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How Do I Open A Sandbox In Windows?

Published Aug 29, 2025 3 min read
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To open Windows Sandbox, you must first ensure your system meets the requirements and then enable the feature through the Windows Features dialog.

Once enabled, you can launch it from the Start menu just like any other application. Windows Sandbox is a lightweight virtual environment, perfect for safely testing untrusted files or applications without risking your host operating system.

What is Windows Sandbox?

Windows Sandbox is a temporary, isolated, and highly secure desktop environment built into certain versions of Windows. Its key characteristics include:

  • Pristine: Every time you open the sandbox, it's a brand new, clean instance of your Windows desktop.
  • Disposable: All software, files, and state are deleted permanently when you close the application.
  • Isolated: It uses hardware-based virtualization to run a separate, kernel-isolated instance of Windows. Nothing you do inside the sandbox can affect your main operating system.

Step 1: Check system requirements

Before you can enable Windows Sandbox, you must confirm that your computer meets the necessary requirements.

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition (Version 1903 or later). Windows Home edition does not support this feature.
  • Processor: A 64-bit AMD or Intel CPU with at least two cores (four cores with hyper-threading is recommended).
  • Memory (RAM): A minimum of 4 GB (8 GB is recommended).
  • Disk Space: At least 1 GB of free space (an SSD is recommended).
  • Virtualization: Virtualization capabilities must be enabled in your computer's BIOS/UEFI.

How to check if virtualization is enabled

  1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Go to the Performance tab and click on CPU.
  3. In the top-right corner, check the "Virtualization" status. If it says "Enabled," you are ready to proceed.
  4. If it is disabled, you will need to reboot your computer and enable virtualization technology (sometimes called Intel VT-x or AMD-V) in your system's BIOS settings.

Step 2: Enable Windows Sandbox

Once you have confirmed your system meets the requirements, you can enable the feature.

Method 1: Using the graphical interface

  1. Open the Start menu and type "Turn Windows features on or off" and select the result.
  2. In the Windows Features window that appears, scroll down the list and check the box next to Windows Sandbox.
  3. Click OK. Windows will now install the required components.
  4. Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Restart now to finish the process.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

  1. Open the Start menu and type "PowerShell." Right-click on Windows PowerShell and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the PowerShell window, enter the following command and press Enter:``` Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Containers-DisposableClientVM" -All
  3. Type "Y" and press Enter to restart your computer and complete the installation.

Step 3: Open Windows Sandbox

After your computer restarts, you can open Windows Sandbox.

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Type "Windows Sandbox" into the search bar.
  3. Click on the Windows Sandbox app to launch it. The window may take a moment to load as it creates a fresh virtual environment.

Using Windows Sandbox

Once the sandbox is open, you can begin using it to test files and applications.

  • Copy and paste: You can copy executable files (.exe) or documents directly from your host PC and paste them into the sandbox's desktop.
  • Test applications: Install and run any application inside the sandbox. You can observe its behavior without it affecting your main system.
  • Secure web browsing: If you want to visit a suspicious website, you can use the Microsoft Edge browser inside the sandbox to isolate any potential malware.

How to close and reset Windows Sandbox

When you are finished with your session, simply close the Windows Sandbox window. A prompt will appear warning you that all content will be discarded and permanently deleted. Clicking OK will destroy the virtual environment. The next time you open Windows Sandbox, it will be a completely new and pristine session.

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