Windows Sandbox is a powerful feature in Windows 11 that allows users to run a lightweight, isolated desktop environment for testing applications or browsing safely. One of its key capabilities is sharing host folders, which enables quick access to files stored on your main system directly within the sandbox. This can save time and streamline workflows, especially for developers and IT professionals who need to test applications with real data. However, there are scenarios where you might want to disable folder sharing for security reasons or to prevent accidental data transfer. This guide walks you through the process of enabling or disabling sharing host folders with Windows Sandbox in Windows 11, ensuring you have full control over your environment.
What You’ll Need
- Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition (Windows Sandbox is not available on Windows 11 Home)
- Administrator privileges on your Windows 11 device
- Basic familiarity with editing configuration files and using PowerShell or Command Prompt (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step
- Ensure Windows Sandbox is enabled on your Windows 11 system. To do this, go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off. Scroll down and check the box next to Windows Sandbox. Click OK and restart your computer if prompted.
- If you want to customize folder sharing settings, locate the Windows Sandbox configuration file, which is typically named
WindowsSandbox.xml. If it doesn’t exist, you’ll need to create one. - Create or edit the
WindowsSandbox.xmlfile. Open Notepad or any text editor as an administrator. To do this, right-click on Notepad and select Run as administrator. - To enable sharing of specific host folders, add the following XML snippet inside the configuration file:
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<Configuration> <MappedFolders> <MappedFolder> <HostFolder>C:"path o older
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How to Enable or Disable Sharing Host Folders with Windows Sandbox