Windows Sandbox - A feature you should know
Daniel Nashed 23 January 2023 02:09:37
The sandbox can be a very useful tool for many different situations.
I am often using it for Domino server or client install tests.
But there are many other use cases including training environments etc.
It's a full throw away sandbox environment recreated every time you start it.
The only limitation is that you can't reboot the Windows for example after a software update.
But even installing the Windows re-distributable run-time package does not require a boot.
Most applications like Notes/Domino install it on their own.
I needed it to test my own applications. But there is an easy way to download and silent install it:
curl -LO https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe
vc_redist.x64.exe /quiet
Also installing software client the AWS CLI can be automated:
msiexec.exe /i https://awscli.amazonaws.com/AWSCLIV2.msi /qn
Once you are done just close the Window, the sandbox is reset and you can start from scratch.
I am using the Sandbox all the time, but I got a surprised thank you from others mentioning it.
In case you don't know it, this is definitively a Windows feature to look at.
Update 24.01/2023:
As Lars pointed out a new version of Windows 11 has support for restarts from inside the sandbox.
I read about it in a Windows blog comment without details. Thanks Lars!
Here is the link Lars shared in a comment:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-sandbox/windows-sandbox-overview
The functionality is available starting with Windows 11 Build 22509.
My other notebook is on Win11 22H2 (a later build).
Just tested it by adding some files and restarted from inside the sandbox. Works like a charm.
-- Daniel
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