Step-by-step Windows installation for Thunderbird

We've already shared an instructional video for installing all the necessary software on Windows for Thunderbird with you. Now it's time to show you our brand new step-by-step instructional series in text form supported by plenty of screenshots that will guide you through the processes. In this first article we will focus on installing Gpg4win and Enigmail.

We're working hard on putting together a web page that would have all the instructions you need in written form so you can follow them at your own pace.

Let's start with the essentials - Gpg4win and Enigmail. The installation process of both of these is described here (GPG4Win) and here (Enigmail), on our brand new web page dedicated solely to Cryptoucan.

Both Gpg4win and Enigmail are necessary for encryption in Thunderbird email client. Why is that? Well, keep reading, we'll explain everything!

Gpg4win

Gpg4win is a software bundle which is essential since it takes care of encryption and signing your emails. You can download our version here. - this version of the bundle has Cryptoucan™ related patches. On top of encrypting your emails, this piece of software also enables you to manage your keyring.

These are the components you can choose during the installing process:

• gnuPG - the core piece of software (you have to install this one),

• Kleopatra - keyring manager useful for various operations with keys,

• GPA - GNU privacy assistant - alternative to Kleopatra,

• gpgOL - plugin for Outlook email client (we won't need this one since we're using Thunderbird email client),

• gpgEX - shell extension which enables you to encrypt or sign files right from the context menu in Windows Explorer,

• Browser integration - enables Mailvelope browser extension support.

  Picture 2: Gpg4win components  

Enigmail

Enigmail provides support for GPG for Thunderbird so you can use it in the email client. Without it, you would not be able to use everything Gpg4win offers.

Picture 2: Enigmail results in Thunderbird  

We sincerely hope you'll find this guide useful!

That's all for this week, see you next time!