With theGeneraltab selected on the left, scroll down to theIncoming Mailssection.

go for the box next toShow an alertso it’s enabled.

If you’d like, selectCustomizeto edit some additional options, then chooseOKto save.

Thunderbird’s menu options on Windows

snag the Apple menu and then chooseSystem tweaks(orSystem Preferences).

pick the toggle next toAllow notifications.

In some versions of macOS, this is calledAllow Notifications from Thunderbird.

Custom new email alerts options in Thunderbird

Select any other options you want to enable, like to show new email alerts on the lock screen.

Changes are saved automatically.

System Settings listed in the Apple menu on a MacBook

Thunderbird listed in the Notifications area of macOS System Settings

Thunderbird alert settings on a Mac