How to Enable or Disable Sharing Host Folders in Windows Sandbox

2024/08/31

Key Notes

Sharing host folders enhances file accessibility in Windows Sandbox.
Two methods exist: Local Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor.
Always back up your registry before making changes.

Unlocking the Power of Windows Sandbox: Share Host Folders Made Easy

Windows Sandbox presents an efficient way to test applications in an isolated environment. However, sharing folders between the host and the sandbox can streamline your workflows significantly. This guide illustrates how to enable or disable folder sharing in Windows Sandbox using two reliable methods.

How to Enable or Disable Host Folder Sharing in Windows Sandbox

Step 1: Configure with Local Group Policy Editor

If you’re using Windows Pro or Enterprise, here’s how to enable or disable Share Host Folders through the Local Group Policy Editor:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Sandbox.
In the right panel, double-click on Allow Mapping folders into Windows Sandbox Policy to edit it.
To enable the feature, select Enabled, then click Apply followed by OK.

Pro Tip: After making changes, restart Windows Sandbox for them to take effect.

Step 1.1: Disable Folder Sharing with Local Group Policy Editor

To disable this feature, follow these steps:

Open the Run dialog with Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Sandbox.
Double-click on Allow Mapping folders into Windows Sandbox Policy and select Disabled.
Click Apply and OK to finalize your changes.

Pro Tip: Make sure to restart Windows Sandbox to apply the changes made.

Step 2: Modify with the Registry Editor

For users on Windows 10/11 Home, you’ll need to use the Registry Editor:

First, back up your registry settings:

Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run dialog.
Select File > Export to save a backup.

Then, proceed to enable or disable folder sharing:

To enable folder sharing, create a new text file and insert the following:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Sandbox] "AllowMappedFolders"=- "AllowWriteToMappedFolders"=-

To disable folder sharing, use this script instead:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Sandbox] "AllowMappedFolders"=dword:00000000 "AllowWriteToMappedFolders"=dword:00000000

Save the file with a .reg extension, then run it as an administrator.

Pro Tip: It’s essential to run the script with administrative privileges for changes to take effect.

Additional Tips

Always verify that you have administrative rights before making changes.
After changing registry settings, verify changes by checking the current values.
Frequent updates to Windows may affect Sandbox settings; always review after updates.

Summary

This guide covered two effective methods for enabling or disabling host folder sharing in Windows Sandbox: using the Local Group Policy Editor and modifying the Windows Registry. Always ensure you back up configurations before making changes for a smoother experience.

Conclusion

Implementing host folder sharing in Windows Sandbox can significantly enhance your productivity and file management efficiency. Whether you choose to use the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, ensure that you follow the steps meticulously. Don’t forget to back up your settings for peace of mind!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Sandbox safe to use?

Yes, Sandbox environments are designed to be safe, providing isolation from the main system and preventing any potential damage from untrusted code.

What is Windows Sandbox mode?

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment that allows users to run untrusted software without risk, resetting itself after each session to ensure complete isolation.