Trying to get Windows Sandbox on Windows 11 Home? It’s a bit tricky since it’s not officially supported on the Home edition, but don’t worry! With a few tweaks and some command line magic, you can enable Windows Sandbox even on Windows 11 Home. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a safe place to test out apps in no time!
How to Get Windows Sandbox on Windows 11 Home
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enable Windows Sandbox on a Windows 11 Home edition. The process involves enabling some features and running a few commands to make it all work.
Step 1: Check Your System
Make sure your system meets the requirements for running Windows Sandbox.
Your PC needs to support virtualization, have at least 4GB of RAM, and 1GB of free disk space. You can check if virtualization is enabled in the BIOS settings.
Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS
Restart your computer and enter BIOS settings.
Look for a setting called "Intel VT-x" or "AMD-V" and enable it. Save the changes and exit BIOS.
Step 3: Enable Optional Windows Features
Open the Control Panel and go to "Programs and Features."
Click on "Turn Windows features on or off." Ensure the boxes for "Virtual Machine Platform" and "Windows Hypervisor Platform" are checked.
Step 4: Download and Install Sandbox Installer
You need a special installer script to enable Sandbox on Windows 11 Home.
Visit a trusted source to download the Sandbox Installer script. Once downloaded, run the script as an administrator. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 5: Activate Sandbox Feature
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type DISM /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:Containers-DisposableClientVM and press Enter. This command activates the Windows Sandbox feature.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After running the commands, restart your computer.
This will ensure all changes take effect, and Windows Sandbox will be ready to use.
After completing these steps, Windows Sandbox will be available on your Windows 11 Home edition. You can find it by searching for "Windows Sandbox" in the Start Menu.
Tips for Getting Windows Sandbox on Windows 11 Home
- Ensure your BIOS settings are correct before enabling the features.
- Keep your system updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Use a trusted source to download the Sandbox Installer script.
- Be patient; some steps might take a few minutes to complete.
- Check virtualization settings if Sandbox doesn’t run properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Sandbox available on Windows 11 Home?
No, it’s not officially supported, but it can be enabled with some workarounds.
What are the system requirements for Windows Sandbox?
You’ll need a 64-bit processor with at least 4GB of RAM and 1GB of free disk space. Virtualization support in BIOS is also required.
How do I know if virtualization is enabled?
You can check this in your BIOS settings or use Task Manager to see if virtualization is enabled.
Is it safe to run the Sandbox Installer script?
Using a trusted source is crucial. Download from reputable sites to ensure safety.
Can I disable Windows Sandbox if I don’t need it anymore?
Yes, you can disable it by going back to "Turn Windows features on or off" and unchecking the relevant boxes.
Summary
- Check Your System
- Enable Virtualization in BIOS
- Enable Optional Windows Features
- Download and Install Sandbox Installer
- Activate Sandbox Feature
- Restart Your Computer
Conclusion
Getting Windows Sandbox on Windows 11 Home is entirely doable with a bit of effort. While it’s not officially supported, the steps outlined above will help you enable this feature, giving you a safe environment to test apps and files without risking your main system. Always make sure to download necessary scripts from trusted sources and keep your system updated to avoid any issues.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who might benefit. And if you’re curious about other hidden features or tips for Windows 11, stay tuned for more articles. Happy sandboxing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.