policy-templates

Enterprise policy descriptions and templates for Thunderbird ESR 153.6.0

Policies can be specified by creating a file called policies.json:

Alternatively, policies can be specified via platform-specific methods:

This document provides examples in these formats for all policies.

Windows: installing the ADMX templates

The Thunderbird policies are placed in the “Mozilla” category, which is defined by Mozilla’s mozilla.admx. Both templates are needed. The mozilla.admx provided here is Mozilla’s unchanged file, and may already be installed together with the Firefox templates.

Installation:

Policy Name Description
3rdparty Policies for Extensions: Set policies that WebExtensions can access via chrome.storage.managed.
AppAutoUpdate Automatic updates: Enable or disable automatic application update.
AppUpdatePin Pin updates to a specific version: Prevent Thunderbird from being updated beyond the specified version.
AppUpdateURL Custom Update URL: Set custom app update URL.
Authentication Configure integrated authentication for websites that support it.
BackgroundAppUpdate Background updates: Enable or disable the background updater.
BlockAboutAddons Block Add-ons Manager: Block access to the Add-ons Manager (about:addons).
BlockAboutConfig Block about:config: Block access to the about:config page.
BlockAboutProfiles Block about:profiles: Block access to the about:profiles page.
BlockAboutSupport Block Troubleshooting Information: Block access to the about:support page.
CaptivePortal Captive portal detection: Enable or disable captive portal support.
Certificates Add certificates or use built-in certificates.
Certificates › ImportEnterpriseRoots Certificates of the operating system: Trust certificates that have been added to the operating system certificate store by a user or administrator.
Certificates › Install Certificates to install: Adds certificates to the Thunderbird certificate store.
Cookies Allow or deny websites to set cookies.
DefaultDownloadDirectory Set the default download directory.
DisableAppUpdate Disable Update: Prevent Thunderbird from updating.
DisableBuiltinPDFViewer Disable Built-in PDF Viewer (PDF.js): Disable PDF.js, the built-in PDF viewer in Thunderbird.
DisabledCiphers Disable ciphers.
DisableDeveloperTools Block access to the developer tools.
DisableMasterPasswordCreation Prevent creating a primary password: If true, a master password can’t be created.
DisablePasswordReveal Hide passwords of saved logins: Do not allow passwords to be revealed in saved logins.
DisableSafeMode Disable the feature to restart in Safe Mode. Note: the Shift key to enter Safe Mode can only be disabled on Windows using Group Policy.
DisableSecurityBypass Prevent Bypassing Security Warnings: Prevent the user from bypassing certain security warnings.
DisableSystemAddonUpdate Disable System Addon Updates: Prevent Thunderbird from installing and updating system add-ons.
DisableTelemetry Turn off Telemetry.
DNSOverHTTPS Configure DNS over HTTPS.
DownloadDirectory Set and lock the download directory.
Extensions Install, uninstall or lock extensions. The Install option takes URLs or paths as parameters. The Uninstall and Locked options take extension IDs.
ExtensionSettings Extension Management: Manage all aspects of extension installation.
ExtensionUpdate Automatic extension updates: Enable or disable automatic extension updates.
Handlers Configure default application handlers.
HardwareAcceleration Use hardware acceleration: If false, turn off hardware acceleration.
InAppNotification In-App Notifications: Enable or disable notification types.
InstallAddonsPermission Addons: Allow certain websites to install add-ons.
ManualAppUpdateOnly Manual Update Only: Allow manual updates only and do not notify the user about updates.
NetworkPrediction Network prediction (DNS prefetching): Enable or disable network prediction (DNS prefetching).
OfferToSaveLogins Offer to save passwords: Enforce the setting to allow Thunderbird to offer to remember saved logins and passwords. Both true and false values are accepted.
OfferToSaveLoginsDefault Offer to save passwords by default: Set the default value for allowing Thunderbird to offer to remember saved logins and passwords. Both true and false values are accepted.
PasswordManagerEnabled Password Manager: Enable saving passwords to the password manager.
PDFjs PDF.js: Disable or configure PDF.js, the built-in PDF viewer in Thunderbird.
Preferences Set and lock the value for a subset of preferences.
PrimaryPassword Primary (Master) Password: Require or prevent using a Primary Password.
PromptForDownloadLocation Ask where to save files when downloading.
Proxy Proxy Settings: Configure proxy settings.
RequestedLocales Requested locale: Set the list of requested locales for the application in order of preference.
SearchEngines Search: Configure search engine settings.
SearchEngines › Add New search engines: Adds search engines to the built-in ones.
SearchEngines › Default Default search engine: The search engine which is used to search the web from Thunderbird.
SearchEngines › DefaultPrivate Default search engine for private browsing: The search engine which is used in private browsing.
SearchEngines › PreventInstalls Prevent search engine installs: Webpages can’t install search engines.
SearchEngines › Remove Hidden search engines: These built-in search engines are not offered to the user.
SecurityDevices Add or delete PKCS #11 modules.
SecurityDevices › [name] Deprecated. Add PKCS #11 modules (older form): The older form of this policy, with the names of the devices to add directly in the policy.
SSLVersionMax Maximum SSL version enabled: Set the maximum SSL version.
SSLVersionMin Minimum SSL version enabled: Set the minimum SSL version.

3rdparty: Policies for Extensions

Set policies that WebExtensions can access via chrome.storage.managed.

Each entry is the managed storage of one extension, which the extension reads with browser.storage.managed and uses as its settings. For more information, see Adding policy support to your extension.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Extensions (object) - Managed storage of extensions

The managed storage of each extension, one JSON object per extension ID, which the extension reads with browser.storage.managed.

  • [name] (JSON) The managed storage entries of one extension. Their format is defined by the extension.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\3rdparty\Extensions\uBlock0@raymondhill.net (REG_MULTI_SZ) = 
{
  "adminSettings": {
    "selectedFilterLists": ["ublock-privacy", "ublock-badware", "ublock-filters", "user-filters"]
  }
}

macOS

<dict>
  <key>3rdparty</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Extensions</key>
    <dict>
      <key>uBlock0@raymondhill.net</key>
      <dict>
        <key>adminSettings</key>
        <dict>
          <key>selectedFilterLists</key>
          <array>
            <string>ublock-privacy</string>
            <string>ublock-badware</string>
            <string>ublock-filters</string>
            <string>user-filters</string>
          </array>
        </dict>
      </dict>
    </dict>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "3rdparty": {
      "Extensions": {
        "uBlock0@raymondhill.net": {
          "adminSettings": {
            "selectedFilterLists": ["ublock-privacy", "ublock-badware", "ublock-filters", "user-filters"]
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
3rdparty
3rdparty_Extensions
3rdparty_Extensions_[name]
78.0  

AppAutoUpdate: Automatic updates

Enable or disable automatic application update.

Install application updates automatically. If this policy is enabled, updates are installed without asking the user (the operating system might still ask for approval). If it is disabled, updates are downloaded, and the user chooses when to install them. In both cases, the user can’t change the setting. If updates are turned off with DisableAppUpdate, this policy has no effect.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: app.update.auto

Settings

AppAutoUpdate (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\AppAutoUpdate (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>AppAutoUpdate</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "AppAutoUpdate": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
AppAutoUpdate 75.0  

AppUpdatePin: Pin updates to a specific version

Prevent Thunderbird from being updated beyond the specified version.

You can specify the version as xx. and Thunderbird will be updated with all minor versions, but will not be updated beyond the major version.

You can also specify the version as xx.xx and Thunderbird will be updated with all patch versions, but will not be updated beyond the minor version.

You should specify a version that exists or is guaranteed to exist. If you specify a version that doesn’t end up existing, Thunderbird will update beyond that version.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

AppUpdatePin (string)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\AppUpdatePin (REG_SZ) = 106.

macOS

<dict>
  <key>AppUpdatePin</key>
  <string>106.</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "AppUpdatePin": "106."
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
AppUpdatePin 104.0  

AppUpdateURL: Custom Update URL

Set custom app update URL.

Change the URL for application update if you are providing Thunderbird updates from a custom update server.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: app.update.url

Settings

AppUpdateURL (string, URL)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\AppUpdateURL (REG_SZ) = https://yoursite.com

macOS

<dict>
  <key>AppUpdateURL</key>
  <string>https://yoursite.com</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "AppUpdateURL": "https://yoursite.com"
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
AppUpdateURL 68.0  

Authentication

Configure integrated authentication for websites that support it.

See Integrated authentication for more information.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: network.negotiate-auth.trusted-uris, network.negotiate-auth.delegation-uris, network.automatic-ntlm-auth.trusted-uris, network.automatic-ntlm-auth.allow-non-fqdn, network.negotiate-auth.allow-non-fqdn, network.automatic-ntlm-auth.allow-proxies, network.negotiate-auth.allow-proxies, network.auth.private-browsing-sso

Settings

SPNEGO (list of strings) - Sites allowed to use SPNEGO

Websites which may use integrated authentication via SPNEGO (Kerberos).

Delegated (list of strings) - Sites allowed to receive delegated credentials

Websites to which Thunderbird may delegate the authorization of the user.

NTLM (list of strings) - Sites allowed to use NTLM

Websites which may use integrated authentication via NTLM.

AllowNonFQDN (object) - Allow integrated authentication for non-FQDN hosts

Allows integrated authentication for hosts which are not given as fully qualified domain names.

  • SPNEGO (boolean) - Allow SPNEGO
  • NTLM (boolean) - Allow NTLM

AllowProxies (object) - Allow integrated authentication for proxies

Allows integrated authentication for proxy servers.

  • SPNEGO (boolean) - Allow SPNEGO
  • NTLM (boolean) - Allow NTLM

Locked (boolean) - Lock the integrated authentication settings

Prevents the user from changing the integrated authentication settings. The settings are locked unless this is false.

PrivateBrowsing (boolean) - Integrated authentication in private browsing

Enables integrated authentication in private browsing.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\SPNEGO\1 (REG_SZ) = mydomain.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\SPNEGO\2 (REG_SZ) = https://myotherdomain.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\Delegated\1 (REG_SZ) = mydomain.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\Delegated\2 (REG_SZ) = https://myotherdomain.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\NTLM\1 (REG_SZ) = mydomain.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\NTLM\2 (REG_SZ) = https://myotherdomain.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\AllowNonFQDN\SPNEGO (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\AllowNonFQDN\NTLM (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\AllowProxies\SPNEGO (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\AllowProxies\NTLM (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\Locked (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Authentication\PrivateBrowsing (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Authentication</key>
  <dict>
    <key>SPNEGO</key>
    <array>
      <string>mydomain.com</string>
      <string>https://myotherdomain.com</string>
    </array>
    <key>Delegated</key>
    <array>
      <string>mydomain.com</string>
      <string>https://myotherdomain.com</string>
    </array>
    <key>NTLM</key>
    <array>
      <string>mydomain.com</string>
      <string>https://myotherdomain.com</string>
    </array>
    <key>AllowNonFQDN</key>
    <dict>
      <key>SPNEGO</key>
      <true/>
      <key>NTLM</key>
      <true/>
    </dict>
    <key>AllowProxies</key>
    <dict>
      <key>SPNEGO</key>
      <true/>
      <key>NTLM</key>
      <true/>
    </dict>
    <key>Locked</key>
    <true/>
    <key>PrivateBrowsing</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Authentication": {
      "SPNEGO": ["mydomain.com", "https://myotherdomain.com"],
      "Delegated": ["mydomain.com", "https://myotherdomain.com"],
      "NTLM": ["mydomain.com", "https://myotherdomain.com"],
      "AllowNonFQDN": {
        "SPNEGO": true,
        "NTLM": true
      },
      "AllowProxies": {
        "SPNEGO": true,
        "NTLM": true
      },
      "Locked": true,
      "PrivateBrowsing": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Authentication
Authentication_SPNEGO
Authentication_Delegated
Authentication_NTLM
Authentication_AllowNonFQDN
Authentication_AllowNonFQDN_SPNEGO
Authentication_AllowNonFQDN_NTLM
Authentication_AllowProxies
Authentication_AllowProxies_SPNEGO
Authentication_AllowProxies_NTLM
Authentication_Locked
Authentication_PrivateBrowsing
78.0  

BackgroundAppUpdate: Background updates

Enable or disable the background updater.

Install application updates in the background, also when Thunderbird is not running (only on Windows). If this policy is enabled, updates may be installed in the background without asking the user (the operating system might still ask for approval). If it is disabled, no updates are installed while Thunderbird is not running. In both cases, the user can’t change the setting. If updates are turned off with DisableAppUpdate, or automatic updates with AppAutoUpdate, this policy has no effect. If background updates don’t run, check the requirements in this support article.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: app.update.background.enabled

Settings

BackgroundAppUpdate (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\BackgroundAppUpdate (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "BackgroundAppUpdate": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
BackgroundAppUpdate 91.0  

BlockAboutAddons: Block Add-ons Manager

Block access to the Add-ons Manager (about:addons).

Users can no longer open it to install, remove, enable or disable add-ons, or to change their options. Add-ons can still be managed with the Extensions and ExtensionSettings policies.

If this policy is disabled or not configured, the Add-ons Manager is available.

CCK2 Equivalent: disableAddonsManager
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

BlockAboutAddons (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\BlockAboutAddons (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>BlockAboutAddons</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "BlockAboutAddons": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
BlockAboutAddons 68.0  

BlockAboutConfig: Block about:config

Block access to the about:config page.

Block access to about:config.

CCK2 Equivalent: disableAboutConfig
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

BlockAboutConfig (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\BlockAboutConfig (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>BlockAboutConfig</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "BlockAboutConfig": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
BlockAboutConfig 68.0  

BlockAboutProfiles: Block about:profiles

Block access to the about:profiles page.

Block access to About Profiles (about:profiles).

CCK2 Equivalent: disableAboutProfiles
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

BlockAboutProfiles (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\BlockAboutProfiles (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>BlockAboutProfiles</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "BlockAboutProfiles": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
BlockAboutProfiles 68.0  

BlockAboutSupport: Block Troubleshooting Information

Block access to the about:support page.

Block access to Troubleshooting Information (about:support).

CCK2 Equivalent: disableAboutSupport
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

BlockAboutSupport (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\BlockAboutSupport (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>BlockAboutSupport</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "BlockAboutSupport": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
BlockAboutSupport 68.0  

CaptivePortal: Captive portal detection

Enable or disable captive portal support.

Detect captive portals, the login pages of networks in hotels or airports which have to be passed before the internet can be used. If this policy is enabled, the detection is turned on. If it is disabled, it is turned off. In both cases, the user can’t change the setting. If this policy is not configured, the user can change the setting.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: network.captive-portal-service.enabled

Settings

CaptivePortal (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\CaptivePortal (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>CaptivePortal</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "CaptivePortal": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
CaptivePortal 78.0  

Certificates

Add certificates or use built-in certificates.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Certificates (object)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Certificates\ImportEnterpriseRoots (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Certificates\Install\1 (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = cert1.der
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Certificates\Install\2 (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = C:\Users\username\cert2.pem

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Certificates</key>
  <dict>
    <key>ImportEnterpriseRoots</key>
    <true/>
    <key>Install</key>
    <array>
      <string>cert1.der</string>
      <string>/home/username/cert2.pem</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Certificates": {
      "ImportEnterpriseRoots": true,
      "Install": ["cert1.der", "/home/username/cert2.pem"]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Certificates
Certificates_ImportEnterpriseRoots
Certificates_Install
68.0  

Certificates › ImportEnterpriseRoots: Certificates of the operating system

Trust certificates that have been added to the operating system certificate store by a user or administrator.

Note: This policy only works on Windows and macOS. For Linux discussion, see bug 1600509.

See https://support.mozilla.org/kb/setting-certificate-authorities-firefox for more detail.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: security.enterprise_roots.enabled

Settings

ImportEnterpriseRoots (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Certificates\ImportEnterpriseRoots (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Certificates</key>
  <dict>
    <key>ImportEnterpriseRoots</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Certificates": {
      "ImportEnterpriseRoots": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Certificates_ImportEnterpriseRoots 68.0  

Certificates › Install: Certificates to install

Adds certificates to the Thunderbird certificate store.

If only a filename is specified, Thunderbird searches for the file in the following locations:

A fully qualified path can be used, including UNC paths. You should use the native path style for your operating system.

If you are specifying the path in the policies.json file on Windows, you need to escape your backslashes (\\) which means that for UNC paths, you need to escape both (\\\\). If you use group policy, you only need one backslash.

Certificates are installed using the trust string CT,CT,.

Binary (DER) and ASCII (PEM) certificates are both supported.

Environment variables like %USERPROFILE% are only expanded when the policy is set via Group Policy.

CCK2 Equivalent: certs.ca
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Install (list of strings)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Certificates\Install\1 (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = cert1.der
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Certificates\Install\2 (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = C:\Users\username\cert2.pem

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Certificates</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Install</key>
    <array>
      <string>cert1.der</string>
      <string>/home/username/cert2.pem</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Certificates": {
      "Install": ["cert1.der", "/home/username/cert2.pem"]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Certificates_Install 68.0  

Cookies

Allow or deny websites to set cookies.

Configure cookie preferences.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: network.cookie.cookieBehavior, network.cookie.cookieBehavior.pbmode

Settings

Allow (list of origins) - Sites which may always set cookies

Cookies are always allowed for these origins (not domains). Each must include http or https.

Block (list of origins) - Sites which may never set cookies

Cookies are always blocked for these origins (not domains). Each must include http or https.

Default (boolean) - Accept cookies

Determines whether cookies are accepted at all.

AcceptThirdParty (string: always, never or from-visited) - Accept third-party cookies

Determines how third-party cookies are handled.
always: Accept all third-party cookies.
never: Reject all third-party cookies.
from-visited: Accept third-party cookies only from sites the user has visited.

ExpireAtSessionEnd (boolean) - Keep cookies only until the end of the session Deprecated.

This setting has no effect anymore.

Locked (boolean) - Lock the cookie preferences

Prevents the user from changing cookie preferences.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Cookies\Allow\1 (REG_SZ) = http://example.org/
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Cookies\Block\1 (REG_SZ) = http://example.edu/
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Cookies\Default (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Cookies\AcceptThirdParty (REG_SZ) = always
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Cookies\Locked (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Cookies</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Allow</key>
    <array>
      <string>http://example.org/</string>
    </array>
    <key>Block</key>
    <array>
      <string>http://example.edu/</string>
    </array>
    <key>Default</key>
    <true/>
    <key>AcceptThirdParty</key>
    <string>always</string>
    <key>Locked</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Cookies": {
      "Allow": ["http://example.org/"],
      "Block": ["http://example.edu/"],
      "Default": true,
      "AcceptThirdParty": "always",
      "Locked": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Cookies
Cookies_Allow
Cookies_Block
Cookies_Default
Cookies_AcceptThirdParty
Cookies_ExpireAtSessionEnd
Cookies_Locked
78.0  

DefaultDownloadDirectory

Set the default download directory.

You can use ${home} for the native home directory.

Environment variables like %USERPROFILE% are only expanded when the policy is set via Group Policy.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: browser.download.dir, browser.download.folderList

Settings

DefaultDownloadDirectory (string)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DefaultDownloadDirectory (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = ${home}\Downloads

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DefaultDownloadDirectory</key>
  <string>${home}/Downloads</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DefaultDownloadDirectory": "${home}/Downloads"
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DefaultDownloadDirectory 78.0  

DisableAppUpdate: Disable Update

Prevent Thunderbird from updating.

Turn off application updates within Thunderbird.

CCK2 Equivalent: disableFirefoxUpdates
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

DisableAppUpdate (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableAppUpdate (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableAppUpdate</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableAppUpdate": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableAppUpdate 68.0  

DisableBuiltinPDFViewer: Disable Built-in PDF Viewer (PDF.js)

Disable PDF.js, the built-in PDF viewer in Thunderbird.

Disable the built in PDF viewer. PDF files are downloaded and sent externally.

CCK2 Equivalent: disablePDFjs
Preferences Affected: pdfjs.disabled

Settings

DisableBuiltinPDFViewer (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableBuiltinPDFViewer (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableBuiltinPDFViewer</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableBuiltinPDFViewer": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableBuiltinPDFViewer 91.0  

DisabledCiphers

Disable ciphers.

Disable specific cryptographic ciphers.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: security.ssl3.ecdhe_rsa_aes_128_gcm_sha256, security.ssl3.ecdhe_ecdsa_aes_128_gcm_sha256, security.ssl3.ecdhe_ecdsa_chacha20_poly1305_sha256, security.ssl3.ecdhe_rsa_chacha20_poly1305_sha256, security.ssl3.ecdhe_ecdsa_aes_256_gcm_sha384, security.ssl3.ecdhe_rsa_aes_256_gcm_sha384, security.ssl3.ecdhe_rsa_aes_128_sha, security.ssl3.ecdhe_ecdsa_aes_128_sha, security.ssl3.ecdhe_rsa_aes_256_sha, security.ssl3.ecdhe_ecdsa_aes_256_sha, security.ssl3.dhe_rsa_aes_128_sha, security.ssl3.dhe_rsa_aes_256_sha, security.ssl3.rsa_aes_128_gcm_sha256, security.ssl3.rsa_aes_256_gcm_sha384, security.ssl3.rsa_aes_128_sha, security.ssl3.rsa_aes_256_sha, security.ssl3.deprecated.rsa_des_ede3_sha

Settings

TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256 (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256

TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256 (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256

TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256 (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256

TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256 (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256

TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384

TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384

TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA

TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA

TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA

TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA

TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA

TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA

TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256 (boolean) - Disable TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256

TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (boolean) - Disable TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384

TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA

TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA

TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA (boolean) - Disable TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisabledCiphers\TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisabledCiphers</key>
  <dict>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
    <key>TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisabledCiphers": {
      "TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256": true,
      "TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384": true,
      "TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA": true,
      "TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisabledCiphers
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_DHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_RSA_WITH_3DES_EDE_CBC_SHA
76.0  
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA
DisabledCiphers_TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA
102.0  
DisabledCiphers_TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
DisabledCiphers_TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
91.0  

DisableDeveloperTools

Block access to the developer tools.

Remove access to all developer tools.

CCK2 Equivalent: removeDeveloperTools
Preferences Affected: devtools.policy.disabled, devtools.chrome.enabled

Settings

DisableDeveloperTools (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableDeveloperTools (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableDeveloperTools</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableDeveloperTools": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableDeveloperTools 68.0  

DisableMasterPasswordCreation: Prevent creating a primary password

If true, a master password can’t be created.

Remove the master password functionality.

If this value is true, it works the same as setting PrimaryPassword to false and removes the primary password functionality.

If both DisableMasterPasswordCreation and PrimaryPassword are used, DisableMasterPasswordCreation takes precedence.

CCK2 Equivalent: noMasterPassword
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

DisableMasterPasswordCreation (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableMasterPasswordCreation (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableMasterPasswordCreation</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableMasterPasswordCreation": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableMasterPasswordCreation 68.0  

DisablePasswordReveal: Hide passwords of saved logins

Do not allow passwords to be revealed in saved logins.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

DisablePasswordReveal (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisablePasswordReveal (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisablePasswordReveal</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisablePasswordReveal": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisablePasswordReveal 78.0  

DisableSafeMode

Disable the feature to restart in Safe Mode. Note: the Shift key to enter Safe Mode can only be disabled on Windows using Group Policy.

Disable safe mode within the browser.

On Windows, this disables safe mode via the command line as well.

CCK2 Equivalent: disableSafeMode
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

DisableSafeMode (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableSafeMode (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableSafeMode</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableSafeMode": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableSafeMode 78.0  

DisableSecurityBypass: Prevent Bypassing Security Warnings

Prevent the user from bypassing certain security warnings.

Prevent the user from bypassing security in certain cases.

These policies only affect what happens when an error is shown. They do not affect any settings in preferences.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: security.certerror.hideAddException, browser.safebrowsing.allowOverride

Settings

InvalidCertificate (boolean) - Prevent exceptions for invalid certificates

Prevents adding an exception when an invalid certificate is shown.

SafeBrowsing (boolean) - Prevent visiting harmful sites anyway

Prevents selecting “ignore the risk” and visiting a harmful site anyway.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableSecurityBypass\InvalidCertificate (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableSecurityBypass\SafeBrowsing (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableSecurityBypass</key>
  <dict>
    <key>InvalidCertificate</key>
    <true/>
    <key>SafeBrowsing</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableSecurityBypass": {
      "InvalidCertificate": true,
      "SafeBrowsing": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableSecurityBypass
DisableSecurityBypass_InvalidCertificate
DisableSecurityBypass_SafeBrowsing
68.0  

DisableSystemAddonUpdate: Disable System Addon Updates

Prevent Thunderbird from installing and updating system add-ons.

Prevent system add-ons from being installed or updated.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

DisableSystemAddonUpdate (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableSystemAddonUpdate (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableSystemAddonUpdate</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableSystemAddonUpdate": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableSystemAddonUpdate 77.0  

DisableTelemetry

Turn off Telemetry.

Prevent the upload of telemetry data.

Local storage of telemetry data is disabled as well.

Mozilla recommends that you do not disable telemetry. Information collected through telemetry helps us build a better product for businesses like yours.

CCK2 Equivalent: disableTelemetry
Preferences Affected: datareporting.healthreport.uploadEnabled, datareporting.policy.dataSubmissionEnabled, toolkit.telemetry.archive.enabled

Settings

DisableTelemetry (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DisableTelemetry (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DisableTelemetry</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DisableTelemetry": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DisableTelemetry 78.0  

DNSOverHTTPS

Configure DNS over HTTPS.

With DNS over HTTPS, host names are resolved through an encrypted connection to a DNS over HTTPS provider, instead of the DNS resolver of the operating system. The user can change these settings, unless the Locked setting is used.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: network.trr.mode, network.trr.uri, network.trr.excluded-domains

Settings

Enabled (boolean) - Enable DNS over HTTPS

Determines whether DNS over HTTPS is enabled.

ProviderURL (string, URL) - DNS over HTTPS provider

Replaces the default provider.

ExcludedDomains (list of strings) - Domains excluded from DNS over HTTPS

Domains which are resolved without DNS over HTTPS.

Locked (boolean) - Lock the DNS over HTTPS settings

Prevents the user from changing DNS over HTTPS preferences.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DNSOverHTTPS\Enabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DNSOverHTTPS\ProviderURL (REG_SZ) = https://dns.example.com/dns-query
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DNSOverHTTPS\ExcludedDomains\1 (REG_SZ) = example.com
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DNSOverHTTPS\Locked (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DNSOverHTTPS</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Enabled</key>
    <true/>
    <key>ProviderURL</key>
    <string>https://dns.example.com/dns-query</string>
    <key>ExcludedDomains</key>
    <array>
      <string>example.com</string>
    </array>
    <key>Locked</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DNSOverHTTPS": {
      "Enabled": true,
      "ProviderURL": "https://dns.example.com/dns-query",
      "ExcludedDomains": ["example.com"],
      "Locked": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DNSOverHTTPS
DNSOverHTTPS_Enabled
DNSOverHTTPS_ProviderURL
DNSOverHTTPS_ExcludedDomains
DNSOverHTTPS_Locked
91.0  

DownloadDirectory

Set and lock the download directory.

You can use ${home} for the native home directory.

Environment variables like %USERPROFILE% are only expanded when the policy is set via Group Policy.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: browser.download.dir, browser.download.folderList, browser.download.useDownloadDir

Settings

DownloadDirectory (string)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\DownloadDirectory (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = ${home}\Downloads

macOS

<dict>
  <key>DownloadDirectory</key>
  <string>${home}/Downloads</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "DownloadDirectory": "${home}/Downloads"
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
DownloadDirectory 78.0  

Extensions

Install, uninstall or lock extensions. The Install option takes URLs or paths as parameters. The Uninstall and Locked options take extension IDs.

Control the installation, uninstallation and locking of extensions.

We strongly recommend that you use the ExtensionSettings policy. It has the same functionality and adds more. It does not support native paths, though, so you’ll have to use file:/// URLs.

CCK2 Equivalent: addons
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Install (list of strings) - Extensions to install

Each is given as URL or native path. Environment variables like %USERPROFILE% are only expanded when the policy is set via Group Policy.

Uninstall (list of strings) - Extensions to uninstall

Each is given by its ID, and only uninstalled if it is installed.

Locked (list of strings) - Extensions which can’t be disabled or removed

Extensions the user can’t disable or uninstall, by their IDs.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Extensions\Install\1 (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/downloads/somefile.xpi
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Extensions\Install\2 (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = //path/to/xpi
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Extensions\Uninstall\1 (REG_SZ) = bad_addon_id@mozilla.org
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Extensions\Locked\1 (REG_SZ) = addon_id@mozilla.org

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Extensions</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Install</key>
    <array>
      <string>https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/downloads/somefile.xpi</string>
      <string>//path/to/xpi</string>
    </array>
    <key>Uninstall</key>
    <array>
      <string>bad_addon_id@mozilla.org</string>
    </array>
    <key>Locked</key>
    <array>
      <string>addon_id@mozilla.org</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Extensions": {
      "Install": ["https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/downloads/somefile.xpi", "//path/to/xpi"],
      "Uninstall": ["bad_addon_id@mozilla.org"],
      "Locked": ["addon_id@mozilla.org"]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Extensions
Extensions_Install
Extensions_Uninstall
Extensions_Locked
68.0  

ExtensionSettings: Extension Management

Manage all aspects of extension installation.

Manage all aspects of extensions. This policy is based heavily on the Chrome policy of the same name.

This policy maps an extension ID to its configuration. With an extension ID, the configuration will be applied to the specified extension only. A default configuration can be set for the special ID “*”, which will apply to all extensions that don’t have a custom configuration set in this policy.

To obtain an extension ID, install the extension and go to about:support. You will see the ID in the Extensions section.

Installing a theme makes it the default.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

* (object)

The default settings for all extensions which have no entry of their own.

  • installation_mode (string: allowed or blocked) Whether extensions can be installed.
    allowed: Users can install extensions.
    blocked: No extension can be installed. An extension with its own entry in this policy is exempt, whatever that entry says. At startup, installed extensions are removed, unless their entry sets installation_mode to allowed, force_installed or normal_installed.
  • allowed_types (list of strings: extension, dictionary, locale or theme) The types of add-ons which can be installed.
    extension: Ordinary extensions.
    dictionary: Spell-checking dictionaries.
    locale: Language packs that translate the Thunderbird interface.
    theme: Themes that change the appearance of Thunderbird.
  • blocked_install_message (string) A message shown to the user when the installation of an extension is blocked.
  • install_sources (list of strings) The sources from which extensions can be installed, as URL match patterns (e.g. https://addons.thunderbird.net/*).
  • restricted_domains (list of strings) The domains on which content scripts of extensions can’t run.

[name] (object)

The settings of one extension, by its ID. They take precedence over the default settings.

  • installation_mode (string: allowed, blocked, force_installed or normal_installed) How the extension is installed.
    allowed: The extension may be installed, even when extensions are blocked by default.
    blocked: The extension cannot be installed, and is uninstalled if already present.
    force_installed: The extension is installed automatically and the user can neither disable nor remove it.
    normal_installed: The extension is installed automatically. The user can disable it but cannot remove it.
  • install_url (string) The URL from which the extension is installed with force_installed and normal_installed, e.g. from addons.thunderbird.net or a file:/// URL. It is required for these modes. Without it, this extension and the ones which follow it in this policy are neither installed nor removed.
  • blocked_install_message (string) A message shown to the user when the installation of this extension is blocked.
  • updates_disabled (boolean) If true, the extension is not updated automatically.
  • update_url (string, URL) An update manifest to update the extension with, instead of the extension’s own update URL.
  • private_browsing (boolean) If true, the extension is allowed to run in private browsing. If false, it is not.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\ExtensionSettings (REG_MULTI_SZ) = 
{
  "*": {
    "blocked_install_message": "Custom error message.",
    "install_sources": ["about:addons", "https://addons.thunderbird.net/"],
    "installation_mode": "blocked",
    "allowed_types": ["extension"]
  },
  "uBlock0@raymondhill.net": {
    "installation_mode": "force_installed",
    "install_url": "https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/downloads/latest/ublock-origin/latest.xpi"
  },
  "https-everywhere@eff.org": {
    "installation_mode": "allowed"
  }
}

macOS

<dict>
  <key>ExtensionSettings</key>
  <dict>
    <key>*</key>
    <dict>
      <key>blocked_install_message</key>
      <string>Custom error message.</string>
      <key>install_sources</key>
      <array>
        <string>about:addons</string>
        <string>https://addons.thunderbird.net/</string>
      </array>
      <key>installation_mode</key>
      <string>blocked</string>
      <key>allowed_types</key>
      <array>
        <string>extension</string>
      </array>
    </dict>
    <key>uBlock0@raymondhill.net</key>
    <dict>
      <key>installation_mode</key>
      <string>force_installed</string>
      <key>install_url</key>
      <string>https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/downloads/latest/ublock-origin/latest.xpi</string>
    </dict>
    <key>https-everywhere@eff.org</key>
    <dict>
      <key>installation_mode</key>
      <string>allowed</string>
    </dict>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "ExtensionSettings": {
      "*": {
        "blocked_install_message": "Custom error message.",
        "install_sources": ["about:addons", "https://addons.thunderbird.net/"],
        "installation_mode": "blocked",
        "allowed_types": ["extension"]
      },
      "uBlock0@raymondhill.net": {
        "installation_mode": "force_installed",
        "install_url": "https://addons.thunderbird.net/thunderbird/downloads/latest/ublock-origin/latest.xpi"
      },
      "https-everywhere@eff.org": {
        "installation_mode": "allowed"
      }
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
ExtensionSettings
ExtensionSettings_[name]
ExtensionSettings_[name]_blocked_install_message
68.0  
ExtensionSettings_*
ExtensionSettings_*_installation_mode
ExtensionSettings_*_allowed_types
ExtensionSettings_*_blocked_install_message
ExtensionSettings_*_install_sources
ExtensionSettings_*_restricted_domains
ExtensionSettings_[name]_installation_mode
ExtensionSettings_[name]_install_url
89.0  
ExtensionSettings_[name]_updates_disabled 91.0  
ExtensionSettings_[name]_update_url 154.0, 153.0.2esr  
ExtensionSettings_[name]_private_browsing 136.0  

ExtensionUpdate: Automatic extension updates

Enable or disable automatic extension updates.

Turn off automatic updates of extensions. If this policy is disabled, extensions are no longer updated automatically, and the user can’t turn it on. If it is enabled or not configured, the user’s setting applies.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: extensions.update.enabled

Settings

ExtensionUpdate (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\ExtensionUpdate (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>ExtensionUpdate</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "ExtensionUpdate": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
ExtensionUpdate 68.0  

Handlers

Configure default application handlers.

This policy is based on the internal format of handlers.json.

You can configure handlers based on a mime type (mimeTypes), a file’s extension (extensions), or a protocol (schemes).

Within each handler type, you specify the given mimeType/extension/scheme as a key.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

(mimeTypes|extensions|schemes) (object)

How content is matched: by its MIME type (mimeTypes), by the extension of its file name (extensions), or by its protocol (schemes).

  • [name] (object) One MIME type, file extension or protocol, with how its content is handled.
    • action (string: saveToDisk, useHelperApp or useSystemDefault)

      What happens with the content.
      saveToDisk: Download the file instead of opening it.
      useHelperApp: Open the content with an application listed in handlers.
      useSystemDefault: Open the content with the application the operating system associates with that type.

    • ask (boolean)

      If true, the user is asked what to do with the content. If false, the action is taken without asking.

    • handlers (list of objects)

      The applications which can handle the content. The first one is the default. Each entry has either a path or a uriTemplate.

      • name (string)

        The name of the application.

      • path (string)

        The path of the executable of the application.

      • uriTemplate (string)

        The URL of a web application. It has to use https and contain %s, which is replaced by the URL of the content.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Handlers (REG_MULTI_SZ) = 
{
  "mimeTypes": {
    "application/msword": {
      "action": "useSystemDefault",
      "ask": false
    }
  },
  "schemes": {
    "mailto": {
      "action": "useHelperApp",
      "ask": true,
      "handlers": [
        {
          "name": "Gmail",
          "uriTemplate": "https://mail.google.com/mail/?extsrc=mailto&url=%s"
        }
      ]
    }
  },
  "extensions": {
    "pdf": {
      "action": "useHelperApp",
      "ask": true,
      "handlers": [
        {
          "name": "Adobe Acrobat",
          "path": "C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Adobe\\Acrobat Reader DC\\Reader\\AcroRd32.exe"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Handlers</key>
  <dict>
    <key>mimeTypes</key>
    <dict>
      <key>application/msword</key>
      <dict>
        <key>action</key>
        <string>useSystemDefault</string>
        <key>ask</key>
        <false/>
      </dict>
    </dict>
    <key>schemes</key>
    <dict>
      <key>mailto</key>
      <dict>
        <key>action</key>
        <string>useHelperApp</string>
        <key>ask</key>
        <true/>
        <key>handlers</key>
        <array>
          <dict>
            <key>name</key>
            <string>Gmail</string>
            <key>uriTemplate</key>
            <string>https://mail.google.com/mail/?extsrc=mailto&amp;url=%s</string>
          </dict>
        </array>
      </dict>
    </dict>
    <key>extensions</key>
    <dict>
      <key>pdf</key>
      <dict>
        <key>action</key>
        <string>useHelperApp</string>
        <key>ask</key>
        <true/>
        <key>handlers</key>
        <array>
          <dict>
            <key>name</key>
            <string>Adobe Acrobat</string>
            <key>path</key>
            <string>/usr/bin/acroread</string>
          </dict>
        </array>
      </dict>
    </dict>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Handlers": {
      "mimeTypes": {
        "application/msword": {
          "action": "useSystemDefault",
          "ask": false
        }
      },
      "schemes": {
        "mailto": {
          "action": "useHelperApp",
          "ask": true,
          "handlers": [
            {
              "name": "Gmail",
              "uriTemplate": "https://mail.google.com/mail/?extsrc=mailto&url=%s"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      "extensions": {
        "pdf": {
          "action": "useHelperApp",
          "ask": true,
          "handlers": [
            {
              "name": "Adobe Acrobat",
              "path": "/usr/bin/acroread"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Handlers
Handlers_mimeTypes
Handlers_mimeTypes_[name]
Handlers_mimeTypes_[name]_action
Handlers_mimeTypes_[name]_ask
Handlers_mimeTypes_[name]_handlers
Handlers_extensions
Handlers_extensions_[name]
Handlers_extensions_[name]_action
Handlers_extensions_[name]_ask
Handlers_extensions_[name]_handlers
Handlers_schemes
Handlers_schemes_[name]
Handlers_schemes_[name]_action
Handlers_schemes_[name]_ask
Handlers_schemes_[name]_handlers
91.0  

HardwareAcceleration: Use hardware acceleration

If false, turn off hardware acceleration.

Control hardware acceleration.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: layers.acceleration.disabled

Settings

HardwareAcceleration (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\HardwareAcceleration (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>HardwareAcceleration</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "HardwareAcceleration": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
HardwareAcceleration 78.0  

InAppNotification: In-App Notifications

Enable or disable notification types.

Configure TOAST, browser, and tab notifications within the context of the application.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: mail.inappnotifications.donation_enabled, mail.inappnotifications.blog_enabled, mail.inappnotifications.message_enabled, mail.inappnotifications.enabled

Settings

DonationEnabled (boolean) - Donation notifications

Enables or disables notifications asking for a donation.

SurveyEnabled (boolean) - Survey notifications

Enables or disables notifications inviting to a survey.

MessageEnabled (boolean) - Message notifications

Enables or disables notifications with messages.

Disabled (boolean) - Disable all in-app notifications

If set to true, no in-app notifications are shown.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InAppNotification\DonationEnabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InAppNotification\SurveyEnabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InAppNotification\MessageEnabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InAppNotification\Disabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>InAppNotification</key>
  <dict>
    <key>DonationEnabled</key>
    <true/>
    <key>SurveyEnabled</key>
    <true/>
    <key>MessageEnabled</key>
    <true/>
    <key>Disabled</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "InAppNotification": {
      "DonationEnabled": true,
      "SurveyEnabled": true,
      "MessageEnabled": true,
      "Disabled": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
InAppNotification
InAppNotification_DonationEnabled
InAppNotification_SurveyEnabled
InAppNotification_MessageEnabled
InAppNotification_Disabled
139.0  

InstallAddonsPermission: Addons

Allow certain websites to install add-ons.

Configure the default extension install policy and the origins from which extensions can be installed. This policy does not override turning off all extension installs.

CCK2 Equivalent: permissions.install
Preferences Affected: xpinstall.enabled

Settings

Allow (list of origins) - Sites allowed to install extensions

Extension installs are allowed for these origins.

Default (boolean) - Allow extension installs by default

Determines whether or not extension installs are allowed by default.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InstallAddonsPermission\Allow\1 (REG_SZ) = http://example.org/
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InstallAddonsPermission\Allow\2 (REG_SZ) = http://example.edu/
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\InstallAddonsPermission\Default (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>InstallAddonsPermission</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Allow</key>
    <array>
      <string>http://example.org/</string>
      <string>http://example.edu/</string>
    </array>
    <key>Default</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "InstallAddonsPermission": {
      "Allow": ["http://example.org/", "http://example.edu/"],
      "Default": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
InstallAddonsPermission
InstallAddonsPermission_Allow
InstallAddonsPermission_Default
68.0  

ManualAppUpdateOnly: Manual Update Only

Allow manual updates only and do not notify the user about updates.

Switch to manual updates only.

If this policy is enabled:

  1. The user will never be prompted to install updates.
  2. Thunderbird will not check for updates in the background, though it will check automatically when an update UI is displayed (such as the one in the About dialog). This check will be used to show “Update to version X” in the UI, but will not automatically download the update or prompt the user to update in any other way.
  3. The update UI will work as expected, unlike when using DisableAppUpdate.

This policy is primarily intended for advanced end users, not for enterprises, but it is available via GPO.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

ManualAppUpdateOnly (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\ManualAppUpdateOnly (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>ManualAppUpdateOnly</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "ManualAppUpdateOnly": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
ManualAppUpdateOnly 91.0  

NetworkPrediction: Network prediction (DNS prefetching)

Enable or disable network prediction (DNS prefetching).

With network prediction, Thunderbird resolves the host names of links in advance, so they load faster.

If this policy is enabled, network prediction is turned on. If it is disabled, network prediction is turned off. In both cases, the user can’t change the setting. If this policy is not configured, the user can change the setting.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: network.dns.disablePrefetch, network.dns.disablePrefetchFromHTTPS

Settings

NetworkPrediction (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\NetworkPrediction (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>NetworkPrediction</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "NetworkPrediction": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
NetworkPrediction 91.0  

OfferToSaveLogins: Offer to save passwords

Enforce the setting to allow Thunderbird to offer to remember saved logins and passwords. Both true and false values are accepted.

Control whether or not Thunderbird offers to save passwords.

CCK2 Equivalent: dontRememberPasswords
Preferences Affected: signon.rememberSignons

Settings

OfferToSaveLogins (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\OfferToSaveLogins (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>OfferToSaveLogins</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "OfferToSaveLogins": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
OfferToSaveLogins 91.0  

OfferToSaveLoginsDefault: Offer to save passwords by default

Set the default value for allowing Thunderbird to offer to remember saved logins and passwords. Both true and false values are accepted.

Sets the default value of signon.rememberSignons without locking it.

CCK2 Equivalent: dontRememberPasswords
Preferences Affected: signon.rememberSignons

Settings

OfferToSaveLoginsDefault (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\OfferToSaveLoginsDefault (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>OfferToSaveLoginsDefault</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "OfferToSaveLoginsDefault": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
OfferToSaveLoginsDefault 91.0  

PasswordManagerEnabled: Password Manager

Enable saving passwords to the password manager.

Remove access to the password manager via the settings, and block about:logins.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: pref.privacy.disable_button.view_passwords, signon.rememberSignons

Settings

PasswordManagerEnabled (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\PasswordManagerEnabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>PasswordManagerEnabled</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "PasswordManagerEnabled": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
PasswordManagerEnabled 78.0  

PDFjs: PDF.js

Disable or configure PDF.js, the built-in PDF viewer in Thunderbird.

Disable or configure PDF.js, the built-in PDF viewer.

Note: DisableBuiltinPDFViewer has not been deprecated. You can either continue to use it, or switch to using PDFjs->Enabled to disable the built-in PDF viewer.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: pdfjs.disabled, pdfjs.enablePermissions

Settings

Enabled (boolean) - Enable the built-in PDF viewer

If set to false, the built-in PDF viewer is disabled.

EnablePermissions (boolean) - Honor the permissions of PDF documents

Meant to make the built-in PDF viewer honor document permissions like preventing the copying of text. In this version, the value of this setting is ignored. If it is set, document permissions are honored unless Enabled is set to true.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\PDFjs\Enabled (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\PDFjs\EnablePermissions (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>PDFjs</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Enabled</key>
    <true/>
    <key>EnablePermissions</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "PDFjs": {
      "Enabled": true,
      "EnablePermissions": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
PDFjs
PDFjs_Enabled
PDFjs_EnablePermissions
91.0  

Preferences

Set and lock the value for a subset of preferences.

Set and lock preferences.

You can also set default preferences and user preferences, and clear the user value of a preference.

Using the preference as the key, set the Value to the corresponding preference value.

Default preferences can be modified by the user.

If a value is locked, it is also set as the default.

User preferences persist across invocations of Thunderbird. It is the equivalent of a user setting the preference. They are most useful when a preference is needed very early in startup so it can’t be set as default by policy.

User preferences persist even if the policy is removed, so if you need to remove them, set their Status to clear.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you’re only setting a particular preference using this mechanism and not some other way.

Only these preferences can be set:

CCK2 Equivalent: preferences
Preferences Affected: Many

Settings

[name] (number, boolean, string or object)

One preference, by its name, as an object with Value and Status. A value alone (e.g. true) sets and locks the default value of the preference.

  • Value (number, boolean or string) The value of the preference.
  • Status (string: default, locked, user or clear) How the value is set.
    default: Change the preference’s default value. A value the user has already set still wins.
    locked: Change the preference’s default value and prevent the user from changing it.
    user: Set the preference as though the user had set it, so the value is written to the profile.
    clear: Remove any value the user has set, reverting the preference to its default.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Preferences (REG_MULTI_SZ) = 
{
  "accessibility.force_disabled": {
    "Value": 1,
    "Status": "default"
  },
  "browser.cache.disk.parent_directory": {
    "Value": "SOME_NATIVE_PATH",
    "Status": "user"
  }
}

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Preferences</key>
  <dict>
    <key>accessibility.force_disabled</key>
    <dict>
      <key>Value</key>
      <integer>1</integer>
      <key>Status</key>
      <string>default</string>
    </dict>
    <key>browser.cache.disk.parent_directory</key>
    <dict>
      <key>Value</key>
      <string>SOME_NATIVE_PATH</string>
      <key>Status</key>
      <string>user</string>
    </dict>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Preferences": {
      "accessibility.force_disabled": {
        "Value": 1,
        "Status": "default"
      },
      "browser.cache.disk.parent_directory": {
        "Value": "SOME_NATIVE_PATH",
        "Status": "user"
      }
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Preferences 68.0  
Preferences_[name]
Preferences_[name]_Value
Preferences_[name]_Status
91.0  

PrimaryPassword: Primary (Master) Password

Require or prevent using a Primary Password.

Require or prevent using a primary (formerly master) password.

If this value is true, a primary password is required. If this value is false, it works the same as if DisableMasterPasswordCreation was true and removes the primary password functionality.

If both DisableMasterPasswordCreation and PrimaryPassword are used, DisableMasterPasswordCreation takes precedence.

CCK2 Equivalent: noMasterPassword
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

PrimaryPassword (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\PrimaryPassword (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>PrimaryPassword</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "PrimaryPassword": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
PrimaryPassword 91.0  

PromptForDownloadLocation

Ask where to save files when downloading.

Ask where to save each file before downloading.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: browser.download.useDownloadDir

Settings

PromptForDownloadLocation (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\PromptForDownloadLocation (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>PromptForDownloadLocation</key>
  <true/>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "PromptForDownloadLocation": true
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
PromptForDownloadLocation 78.0  

Proxy: Proxy Settings

Configure proxy settings.

These settings correspond to the connection settings in Thunderbird preferences. To specify ports, append them to the hostnames with a colon (:).

Unless you lock this policy, changes the user already has in place will take effect.

CCK2 Equivalent: networkProxy*
Preferences Affected: network.proxy.type, network.proxy.autoconfig_url, network.proxy.socks_remote_dns, signon.autologin.proxy, network.proxy.socks_version, network.proxy.no_proxies_on, network.proxy.share_proxy_settings, network.proxy.http, network.proxy.http_port, network.proxy.ssl, network.proxy.ssl_port, network.proxy.socks, network.proxy.socks_port

Settings

Mode (string: none, system, manual, autoDetect or autoConfig) - Proxy method

The proxy method being used.
none: Connect directly, without a proxy.
system: Use the proxy configured in the operating system.
manual: Use the proxy hosts given in HTTPProxy, SSLProxy, and SOCKSProxy.
autoDetect: Discover the proxy settings for this network automatically.
autoConfig: Use the proxy auto-configuration file at AutoConfigURL.

Locked (boolean) - Lock the proxy settings

Prevents the user from changing the proxy settings.

AutoConfigURL (string, URL) - Automatic proxy configuration URL

Only used if the proxy method is autoConfig.

FTPProxy (string) Deprecated.

This setting has no effect, because support for FTP proxies was removed.

HTTPProxy (string)

The HTTP proxy server.

SSLProxy (string)

The SSL proxy server.

SOCKSProxy (string)

The SOCKS proxy server.

SOCKSVersion (number: 4 or 5)

The SOCKS version.
4: Use version 4 of the SOCKS protocol to reach SOCKSProxy.
5: Use version 5 of the SOCKS protocol to reach SOCKSProxy.

UseHTTPProxyForAllProtocols (boolean) - Use the HTTP proxy for all protocols

Whether the HTTP proxy is also used for all other protocols.

Passthrough (string) - No proxy for

Hostnames or IP addresses which are not proxied, separated by commas. Use <local> to bypass proxying for all hostnames which do not contain periods.

UseProxyForDNS (boolean) - Proxy DNS when using SOCKS v5

Use the proxy for DNS requests when using SOCKS v5.

AutoLogin (boolean) - Don’t prompt for authentication if the password is saved

If the proxy requires authentication and its password is saved, Thunderbird logs in without asking. If that login fails, the user is asked again.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\Mode (REG_SZ) = none
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\Locked (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\AutoConfigURL (REG_SZ) = https://proxy.example.com/proxy.pac
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\HTTPProxy (REG_SZ) = hostname
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\SSLProxy (REG_SZ) = hostname
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\SOCKSProxy (REG_SZ) = hostname
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\SOCKSVersion (REG_DWORD) = 0x4
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\UseHTTPProxyForAllProtocols (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\Passthrough (REG_SZ) = <local>, .example.com, 192.168.1.0/24
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\UseProxyForDNS (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\Proxy\AutoLogin (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>Proxy</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Mode</key>
    <string>none</string>
    <key>Locked</key>
    <true/>
    <key>AutoConfigURL</key>
    <string>https://proxy.example.com/proxy.pac</string>
    <key>HTTPProxy</key>
    <string>hostname</string>
    <key>SSLProxy</key>
    <string>hostname</string>
    <key>SOCKSProxy</key>
    <string>hostname</string>
    <key>SOCKSVersion</key>
    <integer>4</integer>
    <key>UseHTTPProxyForAllProtocols</key>
    <true/>
    <key>Passthrough</key>
    <string>&lt;local&gt;, .example.com, 192.168.1.0/24</string>
    <key>UseProxyForDNS</key>
    <true/>
    <key>AutoLogin</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "Proxy": {
      "Mode": "none",
      "Locked": true,
      "AutoConfigURL": "https://proxy.example.com/proxy.pac",
      "HTTPProxy": "hostname",
      "SSLProxy": "hostname",
      "SOCKSProxy": "hostname",
      "SOCKSVersion": 4,
      "UseHTTPProxyForAllProtocols": true,
      "Passthrough": "<local>, .example.com, 192.168.1.0/24",
      "UseProxyForDNS": true,
      "AutoLogin": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
Proxy
Proxy_Mode
Proxy_Locked
Proxy_AutoConfigURL
Proxy_FTPProxy
Proxy_HTTPProxy
Proxy_SSLProxy
Proxy_SOCKSProxy
Proxy_SOCKSVersion
Proxy_UseHTTPProxyForAllProtocols
Proxy_Passthrough
Proxy_UseProxyForDNS
Proxy_AutoLogin
68.0  

RequestedLocales: Requested locale

Set the list of requested locales for the application in order of preference.

The corresponding language packs become active.

Note: This policy can also be a string, so that you can specify an empty value.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

RequestedLocales (string or list of strings)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\RequestedLocales\1 (REG_SZ) = de
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\RequestedLocales\2 (REG_SZ) = en-US
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\RequestedLocales (REG_SZ) = de,en-US

macOS

<dict>
  <key>RequestedLocales</key>
  <array>
    <string>de</string>
    <string>en-US</string>
  </array>
</dict>

<dict>
  <key>RequestedLocales</key>
  <string>de,en-US</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "RequestedLocales": ["de", "en-US"]
  }
}

{
  "policies": {
    "RequestedLocales": "de,en-US"
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
RequestedLocales 68.0  

SearchEngines: Search

Configure search engine settings.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

SearchEngines (object)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Name (REG_SZ) = Example1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\IconURL (REG_SZ) = https://www.example.org/favicon.ico
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Alias (REG_SZ) = example
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Description (REG_SZ) = Description
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Encoding (REG_SZ) = UTF-8
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Method (REG_SZ) = GET
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\URLTemplate (REG_SZ) = https://www.example.org/q={searchTerms}
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\PostData (REG_SZ) = name=value&q={searchTerms}
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\SuggestURLTemplate (REG_SZ) = https://www.example.org/suggestions/q={searchTerms}
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Default (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\DefaultPrivate (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\PreventInstalls (REG_DWORD) = 0x1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Remove\1 (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SearchEngines</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Add</key>
    <array>
      <dict>
        <key>Name</key>
        <string>Example1</string>
        <key>IconURL</key>
        <string>https://www.example.org/favicon.ico</string>
        <key>Alias</key>
        <string>example</string>
        <key>Description</key>
        <string>Description</string>
        <key>Encoding</key>
        <string>UTF-8</string>
        <key>Method</key>
        <string>GET</string>
        <key>URLTemplate</key>
        <string>https://www.example.org/q={searchTerms}</string>
        <key>PostData</key>
        <string>name=value&amp;q={searchTerms}</string>
        <key>SuggestURLTemplate</key>
        <string>https://www.example.org/suggestions/q={searchTerms}</string>
      </dict>
    </array>
    <key>Default</key>
    <string>NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE</string>
    <key>DefaultPrivate</key>
    <string>NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE</string>
    <key>PreventInstalls</key>
    <true/>
    <key>Remove</key>
    <array>
      <string>NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SearchEngines": {
      "Add": [
        {
          "Name": "Example1",
          "IconURL": "https://www.example.org/favicon.ico",
          "Alias": "example",
          "Description": "Description",
          "Encoding": "UTF-8",
          "Method": "GET",
          "URLTemplate": "https://www.example.org/q={searchTerms}",
          "PostData": "name=value&q={searchTerms}",
          "SuggestURLTemplate": "https://www.example.org/suggestions/q={searchTerms}"
        }
      ],
      "Default": "NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE",
      "DefaultPrivate": "NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE",
      "PreventInstalls": true,
      "Remove": ["NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE"]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SearchEngines
SearchEngines_Add
SearchEngines_Default
SearchEngines_DefaultPrivate
SearchEngines_PreventInstalls
SearchEngines_Remove
108.0  

SearchEngines › Add: New search engines

Adds search engines to the built-in ones.

Although there are only five engines available in the ADMX template, there is no limit. To add more in the ADMX template, you can duplicate the XML.

CCK2 Equivalent: searchplugins
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Name (string)

The name of the search engine (required).

IconURL (string, URL)

The icon to use.

Alias (string)

A keyword to use for the engine.

Description (string)

A description of the search engine.

Encoding (string)

The query charset for the engine. It defaults to UTF-8.

Method (string: GET or POST)

The HTTP method.
GET: Send the search terms as part of the URL.
POST: Send the search terms in the request body, using PostData.

URLTemplate (string) - Search URL

The search URL with {searchTerms} to substitute for the search term (required).

PostData (string)

The POST data as name value pairs separated by &.

SuggestURLTemplate (string) - Suggestions URL

A search suggestions URL with {searchTerms} to substitute for the search term.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Name (REG_SZ) = Example1
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\IconURL (REG_SZ) = https://www.example.org/favicon.ico
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Alias (REG_SZ) = example
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Description (REG_SZ) = Description
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Encoding (REG_SZ) = UTF-8
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\Method (REG_SZ) = GET
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\URLTemplate (REG_SZ) = https://www.example.org/q={searchTerms}
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\PostData (REG_SZ) = name=value&q={searchTerms}
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Add\1\SuggestURLTemplate (REG_SZ) = https://www.example.org/suggestions/q={searchTerms}

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SearchEngines</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Add</key>
    <array>
      <dict>
        <key>Name</key>
        <string>Example1</string>
        <key>IconURL</key>
        <string>https://www.example.org/favicon.ico</string>
        <key>Alias</key>
        <string>example</string>
        <key>Description</key>
        <string>Description</string>
        <key>Encoding</key>
        <string>UTF-8</string>
        <key>Method</key>
        <string>GET</string>
        <key>URLTemplate</key>
        <string>https://www.example.org/q={searchTerms}</string>
        <key>PostData</key>
        <string>name=value&amp;q={searchTerms}</string>
        <key>SuggestURLTemplate</key>
        <string>https://www.example.org/suggestions/q={searchTerms}</string>
      </dict>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SearchEngines": {
      "Add": [
        {
          "Name": "Example1",
          "IconURL": "https://www.example.org/favicon.ico",
          "Alias": "example",
          "Description": "Description",
          "Encoding": "UTF-8",
          "Method": "GET",
          "URLTemplate": "https://www.example.org/q={searchTerms}",
          "PostData": "name=value&q={searchTerms}",
          "SuggestURLTemplate": "https://www.example.org/suggestions/q={searchTerms}"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SearchEngines_Add 108.0  

SearchEngines › Default: Default search engine

The search engine which is used to search the web from Thunderbird.

The search engine is given by its name, either a built-in search engine or one added with Add. It is set when the policy is applied for the first time and whenever the name changes, so the user can choose another default search engine in the meantime.

CCK2 Equivalent: defaultSearchEngine
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Default (string)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Default (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SearchEngines</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Default</key>
    <string>NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE</string>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SearchEngines": {
      "Default": "NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE"
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SearchEngines_Default 108.0  

SearchEngines › DefaultPrivate: Default search engine for private browsing

The search engine which is used in private browsing.

This setting has no effect in Thunderbird.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

DefaultPrivate (string)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\DefaultPrivate (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SearchEngines</key>
  <dict>
    <key>DefaultPrivate</key>
    <string>NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE</string>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SearchEngines": {
      "DefaultPrivate": "NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE"
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SearchEngines_DefaultPrivate 108.0  

SearchEngines › PreventInstalls: Prevent search engine installs

Webpages can’t install search engines.

This setting has no effect in Thunderbird.

CCK2 Equivalent: disableSearchEngineInstall
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

PreventInstalls (boolean)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\PreventInstalls (REG_DWORD) = 0x1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SearchEngines</key>
  <dict>
    <key>PreventInstalls</key>
    <true/>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SearchEngines": {
      "PreventInstalls": true
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SearchEngines_PreventInstalls 108.0  

SearchEngines › Remove: Hidden search engines

These built-in search engines are not offered to the user.

The search engines are given by their names. They are hidden when the policy is applied for the first time and whenever the list changes.

CCK2 Equivalent: removeDefaultSearchEngines (removed all built-in engines)
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Remove (list of strings)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SearchEngines\Remove\1 (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SearchEngines</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Remove</key>
    <array>
      <string>NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SearchEngines": {
      "Remove": ["NAME_OF_SEARCH_ENGINE"]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SearchEngines_Remove 108.0  

SecurityDevices

Add or delete PKCS #11 modules.

Add or delete PKCS #11 modules, e.g. for smart cards or hardware security tokens. A module to add is given by a name and the path of its library. A library which is already loaded is not added again. A module to delete is given by its name.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

Add (object) - PKCS #11 modules to add

The names of the devices to add, with the paths of their libraries.

  • [name] (string) The path of the library of one device, by the name of the device. Environment variables like %USERPROFILE% are only expanded when the policy is set via Group Policy.

Delete (list of strings) - PKCS #11 modules to delete

The names of the devices to delete.

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SecurityDevices\Add\NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_ADD (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = PATH_TO_LIBRARY_FOR_DEVICE
Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SecurityDevices\Delete\1 (REG_SZ) = NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_DELETE

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SecurityDevices</key>
  <dict>
    <key>Add</key>
    <dict>
      <key>NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_ADD</key>
      <string>PATH_TO_LIBRARY_FOR_DEVICE</string>
    </dict>
    <key>Delete</key>
    <array>
      <string>NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_DELETE</string>
    </array>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SecurityDevices": {
      "Add": {
        "NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_ADD": "PATH_TO_LIBRARY_FOR_DEVICE"
      },
      "Delete": ["NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_DELETE"]
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SecurityDevices
SecurityDevices_Add
SecurityDevices_Add_[name]
SecurityDevices_Delete
SecurityDevices_[name]
152.0  

SecurityDevices › [name]: Add PKCS #11 modules (older form)

Deprecated.

The older form of this policy, with the names of the devices to add directly in the policy.

It is still supported, but ignored if Add or Delete is used.

Environment variables like %USERPROFILE% are only expanded when the policy is set via Group Policy.

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: N/A

Settings

[name] (string)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SecurityDevices\NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_ADD (REG_EXPAND_SZ) = PATH_TO_LIBRARY_FOR_DEVICE

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SecurityDevices</key>
  <dict>
    <key>NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_ADD</key>
    <string>PATH_TO_LIBRARY_FOR_DEVICE</string>
  </dict>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SecurityDevices": {
      "NAME_OF_DEVICE_TO_ADD": "PATH_TO_LIBRARY_FOR_DEVICE"
    }
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SecurityDevices_[name] 152.0  

SSLVersionMax: Maximum SSL version enabled

Set the maximum SSL version.

Set and lock the maximum version of TLS. (Thunderbird defaults to a maximum of TLS 1.3.)

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: security.tls.version.max

Settings

SSLVersionMax (string: tls1, tls1.1, tls1.2 or tls1.3)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SSLVersionMax (REG_SZ) = tls1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SSLVersionMax</key>
  <string>tls1</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SSLVersionMax": "tls1"
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SSLVersionMax 68.0  

SSLVersionMin: Minimum SSL version enabled

Set the minimum SSL version.

Set and lock the minimum version of TLS. (Thunderbird defaults to a minimum of TLS 1.2.)

CCK2 Equivalent: N/A
Preferences Affected: security.tls.version.min

Settings

SSLVersionMin (string: tls1, tls1.1, tls1.2 or tls1.3)

Examples

Windows (GPO)

Software\Policies\Mozilla\Thunderbird\SSLVersionMin (REG_SZ) = tls1

macOS

<dict>
  <key>SSLVersionMin</key>
  <string>tls1</string>
</dict>

policies.json

{
  "policies": {
    "SSLVersionMin": "tls1"
  }
}

Compatibility

Policy/Property Name Thunderbird Removed after
SSLVersionMin 68.0