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Introduction

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment designed to safely run applications in isolation. This feature is particularly useful for testing untrusted software or visiting potentially harmful websites without risking your main system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install and use Windows Sandbox on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, or Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
• Virtualization capabilities enabled in BIOS.
• At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended).
• At least 1 GB of free disk space (SSD recommended).
• At least two CPU cores (four cores with hyper-threading recommended).

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Enable Virtualization in BIOS
   • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Delete during startup).
   • Locate the virtualization settings, often found under the CPU configuration or advanced settings.
   • Enable virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
   • Save changes and exit BIOS.
2. Enable Windows Sandbox
   • Open the Start menu and type “Windows Features” in the search bar.
   • Select “Turn Windows features on or off.”
   • In the Windows Features window, scroll down and check the box next to “Windows Sandbox.”
   • Click “OK” and wait for the feature to install.
   • Restart your computer when prompted.
3. Launch Windows Sandbox
   • After restarting, open the Start menu and type “Windows Sandbox.”
   • Click on the Windows Sandbox application to launch it.
   • A new window will open, providing a clean and isolated Windows environment.
4. Using Windows Sandbox
   • You can now copy and paste files or install applications within the sandbox.
   • Any changes made within the sandbox will not affect your main system.
   • When you close the sandbox, all changes are discarded, and a new instance is created the next time you open it.

Conclusion

Windows Sandbox is a powerful tool for safely testing applications and browsing the web without risking your main system. By following these steps, you can easily set up and use Windows Sandbox on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition.