Need to copy, move, or get files into Windows Sandbox? It is pretty straightforward. Here is how to transfer files to the Windows sandbox.
If there is one feature that I’m glad Microsoft added to Windows 10 and 11 is the Windows Sandbox. As the name implies, Windows Sandbox is a simple yet effective way to test Windows settings, configurations, and trusted or untrusted applications.
To get the most out of the sandbox, you should be able to transfer files to Windows Sandbox. For example, you might have to transfer an application’s exe file from the host machine to Windows Sandbox to test that application. Copying or transferring a file helps you install and execute the application in the sandbox.
However, to make Windows Sandbox as secure as possible, there are limited ways to transfer files to and from Windows Sandbox. The good thing is, if you want to move files to Windows Sandbox or get files into Windows Sandbox, it is pretty easy to do.
Let me show you how to transfer files to Windows Sandbox in simple and easy steps.
Table of contents:
Note: The steps below will work in Windows 10 and 11.
Note: I assume you have already enabled Windows Sandbox. If not, enable Windows Sandbox and then follow the below steps.
Copy and paste to transfer files to Windows Sandbox
One of the easiest ways to transfer files to Windows Sandbox is copying and pasting. i.e., copy the file or folder you want to transfer and paste it into the sandbox. It is that simple. Of course, you can copy and paste multiple files at a time.
Here are the exact steps if you need more guidance.
First, open the Windows Sandbox. You can search for it in the Start menu.
After opening the Windows Sandbox, copy the file or folder you want to transfer with the “Ctrl + C” keyboard shortcut.
Next, go to the Windows Sandbox desktop and paste it with the “Ctrl + V” keyboard shortcut. Depending on the file or folder size, it can take a couple of seconds to transfer. Once done, you will see it on the sandbox desktop.
Remember that the transferred file or folder is deleted from the sandbox environment when you close the Windows Sandbox. This is because Windows will revert all changes made to the sandbox environment when you close it. This includes deleting files or folders you created or transferred. If you want the transferred files to be always available, follow the second method.
Note: You would think drag and drop would work in Windows Sandbox. However, as of writing this, Windows Sandbox doesn’t support drag and drop.
Use a Windows Sandbox configuration file to transfer files
The disadvantage of the first method, though easy, is that the transferred files are not persistent. The transferred files are deleted as soon as you close or shut down the Windows Sandbox.
If you want the files to be always available, you have to map a shared folder with Windows Sandbox. Once done, transfer the target file or folder to the shared folder, and you can access it from the Windows Sandbox.
The good thing is, it is pretty easy to do.
You need to create a Windows Sandbox configuration file called “MappedFolders.wsb” using Notepad, paste a configuration script, type the shared folder path in the added script, save it, and launch Windows Sandbox using that script. All this will show the mapped folder on the Windows Sandbox desktop.
You can access all the files and folders as and when needed, provided that you’ve first transferred them to the shared folder.
I’ve already written a detailed guide on mapping a shared folder to Windows Sandbox. Follow the linked guide, and you are good to go. You should be able to transfer files to Windows Sandbox in Windows 10 and 11 via the mapped shared folder.
What is Windows Sandbox?
If you don’t know, Windows Sandbox is a virtual OS environment within Windows 10 and 11. Windows Sandbox acts as a full-fledged OS with some minor limitations. However, it is still pretty lightweight compared to complete virtual machines created using VMware or VirtualBox. The good thing is that anything you do in Windows Sandbox stays inside the sandbox. That means you can safely test software and Windows settings without worrying about how it affects your main computer.
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That is all. It is simple to copy, move, or transfer files to Windows Sandbox in Windows 10 and 11.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
