Start Thunderbird in certain folders

There is the possibility to start Thunderbird in a certain folder. You will need a free add-on for the email client. Read here how to install and set it up.

Go to the Thunderbird Addon page

Like the Firefox browser, Mozilla's email client Thunderbird also offers the option of installing extensions (add-ons). In order to have a specific folder open at startup, we need the add-on "Manually sort folders". This is on the official Thunderbird addon site. How to get there directly from Thunderbird:

• Click on "Tools" in the menu bar of Thunderbird.
• In the opened submenu choose "Addons".
• In the newly opened window, click on "Search addons" on the left side of the page (see picture, point 1).
• In the middle of the opened page read the text "What are Addons?". Click on "Find out more" to the right (see picture, point 2).
• You are now on the Thunderbird Addon page.

Find and install the Thunderbird addon

After you go to the addon page, it goes on like this:

• Enter "Manually sort folders" in the search bar at the top right and start the search by clicking on the green arrow next to the search bar or simply pressing the Enter key.
• The first result of the search should already be the right addon. Click on the entry and then on the green bar labeled "Add to Thunderbird" (see picture).
• Shortly afterwards, a small window appears, which reminds you again of the installation of the add-on. Wait a moment and then click "Install Now".
• You may now be asked to restart Thunderbird. Follow this prompt. The add-on is now installed.

Make folder settings in the add-on

As at the beginning of the description, click on Tools / Addons in the Thunderbird menu bar. Then you need to do the following:

• Now click on the "Extensions" entry below the "Find Addons" button in the left sidebar.
• The add-on "Manually sort folders" just installed should be listed there. Click on "Settings".
• In the new window, select the "Advanced" tab (see picture point 1).
• Click on the arrow behind the first box and select "Use custom folder" instead of "Use last opened folder" (see picture point 2).
• Now you can select any folder in the box next to it that should always be opened when Thunderbird is started (see image in point 3).

You can find numerous other practical tips on Thunderbird here.