How to Set Up and Use Windows Sandbox for Safe Testing

Microsoft has built a powerful tool which is named Windows Sandbox and this tool will period allow for your application suffers to function within a secure, isolated environment instead of the full program. If you are conducting software experiments, investigating problematic data, or changing system settings, Windows Sandbox offers you an experimental phase that does not interfere with your initial OS. We have prepared the guide that will instruct you to set the Windows Sandbox option, run applications securely, and follow the best practices for safe usage.

What is Windows Sandbox?

Essentially, Windows Sandbox is a lean client where a new environment is launched to let the user test an application without damaging the main operating system. Upon shutting down, your batteries, property, as well as installed apps in the Sandbox are gotten rid of automatically, thus you can start fresh every time you open it.

System Requirements for Windows Sandbox

Before activating Windows Sandbox you should confirm that your system responds to the following conditions:

Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Also, the app is not available in Windows Home edition.)
64-bit processor with hardware-assisted virtualization (Intel VT-X, AMD-V) support.
At least 4GB of some kind of memory (8GB recommended) or more is available.
At least 1GB of storage space is free.
In the BIOS settings, virtualization is enabled.

How to Enable Windows Sandbox

Conform to the following simple steps to enable Windows Sandbox for your PC:

Step 1: Run Virtualization Hardware Check

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start up Task Manager.
• When you are at Calendar click the Performance chart from the top and then click CPU from the left.
• Make sure that Virtualization is Enabled. If it is not enabled, do so through the BIOS settings though.

Step 2: Activate Windows Sandbox Feature

• You can use Win + R, run optional features and press Enter.
• On the Windows Features window, scroll down and mark on Windows Sandbox.
• Press OK and when asked to restart, reboot your computer.

How to Use Windows Sandbox to Run Untrusted Apps

Once Windows Sandbox is enabled, these are the steps for a safe app run:

Step 1: Open Windows Sandbox

• Press Win + S, type Windows Sandbox, and hit Enter.
• You will get the Sandbox as a new Windows installation.

Step 2: Transfer and Run Applications

• Save the application or the file you want to check to your primary system.
• Then drag the item into the Windows Sandbox app.
• You want to start it? → Double-click on the file to install or run.

Step 3: Exit Windows Sandbox

• After the testing, you can just close the Sandbox window.
• The memory inside is totally erased and doesn’t get to the trash bin.

Best Practices for Using Windows Sandbox

Use for Malware Testing: Windows Sandbox is the best for testing files that might be harmful in a secured workspace.
Avoid Saving Important Files: If you still don’t remember, after you close it, the data is still going to be lost, so you won’t regret saving important files somewhere else.
Test Software Before Installing on Main System: To avoid any problems, test the software in another context to be absolutely sure that nothing will be affected by its installation.
Keep Windows Updated: For one thing, you make sure that your OS is always up to date. Also search for and install the most recent bug fixes to Sandbox as the need arises.
Enable Network Isolation (if needed): Effectively, Windows Sandbox will be having full unrestricted access to the internet. Set up a firewall if necessary, and disable the sandbox network.

Conclusion

Windows Sandbox tool can be easily used to run unwanted applications and software that you want to test without putting your original system in danger. This feature is also useful for the user, who can securely load apps, conduct file checks, and safeguard the PC. Protect and enhance your system by utilizing Windows Sandbox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)