How to Share Host Folders with Windows Sandbox in Windows 11
Sharing a host folder with Windows Sandbox in Windows 11 lets you easily move files between your main PC and the temporary test environment. Windows Sandbox creates a safe, isolated space on your computer for running apps or visiting websites you don’t fully trust.
This isolated space helps protect your main Windows system from viruses or malware. A recent update for Windows 11, specifically build 27686.1000, added the ability to share folders from your main computer directly into the Sandbox.
Be careful when you share folders, as any program inside the Sandbox could potentially access or harm files on your main PC. This feature works with Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Share a folder by opening Windows Sandbox, clicking the three-dot menu, selecting “Share folder,” and choosing your desired folder. For automatic sharing on startup, create and run a .wsb configuration file specifying the host folder path and read/write permissions.
Share a host folder with a sandbox environment
As mentioned, you can share a host folder with Windows Sandbox in Windows 11.
Here’s how to do it.
First, enable and open the Sandbox app.
Next, click on the 3 dots button at the top right of the Sandbox app’s title bar, and select Share folder.
Navigate to and select the host and folder you wish to share.
To complete the steps, click the Select Folder button on the File Explorer dialog box.
Repeat the process for all the folders you want to share with your sandbox.
Share a folder with Windows Sandbox using WSB file
If you want a folder to be mounted within your sandbox every time the Sandbox app opens, use a WSB configuration file.
First, create a text file with a WSB extension on the host computer. (ex. sandboxmap.wbs)
Then, add the lines below into the file and save it to map a folder as read-only.
<Configuration>
<MappedFolders>
<MappedFolder>
<HostFolder>C:UsersRichardDownloads</HostFolder>
<ReadOnly>true</ReadOnly>
</MappedFolder>
</MappedFolders>
</Configuration>
Change the highlighted folder location with your own.
Use the lines below to map a folder with read and write access.
<Configuration>
<MappedFolders>
<MappedFolder>
<HostFolder>C:UsersRichardDownloads</HostFolder>
<ReadOnly>false</ReadOnly>
</MappedFolder>
</MappedFolders>
</Configuration>
The next time you want to run Sandbox with mapped folders, use the WSB file created above on your desktop.
That completes the process!
Conclusion:
- Windows Sandbox in Windows 11 provides a secure, isolated environment for testing untrusted applications and browsing potentially harmful websites.
- Sharing a host folder with Windows Sandbox enables convenient access to files within the virtual environment.
- It’s essential to consider potential security risks when exposing host folders to a sandbox environment, as it could lead to system compromise or data theft.
- Additionally, utilizing a WSB configuration file allows for automatically mounting specific folders within the sandbox environment, providing users with a customized and efficient experience.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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