Fixing Windows Sandbox not launching

Common reasons and repair methods for Windows Sandbox cannot start include: 1. Confirm the system version is Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education (1903 or higher) or supported Windows 11 version, and has a virtualized CPU, at least 4GB of memory, 1GB of free space and enabled virtual machine platform functionality; 2. Turn on Sandbox by "Enable or Turn off Windows Features" and restart; 3. Check and make sure that the Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management Service and Windows Sandbox Service are running; 4. Temporarily disable antivirus software or turn off kernel isolation to eliminate conflicts; 5. Use the sfc /scannow and DISM commands to scan and repair system files; if the above method is invalid, it is recommended to update the system or consider reinstalling the system.

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment suitable for safely running untrusted applications. However, sometimes users will encounter the problem of "Sandbox cannot be started", which is manifested as no response, crash or error after clicking to start. This situation may be caused by a variety of reasons. Here are some common troubleshooting and repair methods.

Check whether the system requirements are met

Sandbox is not supported on all Windows versions. It is only available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education (version 1903 or higher), and some Windows 11 versions. If you are using the Home version, Sandbox cannot be enabled.

In addition, your computer needs to meet the following conditions:

• CPUs that support virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
• At least 4GB of memory
• The system disk space is at least 1GB available
• Virtual machine platform feature enabled

If the system does not meet these requirements, Sandbox will not function properly.

Enable Windows Sandbox

Even if your system version supports Sandbox, you need to enable this feature manually. You can use the following steps:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Enable or turn off Windows features
2. Check "Windows Sandbox"
3. Click "OK" and wait for the system to install components
4. Restart the computer to complete the configuration

If you have not enabled this function before, or the function is disabled after the system is updated, there may be problems that cannot be started.

Check whether Hyper-V related services are running normally

Sandbox relies on Hyper-V technology, so the related services must be in operation. You can check it as follows:

• Press Win R and enter services.msc to enter
• Find the following services:
  • Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management Services
  • Windows Sandbox Service
• Make sure they are "Running" and their startup type is "Auto"

If the service is not running, try to start manually. If the startup fails, it may be a system file corruption or other compatibility issues.

Disable conflicting security software or kernel isolation

Some third-party antivirus software or the "kernel isolation" feature that comes with Windows may prevent Sandbox from starting. You can try:

• Temporarily turn off antivirus software or firewall
• Turn off "Kernel Isolation":
  • Open Settings → Privacy and Security → Device Security
  • Turn off the "Kernel Isolation" option

Some users have reported that Sandbox can start normally after turning off these features. If confirming that these settings are causing problems, you can selectively adjust the policy, such as allowing Sandbox to run in an isolated environment.

Scan system files using DISM and SFC

System files corruption may also cause Sandbox to fail to start. You can try running the system file scanning tool to fix it:

1. Open a command prompt as administrator
2. Enter the following command and execute:

    sfc /scannow
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Restart the computer after completion

These commands can help fix errors in the system image and may resolve the exceptions of Sandbox.

Basically, these common investigation directions. If you have tried the above method but it still doesn't work, it may be that there are deeper problems in the current system. Considering updating system patches or reinstalling the system is also a solution.

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