In this guide I will explain what it is, what is it for and what requirements you must meet in order to use Windows Sandbox On your PC. If you want to know everything about this optional feature that Microsoft has reserved for a handful of users, stay with me. Here I provide all the information you need. Don't miss it!
Windows Sandbox: What is it and what is it for
Windows Sandbox is an environment -integrated test environment that allows you to execute any application without this having consequences on the equipment. In fact, in Spanish, Microsoft calls it Windows isolated spacea term that helps to understand what its purpose is. Thanks to this tool, users can do as many tests as they want without jeopardizing the integrity of the main system.
The truth is that Windows Sandbox is nothing more than a virtual machine that runs on your computer. In case you do not know, this concept is used for those processes of Hardware emulation by software which allows to execute a complete operating system within a real machine. Microsoft, with its isolated Windows space, does something similar: it executes an instance of Windows separated from the system, Virtualizing a team within your PC. This virtual computer does not have a direct connection with the host system, that is, the one that directly executes the real computer.
Although he uses virtualization to work, the truth is that Windows Sandbox is a tool quite simpler that what you are going to be able to get with Virtualbox. In fact, it is a light desktop environment, which is executed as if it were a more application and that in a few seconds it allows you to access a safe space within the operating system of your computer.
Additionally, Windows Sandbox presents the following characteristics:
- It is temporary. Everything you do in this environment will disappear once you close it. However, it admits the restart function within the isolated space itself to be able to make facilities that require the equipment to turn off and turn on.
- It is totally safe. Thanks to hardware virtualization, it is able to execute an independent kernel. In this way, any program that installs will never be able to reach the main kernel.
- It's like a clean Windows installation. Making a clean Windows installation has many benefits. Well, the isolated space instance is equivalent to having a copy of the newly installed system.
Why should I use Windows Sandbox and why not?
You must use it for:
- Try applications.
- Open supposedly malicious files.
- Make temporary facilities in the team.
- Accessing dangerous websites (Sandbox has a default enabled network connection).
You should not use it for:
- Create personal content, such as documents.
- Synchronize files.
- Install applications that you will use on a day -to -day basis.
Requirements to have Windows Sandbox
Most modern computers will be able to run Windows Sandbox. I have already told you that it is a Light environment And not a complete virtual machine, although it is worth this technology.
The minimum official requirements are these:
- ARM64 Architecture (for Windows 11, version 22h2 and later) or AMD64
- Virtualization functionalities enabled in BIOS
- At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB are recommended)
- At least 1 GB of hard disk space (SSD is recommended)
- At least two CPU nuclei (four nuclei with hyper-threading) are recommended
Now, the most important limitation has to do with the Windows edition: It is only possible to have the isolated space in the pro versions. That is, you need or Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro. In the event that this tool is indispensable for you, my advice is to buy a cheap Windows 11 Pro license for a few euros, you will be able to make the jump from The Home Edition to the Pro Edition.
How to activate and use Windows Sandbox
Although you meet all the requirements and have Windows 11 Pro (or Windows 10 Pro), it will be necessary that Activate the isolated space To appear on your computer.
You just have to follow these steps:
- Go to Windows configuration and enter System> Optional characteristics.
- Then click More Windows characteristicsa button that you will see at the end of the list.
- In the emerging window, mark the option Windows isolated space.
- Restart the team.
When you have finished, you just have to Locate Windows Sandbox using the system search tool. It appears as one more application.
Wait for the isolated environment to load. So, you can start working with him. The first thing you should know is that it is possible resize the windowso you will be able to adjust it to your visualization needs. The screen resolution adjusts automatically.
On the other hand, it is also important that you know that Some configurations will have to change themthey do not synchronize with your team. Without going any further, you may have problems with the mouse if you have it configured for lefties. Leaving these little details aside, Windows Sandbox is ready to work from the first moment.
You can use EDGE for Download any executable. For example, I have lowered the opera installer, a browser that I want to try, but I do not want to install definitively on my PC.
However, it is also possible to copy and paste between Windows and the isolated space. So you can send any element you have on your PC and try it in Sandbox. Obviously, you will be able to do it backwards, that is, copy and paste from isolated space to Windows.
The latter is important if you want to save the files you have generated. Imagine you have Taken screenshots inside Windows Sandbox. Thanks to the copy and paste function, you make sure to keep them safe. If you click on the three suspensive points in the window title bar, you will see the related options.
Finally, when you are going to close the isolated Windows space, you will see that a message appears. It is a notice that asks for confirmation for closing. Keep in mind that, once Sandbox is stopped, all the generated content and the installed programs will vanish.
And you, have you tried Windows Sandbox? Do you think it is useful? Leave me your comments below. We read!
