Start Thunderbird Minimized to Tray in Windows

This document covers my open source script to start Thunderbird minimized to tray in Windows machine. The script is made in AutoHotKey v2.0.2 and is available for free to everyone. Apart from the script, you'll have to make a small change in Thunderbird Settings to make the whole thing work.

Before you proceed further, please note that this guide will only work if you are using 64-bit version of Thunderbird installed in its default location i.e., C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird. But you are free to modify the script and recompile it to create an EXE file suitable for your need.

This guide should remain relevant with upcoming Thunderbird versions but I will update this post or maybe write a new one after every new release if necessary.

Let’s begin...

If you're interested in taking a look at the code - GitHub Repo Link

Pre-requisites

• Installed Thunderbird - Link

For this demo, we are using Thunderbird version 102.9.0 (64-bit).

• Compiled Binary (i.e., EXE file) of my Script - Link

Download ThunderbirdStartMinimized_V1.exe file as highlighted below -

Configuration

First, open Thunderbird Settings and then the General tab. Make sure that under System Integration heading, the When Thunderbird is minimised, move it to the tray option is checked ✔.

Now, press Windows + R and type shell:startup then hit Enter. A folder will open, you have to place the ThunderbirdStartMinimized_V1.exe file here and that's it. If you want, you can enable or disable it from Task Manager's Startup tab.

Next time you restart your computer, Thunderbird will launch and minimize to tray within a microsecond.