Windows Sandbox
- 100% Safe - Freeware
Free Download
(1 MB)
Latest Version
Windows Sandbox LATEST
Operating System
Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10 / Windows 11
Author / Product
Filename
WindowsSandbox.exe
Windows Sandbox is a powerful software development and security utility that allows the creation of a lightweight desktop environment that is completely isolated from the rest of the currently active Windows OS and the host machine, providing a safe and reliable way to run applications in isolation without the fear that it will cause software instability, OS crash, damaging of files on local storage, or even compromise PC with malicious software.
How to install and use Windows Sandbox
This enables software developers and security technicians to safely test the behavior of applications, and not worry about them being capable of impacting the function of the host machine.
Windows Sandbox has the following properties:
To completely isolate each sandbox from the host machine, Windows Sandbox utilizes the latest hardware-virtualization technologies developed for complete isolation of the host kernel. Powered by Windows hypervisor, smart memory management, and virtual GPU technology, each sandbox instance is created in just a few seconds, offering seasoned users the ability to test unfinished apps and malicious software in total isolation from the rest of their PC.
The latest version of Windows Sandbox is optimized for use only on Windows 10 (Pro, Enterprise, or Education versions) and Windows 11 (except on its Home version), and it requires the presence of a 64-bit processor and virtualization support in the host BIOS settings. Once those requirements are met, users can easily install it both on physical and virtual machine environments.
Usage
Prerequisites
PROS
How to install and use Windows Sandbox
This enables software developers and security technicians to safely test the behavior of applications, and not worry about them being capable of impacting the function of the host machine.
Windows Sandbox has the following properties:
- Part of Windows: Everything required for this feature is included in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise. There's no need to download a VHD.
- Pristine: Every time Windows Sandbox runs, it's as clean as a brand-new installation of Windows.
- Disposable: Nothing persists on the device. Everything is discarded when the user closes the application.
- Secure: Uses hardware-based virtualization for kernel isolation. It relies on the Microsoft hypervisor to run a separate kernel that isolates Windows Sandbox from the host.
- Efficient: Uses the integrated kernel scheduler, smart memory management, and virtual GPU.
To completely isolate each sandbox from the host machine, Windows Sandbox utilizes the latest hardware-virtualization technologies developed for complete isolation of the host kernel. Powered by Windows hypervisor, smart memory management, and virtual GPU technology, each sandbox instance is created in just a few seconds, offering seasoned users the ability to test unfinished apps and malicious software in total isolation from the rest of their PC.
The latest version of Windows Sandbox is optimized for use only on Windows 10 (Pro, Enterprise, or Education versions) and Windows 11 (except on its Home version), and it requires the presence of a 64-bit processor and virtualization support in the host BIOS settings. Once those requirements are met, users can easily install it both on physical and virtual machine environments.
Usage
- Copy an executable file (and any other files needed to run the application) from the host and paste them into the Windows Sandbox window.
- Run the executable file or installer inside the sandbox.
- When you're finished experimenting, close the sandbox. A dialog box will state that all sandbox content will be discarded and permanently deleted. Select Ok.
- Confirm that your host machine doesn't exhibit any of the modifications that you made in Windows Sandbox.
Prerequisites
- Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise or Education build 18305 or Windows 11 (Windows Sandbox is currently not supported on Windows Home edition)
- AMD64 or (as of Windows 11 Build 22483) ARM64 architecture
- Virtualization capabilities enabled in BIOS
- At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
- At least 1 GB of free disk space (SSD recommended)
- At least two CPU cores (four cores with hyperthreading recommended)
PROS
- Easy to Use
- Isolated Environment for Testing
- No Risk of Permanent System Changes
- Can Run Potentially Harmful Programs Safely
- Limited Resource Allocation
- Not Available on All Windows Versions
- Requires Hardware Virtualization Support
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