How to Enable Sandbox in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 includes a powerful security feature called Windows Sandbox. It allows you to run suspicious apps or test unknown files in a safe, isolated environment without risking your main system. Think of it like a disposable virtual machine — once you close it, everything inside disappears.

In this guide, we’ll cover what Windows Sandbox is, why you should use it, and how to enable it on Windows 11 step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech-savvy user, this walkthrough will make the process simple and clear.

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Summary — Key Takeaways

• Windows Sandbox creates a secure, temporary virtual environment in Windows 11.

• You can use it to safely open unknown apps, suspicious files, or test settings.

• It’s available only in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

• Enabling Sandbox requires virtualization support and a quick setup in Windows Features.

• Once enabled, you can launch it anytime from the Start Menu.

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What Is Windows Sandbox?

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight virtual environment built into Windows 11. It runs on Microsoft’s Hyper-V virtualization technology, meaning it acts like a mini version of Windows inside your existing system.

When you close Sandbox, everything inside it — apps, files, settings — gets deleted automatically. This makes it perfect for:

• Testing untrusted apps without affecting your PC.

• Opening email attachments that may contain malware.

• Running experimental commands or scripts.

• Exploring system settings without permanent changes.

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Requirements for Windows Sandbox

Before enabling Sandbox, ensure your PC meets these requirements:

💡 Tip: If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you won’t see Sandbox by default — but there are unofficial workarounds.

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Step 1: Check if Virtualization Is Enabled

Sandbox requires virtualization. Let’s verify if it’s active:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click the Performance tab.

3. Select CPU.

4. Look for Virtualization (bottom-right).

• If it says Enabled, you’re good to go.

• If it says Disabled, enable it in BIOS/UEFI.

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Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI (If Disabled)

If virtualization is off:

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI:

   • Common keys: Del, F2, F10, or Esc (varies by brand).

2. Navigate to Advanced / CPU Settings.

3. Find options like:

   • Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

   • AMD-V / SVM Mode

4. Set it to Enabled.

5. Save changes and restart.

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Step 3: Enable Windows Sandbox Feature

Once virtualization is ready, let’s enable Sandbox in Windows 11:

1. Press Win + R, type:

   optionalfeatures


   and press Enter.

2. In the Windows Features window, scroll down and check Windows Sandbox.

3. Click OK.

4. Windows will install the necessary files.

5. Restart your computer when prompted.

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Step 4: Launch Windows Sandbox

After restart:

1. Press Win + S (Search).

2. Type Windows Sandbox.

3. Click to open it.

A clean Windows 11 environment will appear in a new window — isolated from your main system.

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Step 5: Use Sandbox Safely

Inside Sandbox, you can:

• Copy and paste files from your real desktop.

• Install apps to test them.

• Browse websites in isolation.

• Run commands in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

💡 Remember: Once you close Sandbox, all changes are deleted.

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Step 6: Configure Advanced Sandbox Settings (Optional)

You can customize Sandbox using a configuration file (.wsb).

For example, create a file called sandbox.wsb with:

Double-click the file to launch Sandbox with these settings:

• GPU disabled

• Networking enabled

• A shared folder (read-only)

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Troubleshooting: Sandbox Not Working?

Here are common fixes:

• Option missing? Make sure you’re on Pro/Enterprise/Education edition.

• Virtualization still disabled? Double-check BIOS/UEFI settings.

• Error launching Sandbox? Update Windows 11 and system drivers.

• Running on low RAM? Close other apps before starting Sandbox.

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Advantages of Windows Sandbox

• Free and built into Windows (no extra software needed).

• Lightweight compared to full virtual machines.

• Automatically resets after each session.

• Safe way to test apps without harming your PC.

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Windows Sandbox vs. Virtual Machine: What’s the Difference?

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Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to enable Sandbox in Windows 11 step by step.

To recap:

1. Check and enable virtualization.

2. Turn on Windows Sandbox in Windows Features.

3. Restart and launch it from the Start Menu.

4. Use it to safely test apps, files, and commands.

Windows Sandbox is an underrated but powerful tool that can save you from malware, system crashes, and risky experiments — all without harming your main PC.

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FAQs

1. Is Windows Sandbox available in Windows 11 Home?
No, it’s only in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

2. Does Sandbox slow down my PC?
It uses resources temporarily while running, but has no lasting effect.

3. Can I save files from Sandbox?
Not permanently. Files are deleted when Sandbox closes, unless you manually copy them out.

4. Is Windows Sandbox the same as Hyper-V?
It uses Hyper-V technology but is simpler and lighter.

5. Can Sandbox get infected with malware?
Yes, but it won’t affect your main system. The infection disappears once Sandbox is closed.