To start a Windows Sandbox, you must first enable the feature through Windows Settings and then launch it from your Start Menu. This provides a temporary, isolated desktop environment for safely running untrusted applications or testing.
What is Windows Sandbox?
Windows Sandbox is a lightweight virtualized environment that allows you to run applications in isolation from your main operating system. Any software installed or changes made within the Sandbox are confined to that environment and are permanently deleted once the Sandbox is closed. It's ideal for testing untrusted files, visiting suspicious websites, or experimenting without affecting your primary system.
Prerequisites for Windows Sandbox
Before you can enable and launch Windows Sandbox, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (version 1903 or later) or Windows 11.
- Processor Architecture: AMD64 architecture (Intel processors are also supported, but the feature's original design target was AMD64).
- Virtualization: Virtualization capabilities enabled in your computer's BIOS/UEFI.
- RAM: At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more is recommended for optimal performance).
- Disk Space: At least 1 GB of free disk space (Solid State Drive (SSD) is recommended).
- CPU Cores: At least 2 CPU cores (4 cores with hyperthreading is recommended).
Enabling Windows Sandbox
The first step to starting a Sandbox is enabling it as a Windows feature.
- Open Windows Features:
- Type "Turn Windows features on or off" into the Windows search bar and select the matching result.
- Alternatively, go to
Settings > Apps > Optional features > More Windows features.
- Locate and Enable:
- In the "Windows Features" dialog box, scroll down and check the box next to "Windows Sandbox".
- Install and Restart:
- Click "OK". Windows will then begin installing the necessary components. Let that install completely.
- You will likely be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation. Do so to ensure the feature is fully enabled.
Launching Windows Sandbox
Once Windows Sandbox is enabled and your system has restarted (if required), you can easily launch it:
- Open the Start Menu: Click on the Windows Start button.
- Search for "Windows Sandbox": Type "Windows Sandbox" into the search bar.
- Launch the Application: Click on the "Windows Sandbox" application from the search results.
The Sandbox will open in a new window, providing you with a clean, temporary Windows desktop environment. Once the Windows Sandbox is installed and running, you can interact with its isolated environment. For example, you can open PowerShell just as you would in a standard Windows environment, allowing you to run commands or scripts without affecting your main system.
Using Windows Sandbox Effectively
Here are some common scenarios where Windows Sandbox proves invaluable:
- Testing Untrusted Applications: Run downloaded software that you're unsure about.
- Visiting Suspicious Websites: Browse potentially malicious sites without risking your main browser or system.
- Opening Potentially Malicious Documents: Open email attachments or files from unknown sources.
- Developing and Testing Code: Create and test code in a clean environment, preventing conflicts with your primary development setup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sandbox won't launch | Ensure virtualization is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Verify your system meets all prerequisites. |
| "Windows Sandbox" missing | Confirm you have Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise/Education or Windows 11. It's not available on Windows Home editions. |
| Slow performance | Allocate more RAM to your system, use an SSD, and ensure sufficient CPU cores are available. |
| Error "HV host service failed" | Check that Hyper-V is enabled in Windows Features (Windows Sandbox relies on Hyper-V virtualization). |
Alternative Ways to Configure Windows Sandbox (Advanced)
For advanced users, Windows Sandbox can be configured using .wsb files. These XML-based configuration files allow you to specify network settings, shared folders, startup commands, and more, giving you greater control over the Sandbox environment.
- Learn more about configuring Windows Sandbox with .wsb files (Microsoft Learn).
