How to Use the Windows Sandbox in Windows 10 PC – Guide
Microsoft’s Windows Sandbox, available in the May 10, 2019 Windows Update, offers more than just a safe zone for testing untrusted apps. It provides a solution to the potential threat of malware or suspicious websites by allowing users to explore them without risk. With Windows Sandbox, users can be adventurous and explore potentially dangerous elements with confidence.
Windows Sandbox provides a secure virtual machine environment, allowing users to safely browse, download apps and visit potentially dangerous sites without risking their main PC. It also offers the convenience of copying files to the virtual PC and removing them from quarantine if they are deemed safe.
Use Windows Sandbox on Windows 10
Check your PC for virtualization support
To use Windows Sandbox, users must first ensure their PC supports virtualization. This technology allows a computer to divide its hardware and software, and is usually found in the BIOS settings. We tested this on a Dell XPS 15 by pressing F2 at startup, selecting Virtualization and enabling Intel Virtualization Technology before pressing OK.
To access virtualization on your device, consult the support documents provided by your PC manufacturer.
Check or update your version of Windows 10
Windows 10 Home users are out of luck when it comes to Windows Sandbox: the feature is only available on Pro and Enterprise versions. To find out which version you have, head to the Start menu and type ‘About’.
To upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, check the Windows Specifications at the bottom of your PC’s settings. If you don’t have Pro or Enterprise, you can purchase a license for $100 through the Microsoft Store app in Windows 10.
To ensure your PC is compatible with Windows Sandbox, Microsoft recommends having Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, an AMD64 architecture, 4GB RAM and 1GB free space.
Go to Classic Windows Control Panel
Windows 10 May 2019 update users must manually enable Windows Sandbox, which is not enabled by default. To do this, open the Control Panel via the Start menu or search bar and select it from the results list.
To access Windows Features, open the Control Panel and type “Turn Windows Features On or off” into the search bar. Select the result under Program and Features to make changes.
Find Windows Sandbox in Windows List Features
To enable the Windows Sandbox feature on Windows 10, scroll to the bottom of the list in the next window, select the checkmark next to Windows Sandbox and click OK. The PC will then download and install any necessary files before restarting to apply the changes.
After rebooting, users will be presented with a screen similar to when installing Windows 10 security updates. The process should take no more than a few minutes.
Open Windows Sandbox
You can access Windows Sandbox from the Start menu by selecting it from the list of applications and running it as an administrator, or by searching for it.
Windows Sandbox will appear on the screen as a rectangular box, signaling the start of the loading process. After a few seconds, users will be presented with a virtual Windows 10 desktop and taskbar – an isolated environment for testing apps.
Transferring files and other incomplete software
You can quickly and easily transfer installers from your physical PC to Windows Sandbox for testing: simply right-click the file you want to move, select Copy, then right-click the Sandbox desktop and select Paste.
To securely test files, Windows Sandbox provides a separate partition where users can double-click the installer file and run it. However, transferring files between the physical PC and the Sandbox is not possible; instead, Microsoft Edge must be used as an intermediary to download them.
Closing, browsing in Sandbox and others tips and tricks
Press Ctrl + Alt + Break to switch Windows Sandbox to full screen mode, allowing you to work exclusively in the isolated environment.
When you’re done using the Sandbox, simply exit full screen mode and press the X button as you would with any other application. A pop-up will remind you that all changes made in the Sandbox will be deleted, but this is to be expected since it’s a temporary program.
Final note
Windows 10 users can now take advantage of the Windows Sandbox feature, a secure environment for running applications. If you have any questions about using this tool, our guide has the answers. Show your support by sharing it with your friends!
