14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just unveiled Windows Sandbox, a new feature that allows users to run applications on their desktops in isolation without any change made to the PC.
Mostly a lightweight virtual machine, Windows Sandbox is integrated into Windows 10, so no additional virtual machine software is required. The feature will be part of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise when the 19H1 update ships in the spring of 2019, and it is currently available for insiders.
Microsoft explains that Sandbox can be enabled in Windows 10 build 18305 which will be released this week, but it could also work on the existing preview builds.
Built-in virtual machine
Windows Sandbox creates a brand-new installation of Windows every time it launches and automatically removes all changes when closing it. It uses hardware-based virtualization for kernel isolation and boasts integrated kernel scheduler, smart memory management, and virtual GPU.
“At Microsoft we regularly encounter these situations, so we developed Windows Sandbox: an isolated, temporary, desktop environment where you can run untrusted software without the fear of lasting impact to your PC,” Microsoft explains in the official announcement.
“Any software installed in Windows Sandbox stays only in the sandbox and cannot affect your host. Once Windows Sandbox is closed, all the software with all its files and state are permanently deleted.”
In order to enable Windows Sandbox, you’ll need to be running either Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, have an AMD64 architecture, and enable virtualization capabilities in BIOS. Other system requirements include 4GB RAM, 1GB of free disk space, and 2 CPU cores, though 4 cores with hyperthreading are recommended.
As with every new feature, Microsoft calls for users to send their feedback to the development team. Windows 10 19H1 is projected to be finalized in the spring and released to users in April. The next preview build that would provide access to Windows Sandbox is expected this week.