How to use Windows Sandbox on Windows 11
You can use Windows Sandbox to test questionable apps and access untrusted websites, and here’s how on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, the “Windows Sandbox” feature allows you to create a lightweight virtualization environment to install and test untrusted applications or websites without altering or affecting the main setup.
In more technical terms, Windows Sandbox is avirtual machinethat the system creates on demand with the Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisor using the same image of the version of the operating system currently on the computer. The only difference is that this is a custom lightweight (100MB~) virtualization environment optimized for performance and security.
Although you can use any other virtualization technology, this feature offers extra benefits. For instance, you don’t have to activate the instance, and you do not have to spend extra time setting up the virtual machine. Also, you will start with aclean Windows 11 installationwhenever you open the sandbox, and everything will get deleted whenever you close it.
In thishow-to guide, I will outline the steps to set up and use Windows Sandbox on your computer.
How to enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 11
On Windows 11, enabling the isolated environment to test applications requires turning on virtualization at the hardware level before you can turn on Windows Sandbox.
If you want to use this feature, the device needs Windows 11 Pro or higher, a processor with two or more cores, at least 4GB of memory, and SSD storage (not a requirement, but it’s recommended).
Enable UEFI virtualization
To enable virtualization on the UEFI firmware on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Once you complete the steps, you can enable the Windows Sandbox feature on Windows 11.
Enable Windows Sandbox
To enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete 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 using Windows Sandbox is straightforward, and here’s how:
Once you complete the steps, you can use the sandbox to test apps without compromising your setup. In addition to testing applications, you can use this environment to access untrusted websites without affecting your device configuration.
You can use the"Ctrl + Alt + Break"or"Pause"keyboard shortcut on Windows Sandbox to enter and exit the full-screen experience. If you use high contrast mode, you can use the"Shift + Alt + PrintScreen"shortcut to enable the feature in this environment.
After you’re done testing, close Windows Sandbox by clicking the X (close) button, and the system will delete any content you may have created or configured and the virtual machine instance.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
