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Expert Methods to Fix Thunderbird XPCOM Error Efficiently

  Mark Regan
Mark Regan
Published: June 11th, 2025 • 7 Min Read

Have you also tried to run Thunderbird multiple times and get the Thunderbird XPCOM error on your screen every single time? If yes, then don’t worry anymore, as we have compiled this blog to inform you about this error and how you can swiftly resolve the Thunderbird can’t load XPCOM situation. 

So, Thunderbird is an amazing and multifunctional email client that has various features to boost users’ productivity associated with email data. However, sometimes when the user tries to run Thunderbird, it automatically closes with a pop-up of Thunderbird error couldn’t load XPCOM. Hence, to learn about all its aspects in detail, read the article till the conclusion. 

Table of Contents Hide
  1. What is Thunderbird XPCOM Error?
  2. Issues Due to Thunderbird Can’t Load XPCOM Error
  3. Reasons Behind XPCOM Load Error Thunderbird
  4. Professional Ways to Fix Thunderbird XPCOM Error
  5. 1. Take a Backup of Thunderbird Data
  6. 2. Uninstall Thunderbird Without Deleting Emails
  7. 3. Install the Latest Thunderbird Edition
  8. 4. Run Thunderbird in Safe Mode
  9. 5. Update the Window and Fix Errors
  10. Why Should One Choose The Pro Tool?
  11. Conclusion

What is Thunderbird XPCOM Error?

Here, the term XPCOM stands for Cross-Platform Component Object Model, which is one of the core elements of all Mozilla software. It basically helps in creating a flow of information sharing among the components. 

Therefore, when the Thunderbird XPCOM error takes place, it basically hampers the Thunderbird GUI and restricts it from launching properly on the screen. Hence, the exact message that pops up on the screen when the user double-clicks Thunderbird to open it is “Couldn’t load XPCOM”. 

Thus, in this error, Thunderbird becomes unable to connect and load the libraries, which often happens due to mismatched or corrupt files. The point of relief is that the Thunderbird XPCOM error does not harm the profile data, since that still remains safe locally. 

Issues Due to Thunderbird Can’t Load XPCOM Error

  • The primary issue that users encounter is inaccessibility to the Thunderbird email client. 
  • It also limits the user from viewing, drafting, or sharing emails using Thunderbird. 
  • Due to this, the user repeatedly faced failed attempts to run Thunderbird and became concerned about data loss. 

Reasons Behind XPCOM Load Error Thunderbird

  • The user might have downloaded a corrupt Thunderbird installation file. 
  • Any sort of third-party tool or high chances that an antivirus might be interfering and leading to a Thunderbird XPCOM error. 
  • Apart from this, corrupted files of the Windows system can also create XPCOM load error Thunderbird.
  • Plus, any failed or incomplete Thunderbird update too result in such issues. 

Professional Ways to Fix Thunderbird XPCOM Error

There are multiple solutions to the Thunderbird can’t load XPCOM error, and to know about them in detail, read the information below.

1. Take a Backup of Thunderbird Data

First of all, before making any further changes to the existing settings of Thunderbird, make sure to download the Thunderbird files or folders for a safer side. Thus, it is possible that due to any wrong step, the user may lose the data forever. And, for the same, the best alternative is to use BitRecover Thunderbird Backup Tool. It is tried, tested, and approved by experts as it is easy to use, has multiple saving options, supports all attributes, and overall works efficiently. The quick steps to use this software are:

  1. Download and launch the tool mentioned above.
    install the tool
  2. Select Thunderbird data using the given selection modes.
    select thunderbird files
  3. Now, choose a saving option among 30+ choices, such as convert Thunderbird to PST or transfer Thunderbird to Gmail.
    export options
  4. Once done, fill in the required credentials or choose the saving location.
    give export details
  5. Finally, click on Convert to proceed further with the process.
    thunderbird xpcom error

Note: Once you have the backup of Thunderbird data, you can try the indirect ways that can help you fix the Thunderbird XPCOM error. This step is a must to follow so that your crucial data stays safe and authentic in all case scenarios. 

2. Uninstall Thunderbird Without Deleting Emails

  1. First of all, press the shortcut key Windows + S. 
  2. In the given field, type “Add or Remove Programs”.
  3. Hit the Enter button to get a list of applications. 
  4. Now, search for Mozilla Thunderbird and click on Uninstall. 
  5. Click the No option in the given pop-up stating “Do you want to delete your profile data?”.
  6. With this, the possible glitches of Thunderbird will be removed, and your issue of Thunderbird XPCOM error may be fixed in the newly installed Thunderbird. 

Note: Following this method only deletes Thunderbird and not its profile data, which means there is no risk of data loss at all. 

3. Install the Latest Thunderbird Edition

  1. Firstly, open the official website of Thunderbird.
  2. From there, download the latest Thunderbird edition. 
  3. Once done, open your Downloads folder and search for a file like “Thunderbird Setup <version series>.exe”.
  4. Then, double-click on it and give the system permission to run swiftly. 
  5. Choose the option of Standard Installation and click the Next button. 
  6. After this, press the Install button and wait to get the setup to be done. 
  7. Further, press the Finish button to fix the Thunderbird can’t load XPCOM issue.
  8. At last, make sure that your data is there, and if not, you can simply run the command thunderbird.exe -p and choose the desired profile. 

4. Run Thunderbird in Safe Mode

  1. Primarily, press the shortcut key Windows + R. 
  2. In the given dialogue box, type “thunderbird -safe-mode”.
  3. Hit the Enter button or press the Ok button to proceed further. 
  4. With this, Thunderbird will start in a safe mode, disabling third-party plugins or software. 
  5. Also, it may ask for permissions regarding temporarily disabling a few plugins that you have you need to give them accordingly. 

5. Update the Window and Fix Errors

  1. Close the running Thunderbird completely. 
  2. Now, go to Settings and click on Windows Update. 
  3. Further, check for any possible updates. 
  4. If available, install and update it so that the Thunderbird XPCOM error can be fixed. 

Pro Tip: If possible, also check for disk errors, monitor performance, and the functioning of system files. 

Why Should One Choose The Pro Tool?
  • It gives multiple options to the user to fix Thunderbird can’t load XPCOM issue as it has 30+ export options that allow the user to save Thunderbird files in PDF, MSG, etc, or even transfer Thunderbird to Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo, etc., directly. 
  • The user gets multiple file selection modes to select the required data and generate a decluttered output. 
  • Plus, there is a file-saving destination option that allows the user to easily access the files. 
  • The best thing is that the user also gets a demo edition, which is completely free of cost and lets the user test it before getting the paid one. 
  • This tool also generates a summary report once the process of the given commands is complete. 
Conclusion

In this complete guide, we highlighted 5 different ways to fix the Thunderbird XPCOM error, and with this, we hope that now you know the right way of execution so that you can access Thunderbird. Also, even in a worst-case scenario, if the issue is not resolved, then the best alternative is to switch the email client, and for that, using the tool mentioned above is great as it supports bulk action and keeps all the attributes intact even after the export.