otherwise check the System Requirements for the current release.

If you have difficulty, please ask a question in support.

To learn more about channels see How to select a Thunderbird release channel. One reason to not use Release is if you have installed an add-on based on webexperiments, which most users do not have. You can test this be installing and running the Compatibility Checker add-on.

How do I change from release back to ESR?

If you switched to Release but want to switch back to ESR, for example because of add-ons, follow the steps below.

• Backup the Thunderbird profile, as you should always do before making major changes.
• Download ESR and install ESR into the directory where the release version is installed (shown in Help > Troubleshooting Information > Application - typically “Mozilla Thunderbird”), but …
• You must use command line for the first start up, to override downgrade protection, using Dedicated profile per Thunderbird installation. If you do not use the command line then you will see a “you are using an old version” check.

If you have difficulty, please ask a question in support.

How to install and run release

• Visit the download website and click the ‘Download’ button.
• Run the installed download, which will install Thunderbird Release into its own program directory.
• If you need more help or want to install on Linux using other sources see Windows, macOS, Linux, and official sources for additional details.

Add-ons

Most Thunderbird add-ons will work with the release channel. Consult the add-ons FAQ if you have difficulty.

What if I want to help the Thunderbird project?

Participate lists many ways for you to help in the community, and places to learn more about Thunderbird. Some examples are using the beta channel of Thunderbird and donating.