How to Enable and Set Up Windows Sandbox in Windows 11
Microsoft Windows 11 features multiple virtualization solutions out of the box. While Hyper-V is an excellent tool, Windows Sandbox is an easy alternative to Windows virtual machines. It lets you run untrusted apps in an isolated environment without the hassle of setting up a complete virtualization tool.
Unfortunately, Windows Sandbox is not available on the Home edition of the OS. If you are running the Pro, Enterprise, and Education edition, here is how to enable and set up Windows Sandbox in Windows 11.
How to Set Up Windows Sandbox in Windows 11
Windows Sandbox is an optional feature, which means you’ll have to install it from the Optional features section. You canadd and remove optional features from the Windows Features dialog. Alternatively, you can use PowerShell or Command Prompt for a swift installation of Windows Sandbox.
While the setup process is easier, your computer must meet some system requirements. Windows 11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise running computers with virtualization support are Windows Sandbox compatible. In most cases,if your system can run Windows Hyper-V, it should also run Windows Sandbox.
1. Enable Windows Sandbox Using the Windows Features Dialog
You can install Windows Sandbox using the Windows Features dialog. This dialog houses most of the optional Windows features that are ready to be installed on your PC.
Follow these steps to install Windows Sandbox using the Windows Features dialog:
3. Install Windows Sandbox Using PowerShell
you could use the Enable WindowsOptionalFeature command in PowerShell to install Windows Sandbox in Windows. This method is useful if you find the sandbox option greyed out or unable to install it from the Windows Feature dialog.
To install Windows Sandbox using PowerShell:
3. Install Windows SandBox Using Command Prompt
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line utility that facilitates the installation of optional features using the Command Prompt. To install Windows Sandbox, you will need to use the Enable-Feature command in Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it.
How to Use Windows Sandbox
Now that you have Windows Sandbox installed, you could start using it to test untrusted apps in isolation. To launch the app, pressWin + Sto openWindows Searchand typeWindows Sandbox.Click on the app from the search result to open it.
Upon its launch, Windows Sandbox looks like a lightweight version of your Windows machine. you could copy files from your host system or download them from the Internet using the built-in web browser. Any actions you perform in the sandbox will not affect your host system.
Once the testing is complete, close the Sandbox and clickOKto confirm the action. Unlike a VM, Sandbox will delete all the data (including apps and files) upon exit. So, you’ll get a clean, isolated environment running the same Windows OS build as your host machine each time.
Set Up and Use Windows Sandbox in Windows 11
Windows Sandbox provides an excellent way to test apps and files in an isolated environment without the hassle of setting up a virtual machine. While the virtual machines have distinct advantages, Sandbox is lighter, faster, and loads a fresh copy of Windows OS each time it’s run.
Windows 11 Home users, however, have missed out on this excellent feature. But if you must use a sandbox, consider using third-party alternatives such as Sandboxie Plus and SHADE Sandbox. These alternatives offer a similar set of functionalities with no complicated setup involved.
Don’t want to use Windows Sandbox? Or are you on Windows 11’s Home edition? Don’t worry; there are plenty of alternatives out there.
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