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testing fixes

Test new features and fixes in the most stable pre-release build of Thunderbird.

Thank you for your interest in using beta. Whether you are just curious or already using beta, this reference will help you have the best possible experience. Beta is an unusual environment, so we suggest that you review this reference (and bookmark it) before downloading and using it. [https://www.mozilla.org/thunderbird/beta/all/ download the beta] __TOC__ = Should I use beta? = Are you interested in helping improve Thunderbird by testing and finding bugs? Then beta is a good place for you, because beta gets fixes and [[New in Thunderbird 102|new features]] long before they reach release. And you will join [https://stats.thunderbird.net/#beta thousands of users who use beta on a daily basis]! There are also considerations for you to understand before you take the plunge. But if you decide to take the plunge we have many [[#resources and assistance|resource and assistance items, and people]], to help you. == Considerations == '''Note - now is good time to use beta, because through June 2022 it is more stable than normal, while development is frozen and we touch up [[New in Thunderbird 102|version 102's new features]].''' You will want to do [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data#w_backing-up-a-profile|regular backups]] to protect your Thunderbird data profiles (profiles are described under [[#How to install and run beta|How to install and run beta]]), and consider the following: * New features may be works in progress and incomplete, because some are iteratively improved over a period of weeks. The [https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/beta beta forum] may mention how new features are making progress. * Flaws are to be expected. Flaws of potentially high impact including dataloss are very rare, but may occur because of frequent code changes. Protect yourself with [[Profiles - Where Thunderbird stores your messages and other user data#w_backing-up-a-profile|backups]]. Flaws of low impact may not be fixed quickly, because high impact flaws get higher priority. * Expect seven updates per month, one major update per month plus several small updates. This frequency of updates allows us to ship fixes to you quickly. * Are you using [[The difference between IMAP and POP3|pop accounts]]? Unlike imap accounts, the only copy of your pop mail is in your local Thunderbird profile. So your options when using pop are: a) don't add your pop account(s) to beta, or b) add your pop account(s) to beta, then either stay there permanently or learn how to move your pop data back to the release profile after you are done with beta. * If you have [[Organize Your Messages by Using Filters|mail filters]] that, for example, move mail to local folders, then you must decide where to run filters - in your beta profile or your other profile. == Add-ons == <!-- DO NOT REMOVE THIS HEADING ANCHOR, there are links to it from other locations --> Add-on authors are not obligated to have their add-ons work in beta. So expect some or all of your add-ons to not work. Or if they do work today, they may not work tomorrow. Consult the [[Thunderbird add-ons - frequently asked questions#w_what-if-my-add-on-is-broken|add-ons FAQ]] if you have difficulty. = How to install and run beta = Beta downloaded from [https://www.mozilla.org/thunderbird/beta/all/ the official download site] will a) install in its own Thunderbird program directory, and b) create a dedicated Thunderbird data profile named default-beta. [[Dedicated profile per Thunderbird installation]] is a method which allows you to have both the release version of Thunderbird and the beta version of Thunderbird operate independently ... * start the release version of Thunderbird (with beta not running) and it will use the "default" (or default-release) profile * start the beta version of Thunderbird (with release version not running) and it will use the default-beta profile If you want to get more complicated, such as running beta and release at the same time, please refer to [[Using Multiple Profiles]], and [[Dedicated profile per Thunderbird installation]] and ask for help in [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/thunderbird/form Thunderbird support]). = Resources and Assistance = Open the Thunderbird Help menu to check the useful tools and references. Important items to note: * Release notes are provided for every update to tell you what is new and changed - Do {button ≡} > {menu Help} > {menu Privacy & About} > {menu Release Notes}. * As you normally would, post ordinary Thunderbird usage questions in [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/thunderbird/form Thunderbird support]. * Ask beta specific assistance questions and comments the [https://thunderbird.topicbox.com/groups/beta beta forum], or just visit to see what others are saying. (The forum operates in English. So if you need assistance in another language please ask for help in [https://support.mozilla.org/questions/new/thunderbird/form Thunderbird support]) * If you find a problem, try to [[Safe Mode Thunderbird|reproduce the problem in Troubleshoot Mode]], then file a bug report for [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi?product=Thunderbird Thunderbird] or [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi?product=Calendar Calendar]. * {button ≡} > {menu Tools} > {menu Export} can be used to backup your profile, or get to your profile directory quickly. * {button ≡} > {menu Go} > {menu Mail Start Page} (aka Beta Start Page) is a handy reference which documents several of the above items and more. = How do I get from a beta version back to a release version? = * If you meet the following criteria, then you don't need to do anything special. Just start the "normal release" Thunderbird program that you still have installed, which will use the "default" (or default-release) profile that you had not deleted. ** you use multiple, dedicated profiles (one for beta and one for release as recommended) ** you have only imap accounts ** you don't have address book and other information to transfer from beta to release * For other scenarios and options there will be a future support article. For now, please ask for assistance in support. = Beta isn't for me. How can I help? = [https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/get-involved/ Get involved] lists many ways for you to help in the community, and places to learn more about Thunderbird.