Why Does Thunderbird Always Expand Threads In Mailbox?

  

Mark Regan
Published: July 2nd, 2025 • 5 Min Read

Have you also noticed that Thunderbird always expand threads whenever you open any conversation with multiple threads in different mailboxes? If yes, then we are here to help you understand the Thunderbird expand all threads by default situation.

Besides that, this blog will also cover the benefits of this feature, the conventional method to fix it, and an alternative solution to get freedom from this annoying layout. So, without any further ado, read the page till the end and explore all the aspects related to Thunderbird threads.

Introduction to Thunderbird Always Expand Threads Situation

Thunderbird expand all threads by default is not an error, glitch, or bug, but actually an in-built feature of Thunderbird. The purpose of this feature is to automatically open the complete conversation thread of an email address to minimize the user’s manual effort to do the same.

This is more like an expanded view that ensures that users do not miss or ignore any important data by chance. Also, the advanced fact about this feature is that it can really open 100 threads at a time in the threaded view of any conversation. Therefore, the user does not need to manually search, open each mailbox folder, and then click on them to see the reply or desired section.

What Are The Issues With Thunderbird Always Expand Threads?

• The view in which Thunderbird expand all threads by default looks very cluttered to many users.
• It also hampers Thunderbird’s performance due to the large thread data.
• Also, this feature makes finding the new and unread emails very stressful as they merge in the threaded view.
• It also makes navigating the required data very confusing and complex.
• Besides that, the Thunderbird always expand threads is also not appreciated by everyone since many users like the traditional way of email threads.

Conventional Ways to Fix Thunderbird Expand All Threads By Default

The top 3 indirect and manual ways that can help control the Thunderbird always expand threads are mentioned below. Have a quick look at them and decide which one works for you.

1. Close the Threaded View Using Asterisk

1. Begin by starting Thunderbird on your device.
2. Now, open the folder or email that shows the threads altogether.
3. Next, press the Asterisk (*) key on the keyboard.
4. With this, the Thunderbird always expand threads issue will be resolved.

Limitation: This is not a permanent solution. Hence, the user has to follow the same process every time they open Thunderbird, receive a new message, or select any other mailbox containing conversation threads.

2. Access the Config Editor Feature

1. Start Thunderbird on your device.
2. Now, go to Settings and click on General.
3. Then, scroll down to the bottom and select Config Editor.
4. Next, in the given field, type mailnews.thread_expand_all.
5. Once done, double-click on the value given there to set the parameter as false.
6. If there is no existing parameter, then create one. For this, right-click and choose New.
7. After this, select Boolean and name it mailnews.thread_expand_all.
8. Lastly, set the option as False, and the issue of Thunderbird always expand threads will be solved.

Limitation: This solution to resolve Thunderbird expand all threads by default is not so easy to perform by non-tech users. Also, once the user receives a new message, the threaded view reactivates, which ultimately makes it a temporary solution.

3. Sort the Thunderbird Folder View

1. Launch Thunderbird on your system.
2. Now, open the folder that often shows threaded view.
3. Then, select the View option and click Sort By there.
4. Next, choose the option “Unthreaded”.
5. And, with this, you can fix the Thunderbird always expand threads issue.

Limitation: This setting also disables whenever the user restarts Thunderbird later. Thus, it is also non-reliable and temporary.

Alternative Solution to Resolve Thunderbird Always Expand Threads

None of the manual methods is permanent and reliable to fix this Thunderbird thread issue, and if this feature is troubling you a lot, then you can simply switch to another traditional email client, such as Gmail or Outlook. Thus, to do this, the best alternative is the BitRecover Thunderbird Converter tool as it transfers complete data with safety, security, and accuracy. The quick steps for this are:

1. Install the solution on your device.
   
2. Choose the Thunderbird data using the given selection modes.
   
3. Select the export option from the list of 30+ saving formats.
   
4. Give the output a saving destination or required credentials, accordingly.
   
5. Finally, click on Convert to proceed with the transfer of Thunderbird data.
   

Benefits of Choosing the Professional Solution

• It has 30+ saving options which allow the user to convert Thunderbird to PST, PDF, EML, MBOX, MSG, or even transfer Thunderbird files to Gmail, Outlook, and other email clients directly.
• This tool supports all elements of the Thunderbird files, including attachments, headers, footers, hyperlinks, multimedia, and more, to maintain data originality.
• The best thing is that it also maintains folder hierarchy so that the data remains organized in dedicated folders like before.
• It supports bulk action, which saves the user time, energy, and other priceless resources.
• This software is recommended by industry experts due to its advanced features and complete data safety.

Conclusion

There is no such permanent solution to fix Thunderbird always expand threads feature, and therefore, moving the entire data to other email clients like Gmail and Outlook is what a lot of users are doing.

This not only gives ease of use but also contributes to users’ productivity. Thus, in such platforms, there are no default or non-fixable threaded view features, and one can seamlessly do the required task in a traditional and familiar interface.

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