While there isn't a single universal keyboard shortcut to launch Windows Sandbox directly, a key shortcut within the Windows Sandbox environment allows users to manage the display, specifically for full-screen mode.
Key Shortcut Within Windows Sandbox
The primary keyboard shortcut you'll use inside an active Windows Sandbox session is for controlling the full-screen experience. This is especially useful when you're focusing intently on tasks like testing applications or browsing untrusted websites.
Full-Screen Toggle
To seamlessly enter and exit full-screen mode within Windows Sandbox, use the following keyboard combination:
- Ctrl + Alt + Break
- Alternatively, depending on your keyboard layout, you might use Ctrl + Alt + Pause (as the "Break" and "Pause" functions are often shared on the same key).
This shortcut enhances your focus by providing an immersive, full-screen view of your isolated environment.
What is Windows Sandbox?
Windows Sandbox offers a lightweight, isolated, and temporary desktop environment. It's a powerful tool for safely testing applications or accessing untrusted websites without affecting your device's primary configuration. This temporary nature means that every time you close Windows Sandbox, all its software, files, and system state are permanently deleted, ensuring a clean slate for your next session.
Core Benefits of Windows Sandbox
- Enhanced Security: Safely execute suspicious files or explore potentially malicious web content without risk to your host system.
- Complete Isolation: Any changes or infections within the Sandbox are confined and do not propagate to your main Windows installation.
- Disposable Environment: All data and modifications vanish upon closing, guaranteeing a fresh start every time.
- Integrated Solution: Built directly into Windows, it offers a virtualized environment without the complexities of setting up a separate virtual machine.
How to Launch Windows Sandbox
By default, Windows Sandbox does not have a dedicated global keyboard shortcut for launching it. However, you can easily access it through the following standard Windows methods:
- Via the Start Menu:
- Click the Start button (or press the
Windows keyon your keyboard). - Type "Windows Sandbox" into the search bar.
- Select the Windows Sandbox application from the search results to open a new session.
- Click the Start button (or press the
- Using the Run Command (for advanced users):
- Press
Windows key + Rsimultaneously to open the Run dialog box. - Type
WindowsSandbox.exeinto the dialog box. - Press
Enteror click OK to launch Windows Sandbox.
- Press
Enabling Windows Sandbox Feature
Before you can use Windows Sandbox, it must be enabled as an optional Windows feature:
- Open the Start Menu.
- Search for "Turn Windows features on or off" and click on the corresponding result.
- In the "Windows Features" dialog box, scroll down and check the box next to Windows Sandbox.
- Click OK and follow any prompts to restart your computer if required.
Quick Reference Table: Windows Sandbox Key Actions
| Action | Shortcut/Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Toggle Full-Screen | Ctrl + Alt + Break or Ctrl + Alt + Pause |
Switches the Windows Sandbox display between a windowed view and a full-screen, immersive experience. |
| Launch Sandbox | Start Menu search: "Windows Sandbox" | The most common and straightforward way to initiate a new isolated session. |
| Launch Sandbox (Run) | Windows key + R, then WindowsSandbox.exe |
A quick command-line method for experienced users to start Sandbox. |
| Enable Sandbox Feature | "Turn Windows features on or off" in Start Menu | The essential one-time setup step to make Windows Sandbox available on your system. |
For more comprehensive guidance on configuring and utilizing Windows Sandbox, you can explore the official Microsoft documentation on Windows Sandbox overview.
