Top 5 Ways to Use the Windows 10 Sandbox

Windows Sandbox is a phenomenal addition to Windows 10 that I like to use again and again. It is easy enough to install and charge fast enough. Better yet, it is also secure: everything I do in the Windows Sandbox stays inside. But there is one obvious drawback: everything I do inside is also temporary.

Leaving the mode, Windows Sandbox does not save my settings, the programs I install, or the downloaded files. This means that I have to start over every time. Not the ideal virtual machine to simply recover and resume.

But this seemingly negative aspect is behind the magic of Windows Sandbox. If you're wondering what's the best use of Windows Sandbox, let's take a look at five cases where I get the most out of it.

1. Find malware

I remember many times when I enthusiastically embarked on a program, only to discover that he was infected with malware or adware. Fortunately, the Windows Sandbox mode eliminates the control of the antivirus application every time you want to use a program.

All I do now is copy and paste the program installer into Windows Sandbox, after which I can easily install it to check if it works as advertised. If everything seems in order, I can confidently install the program on the host operating system without worrying.

And in case a file is infected, I can safely exit Windows Sandbox, and thus destroy everything. The Windows sandbox is completely isolated from the rest of the operating system. Therefore, nothing happens without my permission.

2. Try the software

My job requires me to test new software all the time. But that does not mean that I want to continue to keep them forever. That is why, installing and removing many programs over time can seriously mess up the performance of Windows 10.

Fortunately, this is where Windows Sandbox is very useful. I just installed the program, do what I have to do, and then quit Windows Sandbox. It's so easy. No more cluttering my computer with remaining files and redundant registry entries.

3. Surf the Internet

My web browsing often takes me to the confines of the internet, which is extremely dangerous. That's why I rely on Windows Sandbox whenever I want to visit summary Web sites. In this way, I can stop worrying about cryptomers, hackers and other forms of unwanted scripts that constantly infiltrate the sanctity of my browser.

However, I make a point of not connecting to the web browser. Although Google Chrome includes features such as site isolation to isolate tabs, it is possible that a potential security breach might be exploited. And leaving your personal data at hand would not be good just in case it happened.

The re-download of Chrome (my favorite browser on Windows) is not always feasible every time I want to use Windows Sandbox. So, for the most part, I end up using the built-in Edge Browser, which is not that bad.

4. Download files

In addition to browsing the Internet, Windows Sandbox also isolates dangerous file downloads. Whenever I see a terrible download link, I launch Windows Sandbox and download it here.

This is especially true for downloads where Chrome often throws active warnings. I head for Windows Sandbox, download the file and open it to check that there is nothing suspicious.

I can also move the downloaded file to the host operating system later, so it's not like I'm losing bandwidth. I also scan it with my antivirus program for good measure.

Even if I do not do it, you can also download suspicious attachments via Windows Sandbox to make sure there is nothing unpleasant on the inside.

5. Play with Windows settings

Windows 10 has many settings that I find always disconcerting even after years of use. So rather than tinkering with them directly and breaking some essential features, I end up doing it on Windows Sandbox.

This also applies to critical areas such as the Registry Editor. Whenever I have to mingle registry keys for my troubleshooting posts, I start by trying this in the Windows sandbox. In this way, I will not have to worry about breaking anything. If I do it, all it takes is a simple reload of the Windows sandbox to start over.

Free yourself

Windows Sandbox is the ideal digital playground. Testing new programs, launching and checking downloads and manipulating the different Windows settings are things you should definitely do with this fantastic implementation.

However, I would throw caution in the wind. Everything has a flaw. So I do not want to actively test files known to contain malware. It always deserves to take active precautions.

Then: Sometimes, Windows Sandbox may stop connecting to the Internet. Learn what to do if it happens.