Thunderbird is stuck in Safe Mode

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  • Revision id: 57256
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  • Creator: Dyvik Chenna
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  • Reviewed by: user917725
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This article describes why Thunderbird may start in Safe Mode when you expect it to start normally.

Thunderbird not closed completely

If you started Thunderbird in Safe Mode, it will remain in Safe Mode until Thunderbird is completely closed. The easiest way to make sure Thunderbird is closed is to restart your computer. Once your computer starts up again, start Thunderbird.

Shortcut updated to open Safe Mode

You may have updated the shortcut you use to start Thunderbird to open it in Safe Mode and forgotten to change it back.

  1. Right-click the icon you use to start Thunderbird and choose Properties.
  2. Click on the Shortcut tab.
  3. Make sure the Target: box doesn't include -safe-mode at the end. It should only read "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird\thunderbird.exe" for default installations of Thunderbird.

Ubuntu

  1. Right-click the icon you use to start Thunderbird and choose Properties.
  2. If the dialog that opens has tabs, click on the Launcher tab.
  3. Make sure the Command: box doesn't include -safe-mode at the end. It should only read thunderbird %u for default installations of Thunderbird.

Safe Mode shortcut on recently used applications list

Windows will list in the Start Menu the applications you have most recently opened. Thunderbird in Safe Mode may be one of these applications. Try starting Thunderbird from another shortcut, for example the one under All Programs.