Recommended Free Tools
Sophos announced in September 2019 that Sandboxie would become free while the company planned an open-source transition. The source code was released later, on 8 April 2020; the community fork now known as Sandboxie Plus/Classic began the next day. Those were separate milestones, not one event.
When did Sandboxie become free and open source?
Sophos’s freeware decision came first. A contemporaneous indexed result dated 13 September 2019 reproduces the announcement: “Until the open-source transition is completed we have decided to make Sandboxie completely free.” The original announcement page was not directly inspectable, so the quotation is attributed to that reproduced excerpt.
The project history dates the release of the open-source code to 8 April 2020. It dates David Xanatos’s fork to 9 April 2020. Becoming free in 2019 did not mean the source code was released at the same time.
What happened to Sandboxie after Sophos?
The current Sandboxie Plus/Classic project identifies Sophos Group plc as the developer from 2017 to 2020, but explicitly describes itself as a community fork created after the source release—not the official continuation of Sophos’s previous development. Its history and project status are documented in the Sandboxie Plus/Classic repository.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What does Sandboxie do?
Sandboxie is Windows sandbox-based isolation software. It lets applications run in an isolated environment, limiting permanent changes to local or mapped drives and the Windows registry. The project describes uses such as testing untrusted programs and web browsing in isolation. A sandbox is a layer of protection, not a guarantee against every malicious action or a substitute for broader security measures.
Is Sandboxie still free?
The current project lists free functionality as well as certificate-supported features. It also lists an Advanced Encryption Pack for sandbox encryption and requires a Business Certificate for commercial or educational use. Entitlements and terms can change, so check the project’s live feature and licensing comparison before relying on a particular feature or using it for an organization. The downloads page also invites donations and links to support options.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is the difference between Sandboxie Plus and Classic?
Both editions share core components, but differ in their interface and development status:
| Edition | Interface and development | Builds listed on 4 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Sandboxie Plus | Modern Qt-based interface that supports newer features; actively developed in the current project. | Stable x64 v1.18.5 for Windows 7, 10, and 11; stable ARM64 v1.18.5 for Windows 10 and 11. |
| Sandboxie Classic | Older MFC interface; the interface is no longer developed. The project says it is not recommended for users seeking the latest security options. | Stable x64 v5.73.5 for Windows 7, 10, and 11. |
The project also lists legacy 32-bit builds. These version numbers and compatibility details reflect the downloads page on 4 October 2026, not a permanent guarantee. Check the current downloads page for the latest builds and supported Windows versions. It describes stable builds as recommended for everyday use and preview builds as options for trying newer features or investigating incompatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose Plus if you want the current interface and access to newer features managed through it.
- Consider Classic only if you specifically need its older interface; its MFC UI is no longer developed.
- Before installing either edition, verify the current build, architecture, and Windows compatibility on the downloads page.
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