Unlock the Power of Windows Sandbox

Have you ever wondered how to make the most of Windows Sandbox?

Well, wonder no more because I’m here to guide you through it!

Windows Sandbox is a virtual environment that lets you safely test software and browse the web without worrying about any lasting impact on your system.

First things first, let’s open Windows Sandbox. Just hit the “Start” button and type “Windows Sandbox” in the search bar. Then, click on the Windows Sandbox app to launch it.

Once you have Windows Sandbox up and running, you’ll notice that it looks just like a regular Windows desktop. However, any changes you make here won’t affect your actual operating system. It’s like having a sandbox within your computer!

Now, let’s say you want to experiment with a new program or visit a potentially risky website. With Windows Sandbox, you can do so without any fear of compromising your system.

When you’re done testing or exploring, simply close the Windows Sandbox window. This will delete all the changes you made and restore the environment to its original state. It’s like magic!

One important thing to note is that Windows Sandbox does not save any files or settings, so make sure to save your work and download any necessary files to a separate location.

So, why use Windows Sandbox? It’s all about giving you peace of mind and the freedom to explore without consequences. With Windows Sandbox, you can venture into new software and websites, knowing that your system is protected.

Remember, when in doubt, play it safe and use Windows Sandbox!

If you want to make sure the program you downloaded doesn’t have any viruses, you should install it first. Antivirus software isn’t perfect, so it’s always good to be cautious. Luckily, the newest version of Windows 10 offers a handy tool called Windows Sandbox to help you get rid of malicious programs.

In this article, I’ll show you how to install and use Windows Sandbox to keep your system safe.

What is Windows Sandbox?

Windows Sandbox is like a virtual machine. It’s a piece of software that acts as a separate computer. Since it’s independent from your actual Windows operating system, you can run programs in it without affecting your regular system.

When you close Windows Sandbox, anything you installed inside it will be deleted. When you start it again, it will be just like using a fresh copy of Windows 10.

Which Version of Windows 10 Do I Need?

I need Windows 10 to use Windows Sandbox. There are a few requirements that I have to meet:

1. I can only use Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise versions.
2. I need to have OS Build 18305 or a later version.
3. I should have an AMD 64 or 64-bit processor architecture.
4. I need at least 4GB of RAM, but it’s recommended to have 8GB.
5. I need at least 1GB of free hard disk space. It’s better to have a solid-state drive (SSD).
6. I need at least two CPU cores, but having four cores with hyper-threading is recommended.

How Can I Start Windows Sandbox?

If I meet the requirements mentioned above, I can enable and install Windows Sandbox on my Windows 10 computer. It’s not enabled by default, so I have to do it myself.

First, I need to check if my Virtualization is turned on. To do this, I right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu. Then, I open the Performance Tab. In the lower right part of the Task Manager, there should be a list of performance specs, including Virtualization. If it says “Virtualization: Enabled,” I’m good to go. If not, I have to turn it on in my BIOS settings.

If you want another way to check Virtualization, you can also do it through the Command Prompt. Just search for “cmd” in the taskbar, and choose Command Prompt. Type in “systeminfo.exe” and hit enter. In the section called Hyper-V Requirements, look for an entry called Virtualization Enabled In Firmware. It should say “Yes”.

Enabling Virtualization in BIOS

Want to enable Virtualization on your computer? Just follow these steps. Keep in mind that your computer will need to restart after enabling this feature.

1. Click the Start Button on your Taskbar.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click on Update & Security.
4. In the left menu, choose Recovery.
5. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.

After your computer restarts, you’ll see a blue screen with several icons. Follow these steps:

1. Click on Troubleshoot.
2. Choose Advanced Options.
3. Click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
4. Press Restart.

Your computer will restart with a black screen this time. You’ll see several options with corresponding function key assignments. Complete the following steps:

1. Select BIOS Setup. Typically, it’s F10, but if not, press the corresponding function key.
2. Navigate to the System Configurations Tab by pressing right or left.
3. Highlight Virtualization Technology by pressing down.
4. Press Enter and choose Enabled.

At the bottom of the screen, select the Save and Exit option. Usually, it’s F10, but if not, choose the assigned Function key. Your computer will now restart with Virtualization turned on.

Turning-On Windows Sandbox

To turn on Windows Sandbox, simply type “Turn Windows Features on or off” in the Taskbar Search Window. A small window with a list of Windows features will open. Scroll down to find Windows Sandbox. Tick the checkbox and click OK. The installation of Sandbox will take some time. Wait until it finishes, then click Restart Now.

After your computer restarts, click the Start button on the taskbar and scroll down until you find Windows Sandbox among the applications.

If you don’t see the option to select Windows Sandbox in the “Turn Features on or off” window, it means your computer doesn’t meet the necessary requirements to install this feature.

Using Windows Sandbox

When you click on Windows Sandbox from the Apps menu, the application will open. It will resemble a freshly installed Windows 10 desktop. You can drag and drop files into the window, even executable files, and run them.

Remember, Sandbox is a separate environment isolated from your main operating system. Any program installed in the Sandbox will be deleted once you close the application. This way, you can safely test any downloaded files and ensure they don’t contain any malware.

A Convenient Screening Tool

Windows Sandbox is an incredibly useful tool for screening files that you’re not entirely sure about. It provides an isolated testing area, keeping your actual operating system secure from any potential malicious software.

Do you have any other tips on using Windows Sandbox? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.