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Windows Sandbox runs a temporary, isolated Windows desktop for testing software or opening unfamiliar files. It is supported on Windows Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education/SE, and Education—not Windows Home—and needs hardware virtualization enabled. Its default networking and clipboard sharing can expose the host environment, while closing the Sandbox deletes its contents.
What Windows Sandbox requires
Microsoft supports Windows Sandbox on Windows 10 version 1903 or later and Windows 11, in these editions:
- Windows Pro
- Windows Enterprise
- Windows Pro Education or Pro SE
- Windows Education
Windows Home is not supported. The host must use an AMD64 processor, or an Arm64 processor on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Microsoft’s listed hardware requirements are:
| Resource | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Free disk space | 1 GB | SSD recommended |
| CPU | At least two cores | Four cores with hyper-threading |
These are Microsoft’s published prerequisites, not performance guarantees; the host and other running applications also need resources. Virtualization must be enabled in the PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings. If Windows itself is running in a virtual machine, that VM must have nested virtualization enabled. See Microsoft’s Windows Sandbox overview and installation instructions.
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How to install or enable it
- Check that the Windows edition and version are supported, and that virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI (or nested virtualization is enabled for a VM).
- Open Turn Windows features on or off from Windows Search.
- Select Windows Sandbox, choose OK, and restart if Windows prompts you to.
Alternatively, open PowerShell as an administrator and run:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -FeatureName "Containers-DisposableClientVM" -All -Online
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Restart if prompted. In managed environments, an administrator can disable the feature or enforce its settings through Group Policy.
What the default Sandbox session shares
Windows Sandbox launches with several integrations enabled. That is convenient for routine use, but it matters when you are opening untrusted software or files.
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| Feature | Default behavior |
|---|---|
| Networking | Enabled through the Hyper-V default switch |
| Clipboard redirection | Enabled |
| Audio input | Enabled |
| Video input and printer redirection | Disabled |
| Virtualized GPU | Enabled on non-Arm64 devices |
| Memory capacity | Maximum 4 GB by default |
Microsoft warns: “Enabling networking can expose untrusted applications to the internal network.” Clipboard redirection also creates a connection between the host and session, so consider what you copy while handling suspicious content. Virtualized GPU support can increase the attack surface.
How to reduce exposure when opening untrusted files
A Sandbox configuration file uses the .wsb extension and XML settings. It can control networking, virtual GPU, mapped host folders, startup commands, audio and video input, protected client, printer and clipboard redirection, and memory. Microsoft documents these options in its configuration guide.
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- Disable networking if the test does not require internet or network access.
- Map only the folder the session needs, and make it read-only where possible.
- Remember that software inside Sandbox can affect files in any mapped writable folder. Writes there remain on the host after the session ends.
- Disable integrations you do not need, such as clipboard redirection or virtualized GPU, where configuration options allow.
Sandbox isolation does not make an exposed host folder disposable. Treat writable mapped folders as a deliberate sharing channel, not as a safe place to leave valuable files.
What Sandbox does not preserve or support
Closing the window discards the session
When you close Windows Sandbox, its installed software, files, and session state are deleted. Each new launch starts fresh. On Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, a restart initiated inside Sandbox can preserve the session through that restart, but closing Sandbox still deletes it. Only one Sandbox instance can run at a time.
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It uses the host’s Windows build
Sandbox uses the same Windows build as its host, so it cannot provide a separate Windows version for compatibility testing. It is intended for short-lived tests in an isolated environment, not for maintaining a separate operating system.
Some built-in apps and features are unavailable
Microsoft’s FAQ says inbox apps such as Store and Notepad, and Optional Features enabled through Turn Windows features on or off, are unsupported inside Sandbox. A Store app may be installed if you already have its .appx package, but the Store app itself is unavailable there for direct downloads. Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 24H2 installation note specifically says inbox apps including Calculator, Photos, Notepad, and Terminal are unavailable inside Sandbox. See the installation and FAQ page.
Windows 11 24H2: newer Sandbox app controls
Starting with Windows 11 version 24H2, a newer app delivered through Microsoft Store adds runtime controls for clipboard, audio and video input, and folder sharing, along with early command-line support. It is an update-dependent option, not a baseline feature to assume on every installation.
Microsoft lists Windows 11 24H2 with KB10D or later, internet access to Microsoft Store and Windows Update, and an already-installed Windows Sandbox as prerequisites for upgrading to the newer app. Consult Microsoft’s current installation guidance for availability and upgrade details.
Windows Sandbox or a full virtual machine?
| Need | Windows Sandbox | Hyper-V virtual machine |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary software or file test | Quick to launch; session is disposable | More setup than needed for many short tests |
| Keep changes between sessions | No; closing deletes session state | Yes; changes remain unless reverted |
| Test a different Windows build | No; uses the host’s build | Suitable when a separate OS environment is needed |
| Resource and setup trade-off | Reuses host OS files and is designed to be simpler and more resource-efficient for temporary tests | Requires more setup and dedicated resources |
Choose a full VM when the test needs persistent state or a separate operating-system environment. Choose Sandbox when the same-build, short-lived, disposable session fits the task.
Quick Recap
Why Windows Sandbox may be missing or fail to start
- Feature not listed: Verify the Windows edition, Windows version, CPU architecture, and whether Windows Sandbox is enabled in Windows Features.
- Virtualization error: Confirm virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI. If the host is a VM, check that nested virtualization is enabled.
- “No hypervisor was found”: Microsoft says Windows Sandbox supports only the Hyper-V hypervisor; third-party hypervisors are unsupported. See its troubleshooting guidance.
- Configuration file fails: Check that the
.wsbfile uses valid XML and that mapped folder paths are correct. - Settings cannot be changed: In a managed PC environment, Group Policy may enforce settings or disable the feature.
- Newer app upgrade unavailable: Check the required Windows 11 24H2 update level and access to Microsoft Store and Windows Update.
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