How to enable the Windows Sandbox

Introduction

Learn how to install and use the Windows Sandbox. In this example, I show you how to install the Windows Sandbox using both the Optional Features GUI as well as PowerShell and how to safely test applications and downloads in a lightweight isolated environment to protect your core operating system installation.

How to install Windows Sandbox video

Prerequisites for using Windows Sandbox

To enable the Windows Sandbox, you need to be using either the Pro or Enterprise editions of the Windows 11 or Windows 10 Operating system and the system hardware needs to support virtualization as well as have it enabled in the BIOS.

The minimum recommended system specs to use Windows Sandbox are:

• 2 CPU cores (4 CPU cores recommended)
• 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
• 1 GB of free disk space (SSD recommended)

How to install Windows Sandbox (PowerShell)

1. To enable the Windows Sandbow using PowerShell, run the following command:

   Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -FeatureName "Containers-DisposableClientVM" -All -Online
   

2. After the command has finished running, press y to reboot the computer.

3. You can now use the Windows Sandbox by searching for Windows Sandbox in the start menu.

How to install Windows Sandbox (GUI)

1. Right-click the start button and press run.

2. Type optionalfeatures and then press OK.

3. Check the box for the feature called Windows Sandbox and then press OK.

4. The Windows Sandbox will start to be enabled.

5. After the changes have been made, press Restart now to restart the computer.

6. After the computer has been restarted, you can now use the Windows Sandbox by searching for Windows Sandbox in the start menu.

Aditional Customisation

To get more from your Windows Sandbox, I have a guide on how to configure your Windows Sandbox environment.