Global search auto opens using 'relevance' which is not always as useful as required. After selecting 'date' it should remember your preferred sort (assuming you do not reselect 'relevance' before closing) and open next time using the Date preference; order - newest on top.

However, if you click on the 'Open email as list' - shown at the top of the listed messages, it will show all messages and you can choose to display in whatever order by clicking on the 'Date' column header. It also shows all the messages in a list, so you do not need to use the 'More' button.

Every time I do a search it automatically sorts by relevance although I previously clicked on date and did not click on relevance before closing. The problem is that when I click on date nothing happens, it doesn't filter by date it, doesn't do anything unless I click on the more button.

I'll try to find out if this has been reported as a bug.

In the meantime, I've located an addon which may work by overriding Thunderbird.

Search Results Sort By Date Not Relevance 1.12 

• https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/thunderbird/addon/search-results-sort-by-date-no/

How to Install Add-on Extension: After downloading addon extension *.xpi file to desktop or downloads folder.

In Thunderbird 'Tools' > 'Add-ons' or 'Menu icon' > 'Add-ons'

• Click on gear wheel icon and select 'Install Add-on From File'.
• Locate the *.xpi file you downloaded and click on 'Open'.
• You may need to restart Thunderbird when prompted.

Are you using Thunderbird version 38.3.0 ?

yes I am using version 38.3.0, I'll try the add on

Installed add on and now it is showing most recent emails first thanks!