How do I set a master password in Thunderbird?

Thunderbird uses what's called a master password as an extra level of security for your e-mail account. It protects all of your e-mail passwords with another password, which makes it much harder for a hacker to break into your account. It's great for security, but can also be kind of inconvenient. So while we recommend that you use one, we understand if you decide not to.

1. To get to the master password controls, go to Tools > Options... and click the Advanced icon on the left side. You'll probably need to expand the "Saved Passwords" menu by clicking the plus sign. Click the Master Password... button.
   
   
   
2. Here, you can find all the options for your master password.
   
   You should check the box at the top next to Use a master password to encrypt stored passwords, because if you're going to the trouble to set one, you should let it do everything it can. Deciding how often Thunderbird should ask for the master password depends on how you use the program. If you only open Thunderbird when you're checking your e-mail, entering it The first time it is needed is fine. If you leave Thunderbird open all the time, set it to ask for the password Every time it is needed, or set an interval of time for the password prompt. Once you've decided on these settings, click Change Password... to set the password.
3. Your master password should be different than your Pomona password. (Don't worry too much about the Password Quality Meter at the bottom; the password I used for this image has 30+ characters of three different types, and still doesn't max out the bar. Try to fill it about halfway or more, and your password should be secure enough.) Once you've re-entered the password for confirmation, click OK. A box will pop up informing you that the password has been changed. Click OK, and you're all set!