What is Windows Sandbox?
Windows Sandbox is a virtualization feature introduced in Windows 10, version 1903. It allows users to run applications in a secure, isolated environment, which can be easily discarded when no longer needed. This feature is particularly useful for testing suspicious applications or visiting untrusted websites, without putting the host system at risk. Windows Sandbox utilizes hardware virtualization and the Microsoft Hypervisor platform to create a lightweight, isolated environment that runs a separate instance of Windows.
Key Benefits
Windows Sandbox provides several benefits, including:
- Enhanced security: Applications running in the sandbox are isolated from the host system, preventing them from making any changes or causing harm.
- Easy cleanup: When you’re finished with the sandbox, you can simply close it and all changes will be discarded, leaving your host system unaffected.
- Fast setup: Windows Sandbox can be set up quickly, without requiring a separate operating system or extensive configuration.
Technical Specifications
System Requirements
To use Windows Sandbox, your system must meet the following requirements:
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, version 1903 or later |
| Processor | 64-bit, 1 GHz or faster |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Storage | 1 GB of free disk space |
| Virtualization | Hardware virtualization support |
Architecture
Windows Sandbox uses a client-server architecture, with the sandbox environment running as a separate instance of Windows, isolated from the host system. The sandbox environment is managed by the Windows Sandbox service, which handles tasks such as creating and deleting sandboxes, managing resources, and enforcing security policies.
Installation Guide
Enabling Windows Sandbox
To enable Windows Sandbox, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for