How to Share Host Folders with Windows Sandbox in Windows 11
Sharing host folders with Windows Sandbox in Windows 11 lets you move files between your main PC and a safe, temporary testing space in just a few clicks. Windows Sandbox is a built-in feature that creates an isolated desktop environment on your computer so you can run untrusted apps and test files without putting your main system at risk.
Microsoft added host folder sharing in Windows 11 build 27686.1000 to make file transfers much faster. This feature runs on 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 is how to set it up.
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 mount automatically every time the app opens, set up a WSB (Windows Sandbox) configuration file instead.
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.
The sandbox will now map the folder on launch.
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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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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