Windows Sandbox Gets Supercharged: Clipboard and File Sharing Arrive
Microsoft continues to refine its Windows 11 experience with the introduction of significant updates to the Windows Sandbox application in the latest Windows 11 Canary Build 27686. Designed as a secure environment for testing potentially harmful software, Windows Sandbox allows users to execute and experiment with files and applications in a virtualized space that resets after each use, ensuring that no changes affect the main operating system.
In Build 27686, Microsoft has rolled out a series of enhancements that make Windows Sandbox even more powerful and versatile. Among the most noteworthy additions is the ability to share the clipboard and file system between the sandbox and the host machine. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to move data in and out of the sandbox environment while maintaining a high level of security.
Another key update is the introduction of a new Windows Sandbox Client Preview, which will now receive updates directly from the Microsoft Store. This client preview includes cutting-edge features such as runtime clipboard redirection, allowing seamless copy-paste operations between the sandbox and the host, as well as audio and video input control for better multimedia handling. Users can also share folders with the host system in real-time, a feature accessible through the new “…” icon located in the upper right corner of the application.
For more advanced users, Microsoft has also introduced an early version of command line support within Windows Sandbox. This new capability, though still in its infancy, offers command line enthusiasts the opportunity to interact with the sandbox via text-based commands. Users can explore this feature using the ‘wsb.exe –help’ command to learn more about the available commands and how they might evolve in future updates.
These improvements mark a significant step forward in making Windows Sandbox a more integral tool for IT professionals, developers, and cybersecurity experts who rely on a safe testing environment. As Microsoft continues to gather feedback from Insider Preview users, these features will likely undergo further refinement before being officially rolled out in a future update to Windows 11.
