Need to test a suspicious file, new software, or an unknown installer? Windows Sandbox gives you a disposable Windows environment with no risk to your actual system—no third-party virtual machine needed.
What Is Windows Sandbox?
- A lightweight, isolated Windows 10/11 environment.
- Fully disposable: every time you close it, all data is erased.
- Perfect for testing .exe installers, batch scripts, and suspicious files.
- No need to install third-party VM software or use ISO images.
System Requirements
- Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Windows 11 Pro (Home edition not supported).
- At least 4 CPU cores, 8GB RAM, and SSD storage recommended.
- Virtualization enabled in BIOS (usually under “Intel VT-x” or “AMD-V”).
How to Enable Windows Sandbox
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
- Check Windows Sandbox and click OK.
- Restart your PC when prompted.
- Search “Windows Sandbox” in the Start menu to launch.
Use Cases
- Test unverified freeware or .exe installers.
- Run email attachments in isolation.
- Explore batch files or registry scripts with zero system risk.
Windows Sandbox is the safest way to experiment with software. It gives you a clean slate every time—with no risk to your files, OS, or system configuration.