How to Use Windows Sandbox

Learn how to enable and use Windows Sandbox to safely test software in an isolated environment. Complete setup guide for Windows 10 and 11.

1. Enable Windows Sandbox feature. Open Control Panel and click Programs. Select Turn Windows features on or off. Check the Windows Sandbox box and click OK. Restart your computer when prompted to complete the installation.
2. Launch Windows Sandbox. Press Windows key and type Windows Sandbox. Click the Windows Sandbox app from the search results. The sandbox environment will initialize and open in a new window, displaying a clean Windows desktop.
3. Copy files into the sandbox. Open File Explorer on your host system and navigate to the files you want to test. Copy the files using Ctrl+C, then paste them into the sandbox using Ctrl+V. You can also drag and drop files directly from your host system into the sandbox window.
4. Install and test software safely. Run executable files, install programs, or open suspicious documents within the sandbox environment. The software operates in complete isolation from your main system. Test functionality, check for malware behavior, or evaluate software without risk.
5. Configure network access if needed. Windows Sandbox has internet access by default through your host network connection. To disable networking, create a configuration file with networking disabled, or simply disconnect your host system from the internet before launching Sandbox.
6. Close the sandbox environment. Click the X button to close the Windows Sandbox window. Click OK when prompted to confirm closure. All files, installed programs, and system changes are immediately and permanently deleted.