Did you know that Windows 11 (and Windows 10) has a special feature that lets you run a clean copy of Windows 11 inside your main installation? This feature is called Windows Sandbox, and it’s a great option for testing software or playing around with the operating system without risking breaking your primary system. With the latest preview build of Windows 11, Windows Sandbox is getting a host of new features.
With Windows 11 Build 27686, released in the Canary Channel this week, Windows Sandbox received several usability improvements designed to make it easier and more convenient to use. For example, you can now have a shared folder that is accessible from the host system and the sandbox. This is handy if you want to move a large file or a set of executables into your sandbox.
Additionally, Windows Sandbox now supports clipboard redirection, meaning you can copy in and out of the sandbox. Finally, the feature now supports audio and video input, as well as command-line support. However, as Microsoft says, this is “a very early version,” so expect more changes in future updates.
In addition to implementing new features, Microsoft has decoupled Windows Sandbox from Windows Updates. Windows Sandbox can now be updated through the Microsoft Store, which should make it possible to receive updates faster.
If you want to try Windows Sandbox, you do not need to install the latest preview version. To enable it in your existing installation, press Win + Rtype optional features and activate “Windows Sandbox” in the Windows Features window. However, the latest feature updates are only available in Build 27686, which also brought some changes to FAT32 drives, automatic HDR switching, virtual disks, and other parts of the operating system. For full release notes on Windows 11 Build 27686, see our dedicated article.
