Windows Sandbox was introduced by Microsoft to help users recover from running malicious software on their machines. As you’re probably aware, running unidentified software on a Windows PC carries so many risks. Malicious software can be embedded into applications, which is a recognized truth that can seriously harm your system if it is not found and removed quickly.
This post will go into great detail on Windows Sandbox, including what it is, how it functions, and use cases.
What is Windows Sandbox?
You can safely execute untrusted apps in Windows Sandbox, a lightweight virtual environment, without worrying about your system’s functionality being compromised. With Windows Sandbox, you may execute untrusted applications in a secure environment by utilizing the hardware-assisted virtualization and OS isolation characteristics found in the latest computers.
Any adjustments or changes made within the sandbox are erased when it is closed, guaranteeing a safe and secure experience every time.
Since its debut in the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows Sandbox has grown in importance as a useful tool for consumers looking for a convenient and safe way to test software without endangering the stability of their main operating system.
Advantages of Using Windows Sandbox
Here are some advantages it offers, examined in more detail:
- Better Security: Acting as a barrier against malware, viruses, and other malicious software, Windows Sandbox offers a secure testing environment that keeps any potential risks out of your primary operating system.
- Easy to Use: Windows Sandbox doesn’t require any additional setup and is quite straightforward to use. Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions are pre-installed on it, making it easily accessible for businesses and experts. Just open the sandbox and begin testing.
- Saves Time & Resources: By doing away with the requirement for separate physical machines or specialized virtual machines for testing, Windows Sandbox saves time and resources. It provides a portable, easily assembled solution that can be put away after operation.
- Isolation: Applications can be tested within Windows Sandbox, ensuring that any files or modifications done during testing stay inside the sandbox. With each sandbox session, this isolation ensures a fresh start and avoids any interaction with your main system.
How Windows Sandbox Works
Utilizing the virtualization technology included in Windows 10, Windows Sandbox produces a secure environment that closely resembles your actual system.
A completely isolated clone of Windows 10 is created when you start Windows Sandbox, and it is not connected to your host operating system at all. This guarantees your main system won’t be impacted by any modifications or malware found in the sandbox.
The lightweight and disposable nature of the sandbox environment makes it easy to build and destroy as needed. As it uses the same kernel as the host operating system, it offers a secure separation without requiring extra resources.
Note; It’s crucial to confirm that your computer supports the virtualization technology needed for Windows Sandbox before enabling it.
How to check if your PC supports virtualization
- In Windows 10, choose Task Manager by right-clicking on the Taskbar. In Windows 11, you can choose “Task Manager” from the results by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by clicking the Search icon, typing “Task Manager,” and then selecting it from the results.
- If the Task Manager window looks small, click “More details” at the bottom to make it larger and make all the tabs visible.
- To check the specifics of your PC’s performance, choose the “Performance” option.
- Under the “Performance” tab, look for the entry marked “Virtualization”. Verify that the virtualization option is enabled.
- When “Virtualization” is turned on, your computer is compatible with the virtualization technologies required for Windows Sandbox to function.
Enabling virtualization in your PC’s BIOS settings might be necessary if it’s deactivated. See your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for detailed instructions on how to enable virtualization in the BIOS. The procedure differs based on the brand of your PC.
Enabling Windows Sandbox
You must first enable Windows Sandbox before using it and here are the two ways to do so:
Via Settings
Similar to the Windows desktop, Windows Sandbox offers an easy-to-use interface. Detailed instructions for configuring and optimizing the use of this potent instrument are provided below:
- After verifying that your computer is configured for virtualization, you may move on to enabling Windows Sandbox.
- Use the Start menu to look for “Turn Windows features on or off.” Select the “Turn Windows features on or off” choice by clicking on it in the search results.
- Scroll down to find “Windows Sandbox” in the features list of the Windows Features dialogue box that pops up.
- Enable “Windows Sandbox” by checking the box next to it. Windows will automatically install any extra features that need to be installed for Sandbox to function properly.
- Click “OK” to have the changes take effect. Your computer will now have Windows Sandbox enabled.
- You might need to restart your computer for Windows Sandbox to finish installing, depending on your system settings. Whenever prompted, save any unfinished work and select “Restart now” to restart your computer.
You may start the application and start your testing sessions by simply searching for “Windows Sandbox” in the Start menu.
Via PowerShell
You can also use PowerShell commands to enable Windows Sandbox. Detailed instructions on how to use PowerShell to enable Windows Sandbox are provided below:
- Navigate down the Start menu and choose the Windows PowerShell folder.
- From the context menu, choose “Run as administrator” after performing a right-click on the Windows PowerShell shortcut. By doing this, PowerShell will launch with administrator rights.
- Enter the command below in the PowerShell window and hit Enter: Enable Windows Optional Feature -Online -FeatureName “Containers-DisposableClientVM” -All
Restart your computer if necessary to complete the Windows Sandbox installation. Re-login after your computer has restarted and Windows Sandbox will be activated and operational.
If you are more comfortable working with command-line tools, there is an alternate way to enable Windows Sandbox and that’s through using PowerShell commands.
For convenient access, you can pin Windows Sandbox’s shortcut to the Taskbar or Start menu if you intend to use it more often. You can choose to “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar” by right-clicking on the Windows Sandbox shortcut.
After opening Windows Sandbox, you may begin testing and using apps in a safe, private setting. To specify the parameters that Windows Sandbox environments should use when they are launched, you can also generate personalized configuration files.
Conclusion
You can safely test apps and programs on your Windows machine with Windows Sandbox. It offers a secure environment where you can execute potentially harmful applications without running the risk of destroying your primary system, and it is simple to set up and operate.
We trust you have found this information useful and that you now know more about Windows Sandbox.
