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How to Sandbox Windows 11?

Published in Windows Security 3 mins read

To sandbox Windows 11, you can use the built-in Windows Sandbox feature by enabling it through Optional Features.

Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight, temporary desktop environment where you can safely run untrusted applications without impacting your main system. When you close Windows Sandbox, all the software, files, and state are discarded.

Here's a step-by-step guide based on the provided information:

Enabling Windows Sandbox

Enabling Windows Sandbox is a straightforward process done through Windows' Optional Features settings.

  1. Open Optional Features:

    • Click the Start menu.
    • Type optionalfeatures.exe in the search bar.
    • Press Enter or click on the suggested result. This will open the "Windows Features" dialog box.

  2. Locate Windows Sandbox:

    • In the "Windows Features" window, scroll down the list of available features.
    • Find the entry for Windows Sandbox.

  3. Install the Feature:

    • Check the box next to "Windows Sandbox".
    • Click OK.

  4. Wait for Installation:

    • Windows will now install the necessary components. This may take a few moments.
    • You might be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions if this is the case.

  5. Access Windows Sandbox:

    • Once installed (and after a potential restart), Windows Sandbox should appear as an app in your Start menu.
    • You can find it by scrolling through the app list or by typing "Windows Sandbox" in the Start menu search bar.

What is Windows Sandbox?

Windows Sandbox is a crucial tool for security and testing. It creates an isolated, temporary environment:

  • Isolated: It runs separately from your main Windows installation.
  • Temporary: Everything you do inside is deleted when you close it.
  • Safe: You can test potentially malicious software or visit risky websites without affecting your host system.

Think of it as a mini, disposable version of Windows running inside your current Windows session.

Key Features

Here's a quick look at some key aspects:

Feature Description Benefit
Temporary Discards all data and configuration upon closing. Clean slate every time, no leftover mess.
Isolated Runs in its own kernel separate from the host. Prevents malicious software from spreading.
Built-in Available as an optional feature in eligible Windows 11 versions. No need for third-party virtualisation software.
Lightweight Uses minimal resources when idle. Quick to start compared to traditional VMs.

Requirements

To run Windows Sandbox, your Windows 11 system needs to meet certain requirements:

  • Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Home edition is not supported for this feature).
  • AMD64 architecture (64-bit processor).
  • Virtualization capabilities enabled in the BIOS/UEFI.
  • At least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended).
  • At least 1GB of free disk space (SSD recommended).
  • At least 2 CPU cores (4 cores with hyperthreading recommended).

Ensuring your system meets these requirements is essential before attempting to enable the feature.

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