SandboxStart

A Windows Sandbox (WSB) testing tool for easily testing applications, scripts, and installers in an isolated environment.

Test software safely before installing on your main system with automatic WinGet installation, customizable test scenarios, and an easy-to-use interface.

Key Features

• Auto-Installation - Prompts to enable Windows Sandbox if not available
• Easy-to-Use Interface - Configure sandbox parameters with high-DPI responsive UI
• Smart Script Mapping - Automatically selects appropriate scripts based on file patterns
• Package Lists - Install predefined sets of applications via WinGet
• Dark Mode Support - UI and WSB adapts to Windows theme automatically
• Network-Only Mode - Enable internet access without WinGet installation (~20-30s faster)
• WSB Desktop Shortcuts - Useful downloadable tools (CMTrace, Sysinternals, NirSoft, etc.) pre-configured
• Right-click context menu:
  • Explorer Integration - Right-click files/folders to test in sandbox
  • Theme Settings - Custom Theme editor
  • Persistent Settings - Save/reset (autorestores when started) your preferences

Requirements

• Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education
• Windows Sandbox feature (auto-prompt to install if missing)

Quick Start

1. Download the latest release: SandboxStart-v#.#.#.#.zip
2. Unblock and extract the ZIP file
3. Right-click SandboxStart.ps1 and select "Run with PowerShell"

See Getting Started for detailed installation instructions.

Documentation

For detailed information, please visit the Wiki:

• Getting Started - Installation and first steps
• User Guide - Features and examples
• Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
• FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Common Use Cases

For Home Users

• Test downloaded software before installing on main system
• Try out new applications in a safe environment
• Test software from untrusted sources safely

For Developers

• Test installers without polluting your system
• Test different WinGet package versions
• Debug installation issues in clean environment

For IT Professionals

• Test deployment scripts in clean environment
• Validate MSI/EXE installers before rollout
• Find out what prerequisites are needed by an installer

For Package Maintainers

• Test WinGet manifests
• Validate package updates
• Create custom package lists for testing dependency chains

For Security Professionals

• Analyze suspicious executables in isolated environment
• Test malware behavior relatively safe (sandbox isolation)
• Conduct safe security research and testing

Nota bene: Microsoft's SandboxTest requires a R/W mapping to %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbwe\SandboxTest\ for writing the script based execution inside WSB.
For secured testing, use windows-sandbox-init or FLARE-VM

Quick Examples

Test an Installer

1. Browse to folder containing Setup.exe
2. Click OK
3. Sandbox launches and runs the installer

Test a WinGet Manifest

1. Browse to folder containing *.installer.yaml
2. Click OK
3. Sandbox validates/installs the package from manifest

Install Packages

1. Select a package list (e.g., "Python")
2. Click OK
3. Sandbox installs all packages in the list

See the User Guide for more examples

Need Help?

• See the User Guide for features and configuration
• Check Troubleshooting for common issues
• Read the FAQ for quick answers

Release Structure

SandboxStart/
├── SandboxStart.ps1               # Main launcher
├── startmenu-icon.ico             # Icon for shortcut
├── Test-WindowsSandbox.ps1        # WSB detection/installation
├── Update-StartMenuShortcut.ps1   # Manages shortcut creation/updating
├── shared/                        # Submodule (SandboxTest-Shared)
│   ├── SandboxTest.ps1            # Core sandbox function
│   ├── Shared-Helpers.ps1         # Core helpers
│   └── Show-SandboxTestDialog.ps1 # GUI dialog
└── wsb/                           # Created at first run
    ├── script-mappings.txt        # Pattern→Script mappings
    ├── config.ini                 # Package lists/extensions configuration
    ├── AutoInstall.txt            # Special auto-install list
    ├── Std-*.ps1                  # Default scripts (auto-downloaded)
    ├── Std-*.txt                  # Default package lists (auto-downloaded)
    └── [custom files]             # Your own scripts and lists

Contributing

Contributions are (maybe) welcome! See CLAUDE.md for developer information.

Additional Resources

• Windows Sandbox Overview
• WinGet Documentation
• WAU-Settings-GUI (parent project)
• SandboxTest-Shared (submodule repository)

Credits

• Based on Microsoft's SandboxTest
• Provides downloadable tools in WSB: CMTrace, IntuneWinAppUtilDecoder, CTT Windows Utility, AdvancedRun, UninstallView

Show Your Support

If you find this tool useful, please consider giving it a star on GitHub!

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Made for the Windows development community