Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 11 and Windows 10

How to Enable Windows Sandbox in Windows 10 and 11

Updated December 15, 2025: Windows Sandbox is an isolated environment available in Windows 11 (and 10), designed to safely run untrusted applications without risking your device or data. This feature is accessible primarily on Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows and utilizes Microsoft’s Hyper-V technology to create a temporary virtual machine.

Windows Sandbox operates as a minimal installation of Windows, typically around 100MB, sufficient for running applications in a secure space. It allows users to copy and paste files from the host system while ensuring that any activity within the Sandbox is erased when it is closed, providing a fresh environment each time.

Before utilizing Windows Sandbox, ensure that your system’s Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) has hardware virtualization enabled. This functionality is vital for activating Windows Sandbox.

Enable Windows Sandbox from Settings
Enable Windows Sandbox from Control Panel
Enable Windows Sandbox from PowerShell
Enable Windows Sandbox from Command Prompt
FAQs about Turning on Windows Sandbox

Enable Windows Sandbox from Settings

To activate Windows Sandbox through the Settings app in Windows 11, follow these steps:

Launch the Settings app.
Navigate to System.
Select the Advanced section.
Click on Virtual Workspaces.
Toggle the “Windows Sandbox” switch to the On position.
Click on Restart now to apply changes.

Once these steps are completed, the Sandbox feature will be enabled on your device.

Enable Windows Sandbox from Control Panel

If you prefer using the Control Panel to enable Windows Sandbox, here’s how:

Open the Control Panel.
Click on Programs.
Go to Programs and Features.
Locate and select Turn Windows features on or off.
Check the box for Windows Sandbox.
Click OK and restart your computer.

After completing these instructions, you can launch Windows Sandbox from the Start menu.

Enable Windows Sandbox from PowerShell

To enable Windows Sandbox using PowerShell, follow these steps:

Open Start and search for PowerShell.
Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
Execute the following command:

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

Type Y to confirm and press Enter to restart your computer.

After restarting, Windows Sandbox will be available from the Start menu.

Enable Windows Sandbox from Command Prompt

To activate Windows Sandbox via the Command Prompt, proceed with these directions:

Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Input the following command:

Dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"Containers-DisposableClientVM"-All

Type Y to confirm and press Enter to restart your system.

After completing this process, utilize Windows Sandbox for safe testing of applications and browsing hazardous sites.

FAQs about Turning on Windows Sandbox

What is Windows Sandbox, and how is it used?

Windows Sandbox provides a lightweight and isolated environment for running untrusted applications or accessing risky websites without impacting your primary operating system. All content within the Sandbox is removed upon closure.

Which editions of Windows support Windows Sandbox?

This feature is available in Windows 11 and Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It’s not supported on the Home edition.

Does Windows Sandbox rely on virtualization?

Indeed. Windows Sandbox uses Microsoft Hyper-V technology and requires hardware virtualization to be enabled in either UEFI or BIOS settings prior to operation.

Is Hyper-V necessary for Windows Sandbox?

Yes, enabling Windows Sandbox activates Hyper-V and associated virtualization components automatically if they’re not already enabled.

Can Windows Sandbox be used for malware testing?

While Windows Sandbox effectively isolates untrusted software, it should not replace comprehensive malware analysis tools, particularly in professional security contexts.

What happens to files and applications after closing Windows Sandbox?

All files and apps within the Sandbox are permanently deleted when the session ends, ensuring no residual data remains.

Is it possible to transfer files to and from Windows Sandbox?

Yes, file copying and pasting between the host system and Windows Sandbox is permitted. However, any transferred files will be deleted once the session is concluded.

What is the typical disk space usage for Windows Sandbox?

The initial base image requires about 100MB; however, the space may increase temporarily during use. All storage is reclaimed upon closing the Sandbox.

Why might the Windows Sandbox feature not appear in Windows Features?

This can occur if you’re running the Windows Home edition, if hardware virtualization is disabled, or if another hypervisor configuration is conflicting.

Can Windows Sandbox work on virtual machines?

Yes, but it requires nested virtualization support to be enabled in the host hypervisor.

What’s new in enabling Windows Sandbox with the December 2025 update?

The latest updates enhance the enabling process for ease of use.

How can I disable Windows Sandbox once it’s enabled?

You can disable it through Windows Features, PowerShell, or Command Prompt by reversing the steps you used for enabling it.

Does using Windows Sandbox affect overall system performance?

Windows Sandbox utilizes system resources only during its operation. It has no lasting performance implications once closed.

Is Windows Sandbox comparable to a full virtual machine?

No, although it employs virtualization technology, Windows Sandbox is a preconfigured, temporary environment that starts more quickly and involves less setup than traditional virtual machines.

Update December 15, 2025: This guide has been refreshed to ensure clarity and incorporate the latest procedural adjustments.

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