How to Set Up Windows Sandbox On Windows 10/11?

Setting up Windows Sandbox on Windows is an effective way to safely test applications without risking your main system. It creates a secure, lightweight virtual environment where you can run untrusted software. However, some users encounter issues getting it to work due to hardware compatibility or incorrect settings.

Windows Sandbox requires specific system configurations, such as enabling virtualization in the BIOS and using the Pro or Enterprise versions of Windows. Common problems include missing features, launch errors, or outdated drivers interfering with the setup.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple, step-by-step instructions to enable and use Windows Sandbox.

Prerequisites

Before enabling Windows Sandbox, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (version 18305 or later) or Windows 11 Pro or higher. Note that Windows Sandbox is not supported on Windows Home editions.
• Processor: A compatible 64-bit processor (AMD64 architecture) with at least two cores.
• RAM: Minimum of 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended).
• Storage: At least 1 GB of free disk space (SSD is recommended for better performance).
• Virtualization: Hardware virtualization must be enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Step 1: Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. The key to access this varies by manufacturer (commonly F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
   
2. Look for settings related to Virtualization Technology, Intel VT, or SVM Mode. Enable this feature.
   
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.

Step 2: Check Virtualization Status in Windows

1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
   
2. Go to the Performance tab and click on CPU. Check if Virtualization says ‘Enabled.’ If it is enabled, you can proceed to the next step. If it doesn’t say Enabled, you can follow our detailed guide about enabling virtualization in Windows.
   

Step 3: Enable Windows Sandbox Feature

1. Press the Windows key, type ‘Turn Windows features on or off,’ and hit Enter.
2. In the Windows Features dialog, scroll down and find Windows Sandbox.
3. Check the box next to it and click OK.
   
4. Windows will search for required files and apply changes. Once done, you may be prompted to restart your computer; click on Restart now.

Step 4: Launching Windows Sandbox

After rebooting, click on the Start menu, type ‘Windows Sandbox,’ and select it from the results.

The sandbox environment will open up, presenting a fresh instance of Windows where you can safely run applications.

Step 5: Using Windows Sandbox

1. To test an application:
   • Open File Explorer on your main system.
   • Navigate to the folder containing the untrusted application.
   • Right-click the executable file and select Copy.
2. In the Sandbox window, right-click on the desktop and select Paste.
   
3. Double-click the pasted file to run it within the sandbox environment.

You can use this space to browse websites or install software without affecting your main OS setup.

Step 6: Closing Windows Sandbox

When you’re done testing, simply close the Sandbox window by clicking the X button in the corner.

A prompt will appear warning you that all data within the sandbox will be permanently deleted upon closing; confirm this action.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while setting up or using Windows Sandbox:

1. Ensure that your system meets all hardware requirements.
2. Verify that virtualization is enabled in both BIOS/UEFI and within Windows (check Task Manager again).
3. If Sandbox fails to start, try disabling it from Windows Features, restarting your computer, then re-enabling it again.
4. Check for any pending updates for Windows that might affect functionality; keeping your system updated can resolve many issues.