How to Fix ‘Windows Sandbox Failed to Start’ issue

Do you know how to Fix ‘Windows Sandbox Failed to Start’ issue? The Windows Sandbox is a lightweight virtual machine that gives users the ability to run applications separate and apart from the host operating system. It performs the function of a temporary environment, allowing for the testing of software that may be unknown or suspicious without endangering the primary operating system in any way. Because it is built into Windows, it integrates smoothly with the operating system and makes everything more accessible and convenient.

When attempting to launch Windows Sandbox, some users have reported getting an error message with the code 0x800700cb. The user is unable to access this helpful feature as a result of this error message, which indicates that the Windows Sandbox was unable to successfully initialize. This error could have been caused by a number of underlying issues, and it is essential to identify these issues before attempting how to Fix ‘Windows Sandbox Failed to Start’ issue.

What is Windows Sandbox?

Windows Sandbox is useful, particularly in situations in which you download an executable file or an application from questionable sources and then install it in Sandbox before proceeding with the download or installation. On the other hand, if you try to start Windows Sandbox on Windows 11, you might run into an issue that says “Windows Sandbox failed to initialize” or “Windows Sandbox failed to start.” Both of these errors are related to the same problem.

The Sandbox error may occur for a number of reasons, including the corruption of a file, the inability of a service to run, or even an update to a feature. To find a solution to the issue, just follow the steps that have been suggested. But before you start, check the BIOS or firmware menu of your computer to ensure that virtualization settings are enabled. This menu can be accessed while the computer is booting up.

What is the causes of the ‘Windows Sandbox Failed to Start’ issue?

1. Hardware Virtualization: Windows Sandbox relies on hardware virtualization technology, such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. If your CPU does not support virtualization or if it is disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings, Windows Sandbox may fail to start.
2. Hyper-V Conflicts: If you have Hyper-V enabled on your system, it can sometimes conflict with Windows Sandbox. Both cannot be used simultaneously because they use different virtualization technologies. You may need to disable Hyper-V to use Windows Sandbox.
3. Insufficient System Resources: Running Windows Sandbox requires a significant amount of system resources, including RAM and CPU. If your system does not meet the minimum requirements or if other resource-intensive applications are running, it may lead to Sandbox startup failures.
4. Windows Sandbox Feature Not Installed: Windows Sandbox is not included in all Windows editions. You need to ensure that your Windows edition supports Windows Sandbox and that the feature is enabled in the Windows Features settings.
5. Corrupted System Files: Corrupted or missing system files can also cause issues with Windows Sandbox. Running a system file check (sfc /scannow) or using the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair Windows files might resolve this.
6. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially graphics drivers, can lead to problems with Windows Sandbox. Make sure your drivers are up-to-date.

How to Fix ‘Windows Sandbox Failed to Start’ issue

Restart Hyper-V and Other Programs on the “Windows Features” Screen

1. To open the Run command dialog box, press the Win key and the R key simultaneously.
2. To launch the Windows Features program, press Enter after typing optionalfeatures in the search box.
3. You can expand the Hyper-V option by scrolling down the page. Next, deactivate the Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform options by deselecting their respective checkboxes.
4. To save these modifications, you will need to restart your device after you have selected OK, exited the Windows Features program, and then restarted Windows.
5. In the final step, make the same adjustments to the options for the Virtual Machine Platform as well as the Windows Hypervisor Platform.

Run the Windows Services Required By Sandbox

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Locate the Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service, right-click on it, and then select Properties.
4. Next, navigate to the General tab. From there, click the Startup type drop-down menu and select Automatic.
5. Press the Start button, press Apply, and then press OK to save these changes.

You will need to make some additional adjustments to the settings in the Services window in order to prevent the recurrence of the same problem in the future. Let’s take a look at the steps that you need to follow in order to complete this task:

1. Follow the steps in the previous section to open the Services window.
2. Select Properties from the context menu that appears after you right-click on the Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service icon.
3. Proceed to the next tab, which is called Recovery.
4. After that, select “Restart the Service” from the drop-down menu that appears after clicking the “First failure” button. This will assist in automatically restarting this service in the event that it experiences any problems.
5. To restart the service, you need to click the Second failure option and then select that option from the drop-down menu. In the end, press the Apply button, followed by the OK button.

Restore Windows to Its Previous State

1. Type In the Windows search bar, create a restore point, and then choose the option that provides the best match.
2. Proceed to the next tab, which is called System Protection.
3. Click the System Restore button, then press the Next button.
4. Choose to display additional restore points.
5. Click the Next button after choosing the restore point that you want to use. When you are finished, click Finish, and then wait for the process to be finished.

Use the Built-In Troubleshooting Tools

1. Access the PC Settings: Click the icon that looks like a start menu.
2. After that, navigate to the Update & Security menu.
3. After that, select the Troubleshoot option.
4. Choose the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter from the list of options on the right side of the window.
5. Press the Run the troubleshooter button once you are there.
6. To complete the process, follow the steps that appear on the screen.
7. When you are finished, you will need to restart your computer in order to save these changes.

If that is not the case, and you are having problems with system maintenance, the System Maintenance troubleshooter can assist you in the following ways:

1. To open the Run command dialog box, press the Win key and the R key simultaneously.
2. In the box that says “search,” type “msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic,” and then press the “Enter” button. This will start the System Maintenance troubleshooter.
3. On the screen that follows, select the Advanced option to continue. After reaching that point, select the box labeled “Apply repairs automatically.”
4. To finish the process, all that’s left to do is press the Next button and proceed through the steps that appear on the screen.

Disable and Re-Enable the Windows Sandbox Tool

1. To open the Run command dialog box, press the Win key and the R key simultaneously.
2. To launch the Windows Features program, press Enter after typing optionalfeatures in the search box.
3. After that, scroll to the bottom of the page and de-select the Windows Sandbox option. After that, click the OK button.
4. In the pop-up window, select the option to Restart now. Your device will restart, and the new settings will take effect immediately after.

Conclusion

The Windows Sandbox tool creates a momentary copy of the user’s desktop in a virtual environment. On the other hand, while you are attempting to use this tool, you may come across the error “Windows Sandbox failed to start.” This guide can be of assistance to you if you are searching for ways to resolve the error “Windows Sandbox could not be started.” Immediately following our discussion of the factors that contributed to the problem, we will move on to addressing all of the potential solutions. Let us get this party started! If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.

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