𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝
As a regular here, I have frequently seen requests on how to prevent updates to Thunderbird. For most people, I believe the option f… (tuilleadh eolais)
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝
As a regular here, I have frequently seen requests on how to prevent updates to Thunderbird. For most people, I believe the option found at Settings>General is sufficient. I also believe the default setting to automatically apply updates is appropriate if users do periodic backups. But I respect there are those who have strong feelings on the topic, and those who run a business and rely on stability more than new features. I acknowledge this information may be available elsewhere, and possibly superior in its approach, but this does work. So, here are the steps:
- Create a simple text file called policies.json
- Enter this text into the file:
{
"policies": {
"ManualAppUpdateOnly": true,
"AppAutoUpdate": false,
"AppUpdateURL": "https://yoursiteisnothere.com"
}
}
- create a folder named ‘distribution’ and store it in the folder where thunderbird.exe resides. For Windows, that would be normally be C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Thunderbird\
- place the file called policies.json in the distribution directory
- start Thunderbird
- to verify this, click Settings>General and scroll down to Updates. There, you should see the words,
“Failed to check for updates.” (See attached screenshots for examples.)
If you later decide you want an update, the file or folder must be removed or renamed. If changes are made while Thunderbird is running, you must exit and restart for the change to take effect.
NOTE: My suggestion to persons using this technique is to, at least twice per year, download the latest version, test to your satisfaction along with any addon updates. The intent is to stay relatively current for releases, security, and support. To never update is not recommended.
