Windows Sandbox is a new feature in Windows 10 to help users run untrusted applications in a virtual environment. The feature makes it possible to safely run unknown (any application for that matter) in isolation.
A program running in Windows Sandbox cannot affect the host or Windows operating system and data in any way. When you close the Sandbox, Windows 10 automatically deletes the application and its data from your PC.
Windows Sandbox is like running another copy of Windows 10 on a virtual machine on your Windows 10 computer. But the only difference is that the feature built-in to Windows 10 and changes are not saved when you exit the Sandbox.
However, the feature is currently available in Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 10 only. This means that PC users running Windows 10 Home edition will have to use third-party sandbox software like Sandboxie to get the sandbox environment.
With default settings, Windows Sandbox feature is turned off. If you wish to enable the feature or would like to disable the same after using it for a while, you can do so under Windows Features.
Turn on or off Windows Sandbox feature in Windows 10
Complete the given below directions to enable or disable Windows Sandbox feature in Windows 10.
NOTE: As said before, Windows Sandbox feature is present in version 1903 and later versions of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions only. It requires at least 4 GB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space, and virtualization capabilities enabled in BIOS. To check if your system supports virtualization, refer to our check if your computer supports virtualization guide.
Step 1: Type Appwiz.cpl in the Start/taskbar search field and then hit the Enter key to open Programs and Features window.
Step 2: In the left-pane of Programs and Features window, click Turn Windows features on or off link. This will open Windows Features dialog with a list of features that can be enabled or disabled in Windows 10.
Step 3: Here, look for Windows Sandbox entry. To enable the Sandbox feature, select Windows Sandbox option and then click the OK button. If asked, reboot your PC once.
To disable the Sandbox, uncheck the box next to it and then click on the OK button.
Todd in LA says
The Windows Sandbox feature is not yet a released feature of Windows 10. It is only available in the “Insider Preview” version (build 18305), which is planned for release in first half of 2019. If you are not signed up for Windows Insider Previews you will not find this feature in the “Windows Features” choices.