Windows Sandbox is a fantastic feature introduced with Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions, allowing users to safely run untrusted applications in an isolated environment. This virtual environment is entirely separate from your main operating system, ensuring that any potentially harmful software doesn’t affect your system. The feature is lightweight, easy to use, and provides an effective way to test software or browse suspicious websites without compromising your computer’s security.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of enabling Windows Sandbox in Windows 10.
Requirements for Windows Sandbox
Before you proceed with enabling Windows Sandbox, make sure your computer meets the following requirements:
- Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise (Build 18305 or later). The feature is not available for Windows 10 Home editions.
- Virtualization must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
- Your system must have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, 1 GB of available disk space, and a CPU that supports virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
Steps to Enable Windows Sandbox in Windows 10
Step 1: Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key during boot (usually F2, Del, or Esc, depending on your motherboard manufacturer).
- Locate the Virtualization Technology (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) in the Advanced tab or under CPU Configuration.
- Enable Intel VT-x (or AMD-V) and Intel VT-d (if available).
- Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI by pressing F10 (or following the on-screen instructions).
- Restart your computer.
Step 2: Enable Windows Sandbox via Windows Features
- Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu or pressing Windows + R to open Run, and type
controland press Enter. - In the Control Panel, go to Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
- Scroll down and find Windows Sandbox in the list.
- Check the box next to Windows Sandbox.
- Click OK and wait for the feature to be installed. Windows will apply the changes and may ask for a restart.
Step 3: Verify and Launch Windows Sandbox
- Restart your PC if you haven’t already done so.
- After restarting, type Windows Sandbox in the Start menu search bar.
- Select Windows Sandbox from the search results. The sandbox environment will launch within seconds. Once opened, you will see a fresh, clean installation of Windows in a separate virtual environment. This environment is entirely isolated from your main system, so you can install, test, and run untrusted programs without risk.
How to Use Windows Sandbox
- Running Applications:
You can install or run applications inside the Sandbox just like you would on your regular desktop. Any changes made in the Sandbox (files, installed programs) will be discarded when you close it, leaving no trace on your main system. - Copying Files In/Out:
To transfer files between your main system and the Sandbox, you can copy and paste them from the host machine into the Sandbox window or vice versa. - Closing the Sandbox:
When you’re finished testing or using the Sandbox, you can simply close it. All changes made inside the Sandbox, including downloaded files, installed programs, and settings, will be wiped out.
Troubleshooting Windows Sandbox
If you encounter issues while enabling or using Windows Sandbox, here are some potential solutions:
1. “Windows Sandbox is Not Available” Error
- Make sure Hyper-V is enabled in your system, as it’s required for the Sandbox to work. To enable it:
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows Features On or Off.
- Enable Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform, and Windows Hypervisor Platform.
- Restart your PC.
2. Virtualization Not Enabled in BIOS
- Check that virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI. If not, follow the steps in Step 1 to enable it.
3. Insufficient Hardware Requirements
- Ensure your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements: at least 4 GB of RAM, 1 GB of disk space, and a CPU that supports virtualization.
4. Missing Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise Version
- If you’re using Windows 10 Home, you won’t have access to Windows Sandbox. You may need to upgrade to a Pro or Enterprise edition.
Conclusion
Windows Sandbox is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to test untrusted software or websites in a safe and isolated environment. By following these simple steps, you can enable and use the Sandbox feature in Windows 10. It’s a powerful way to ensure your system remains protected while exploring new applications or files.