In Windows 11, “Windows Sandbox” is a feature that creates a lightweight virtualization environment that allows you to install and test untrusted applications or websites without risking breaking the main installation.
In other words, Windows Sandbox is essentially a virtual machine that the Microsoft hypervisor creates on demand using the same image of the version of Windows 11 installed on your computer. The difference is that it’s a custom, lightweight (100MB~) virtualization environment optimized for performance and security.
Although you can use any other virtualization technology, Windows Sandbox offers some advantages. For example, you do not need an additional product key to activate the instance, and you do not need to spend additional time setting up the virtual machine. Also, every time you open the sandbox, you start with a clean install of Windows 11, and every time you close the feature, everything is wiped.
This guide will walk you through the steps to set up and use Windows Sandbox on Windows 11.
How to enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 11
On Windows 11, enabling the application testing isolation environment requires enabling hardware-level virtualization before you can enable Windows Sandbox.
As part of the minimum requirements, you’ll need Windows 11 Pro or higher, a processor with two or more cores, and at least 4GB of RAM, and while it’s not required, you’ll also need SSD storage.
Enable UEFI virtualization
Follow these steps to enable virtualization on UEFI firmware on Windows 11:
- Open settings.
- Click on system.
- press the Restoration page on the right.
- In the Recovery Options section, click the Restart now Advanced startup setting button.
- press the Restart now button again.
- Click on Troubleshooting.
- Click on Expanded options.
- press the UEFI firmware settings Possibility.
- press the Start anew Button.
- open that Progressive, Constructionor security Page in the UEFI settings.
- Quick note: You may need to check your hardware manufacturer to identify the page that contains the settings.
- Enable the virtualization feature in the firmware.
- Quick tip: The feature may appear as “Virtualization Technology”, “Intel Virtual Technology” or “SVM Mode” but the name may be different on the motherboard.
- Save the firmware settings.
- Restart the computer.
Once you have completed the steps, you can enable Windows Sandbox feature on your computer.
Enable Windows Sandbox
Follow the steps below to enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 11:
- Open settings.
- Click on applications.
- press the Optional Features page on the right.
- In the Related Settings section, click the “More Windows Features” Attitude.
- Check the Windows sandbox Possibility.
- press the OK Button.
- press the Restart now Button.
After completing the steps, you can run the sandbox to install and test applications without risking the main installation.
How to use Windows Sandbox on Windows 11
Getting started with Windows Sandbox is easy, and here’s how:
- Open beginning.
- Search for Windows sandboxright click on the top result and select the Execute as administrator Possibility.
- Open file manager.
- Navigate to the folder with the untrusted app you want to test.
- Right click on the app installer and select the Copy Possibility.
- In the Windows Sandbox desktop, right-click on the desktop and select the paste Option to transfer the installer.
- Quick tip: Alternatively, you can also use Microsoft Edge to download the application files.
- Double-click the installer (.exe, .msi, or other file) to begin installation.
- Continue with the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once you complete the steps, you can safely test the application without compromising the main installation. Besides testing applications, you can also use this environment to securely access untrusted websites.
While you’re in the Windows Sandbox, you can use the Ctrl + Alt + Pause or Break Keyboard shortcuts to enter and exit full screen mode. If you use high contrast mode, you can use that Shift + Alt + Print Screen Keyboard shortcut to enable high contrast.
When you have completed the test, you can close Windows Sandbox by clicking the X (Close) button, similar to any other application, and the system will delete any content you may have created or configured, as well as the instance of the virtual machine.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to frequently asked questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, see the following resources: