What is Windows Sandbox?
A sandbox is a temporary instance of a windows computer, on which software can be run in a "box" completely isolated from your personal files, and the data inside the sandbox will be cleared once the sandbox is closed. Software and applications installed on the host computer aren't directly available inside the sandbox, they must be installed inside the sandbox explicitly.
How is it useful?
Windows sandbox is useful for testing suspicious software applications without directly affecting the system or personal files of the host computer.
Prerequisites for running Windows Sandbox:
- Build 18305 of Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, or Windows 11 (Windows Sandbox is currently not supported on Windows Home edition)
- AMD64 or (as of Windows 11 Build 22483) ARM64 architecture
- Virtualization capabilities enabled in BIOS
- At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
- At least 1 GB of free disk space (SSD recommended)
- At least two CPU cores (four cores with hyperthreading recommended)
How to get started with Windows Sandbox on Windows 11?
Installation
- Use the search bar on the task bar and type Turn Windows Features on or off to access the Windows Optional Features tool. Select Windows Sandbox and then OK. Restart the computer if you're prompted.
- If the Windows Sandbox option is unavailable, your computer doesn't meet the requirements to run Windows Sandbox.
Usage
- Locate and select Windows Sandbox on the Start menu to run it for the first time.
- Copy an executable file (.exe file and any other files needed to run the application) from the host and paste them into the Windows Sandbox window.
- Run the executable file or installer inside the sandbox.
- When you're finished experimenting, close the sandbox. A dialog box will state that all sandbox content will be discarded and permanently deleted. Select Ok.
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