Sandboxie Plus offers a robust solution for running applications in an isolated environment. This prevents unwanted system modifications, protecting your computer from malware and registry changes. It creates a secure virtual space.
This open-source fork of the original Sandboxie project provides a modern Qt-based user interface and numerous advanced features. Users can test untrusted software, browse the web securely, and maintain system integrity without risk. The software is actively developed by David Xanatos.
With its enhanced security measures and extensive customization options, Sandboxie Plus is an essential utility for power users and security-conscious individuals. It supports a wide range of Windows operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility.
Quick Start & Pro Tips
Configuring Forced Programs for Automatic Sandboxing
- Open Sandboxie Plus.
- Navigate to Sandbox Settings.
- Select Program Start from the left-hand menu.
- Choose Forced Programs.
- Click Add By Name or Add By File to specify applications that should always run sandboxed.
Why: This ensures critical applications, like web browsers or email clients, automatically launch within a secure sandbox. It provides continuous protection against potential threats without manual intervention.
Setting Up Forced Folders for Downloads
- In Sandboxie Plus, go to Sandbox Settings.
- Select Program Start.
- Click on Forced Folders.
- Use Add Folder to include directories like your Downloads folder.
Why: Any program executed from a designated forced folder will automatically run sandboxed. This is ideal for isolating newly downloaded software or files from the internet, preventing them from impacting your host system.
Enabling Immediate File Recovery
- Launch Sandboxie Plus.
- Access Sandbox Options for a specific sandbox.
- Select File Recovery from the left menu.
- Check the box for Enable immediate recovery.
Why: This setting automatically monitors sandboxed folders for new files. When new files are created, you’ll be prompted to recover them, copying them safely out of the sandbox to your normal system.
Configuring Network Firewall Rules
- In Sandboxie Plus, open Sandbox Settings.
- Navigate to Restrictions.
- Select Internet Access to define specific rules for network communication.
Why: The per-sandbox network firewall allows precise control over internet connectivity for sandboxed applications. This can block untrusted programs from accessing the network or restrict their communication to specific addresses.
Video Tutorial
Latest Updates in New Version
- Fixed several GUI glitches introduced in version 1.17.0.
- Added improved box renaming with full alias support.
For complete changelog, visit the official release notes.
System Specifications
Minimum
- OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Processor: 1 GHz or higher
- RAM: 2 GB
- Disk Space: 50 MB free disk space
Recommended
- RAM: 4 GB
Tech Specs
| Software Name | Sandboxie Plus |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.17.2 |
| License | Free (with supporter-exclusive features) |
| OS Support | Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (32-bit, 64-bit, ARM64) |
| Language | English (multi-language) |
| Developer | David Xanatos |
| Homepage | https://sandboxie-plus.com/ |
| Changelogurl | https://sandboxie-plus.com/go/changelog |
| Last Updated | February 2026 |
Main Features
- Snapshot Manager: Create and restore snapshots of any sandbox, allowing users to revert to a previous state. This feature is invaluable for testing software or recovering from unwanted changes.
- Portable Mode: Run Sandboxie Plus in a portable configuration, extracting all necessary files to a directory. This offers flexibility for use on multiple systems without full installation.
- Network Firewall per Sandbox: Implement a dedicated network firewall for each sandbox, leveraging the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). This enables granular control over internet access for sandboxed applications.
- Privacy Mode Sandboxes: Utilize specialized sandboxes designed to protect user data from unauthorized access. These privacy-enhanced environments ensure sensitive information remains secure.
- Security Enhanced Sandboxes: Employ sandboxes with restricted syscall and endpoint availability, significantly enhancing security. This limits the potential impact of malicious software.
- INI Section Editor: Access an integrated INI editor within the UI, providing visual hints and tooltips for advanced configuration options. This simplifies the management of complex settings.
- UWP Application Compatibility: Experience significantly improved compatibility for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications and App Compartment boxes. This ensures reliable startup and operation of modern Windows apps.
- Customizable UI with Dark Mode: Benefit from a modern Qt-based user interface that includes a dark mode option. This provides a visually comfortable and highly customizable experience.
Common Questions
What is Sandboxie Plus?
Sandboxie Plus is an open-source sandboxing software for Windows that isolates applications in a virtual environment. This prevents them from making permanent changes to your system, enhancing security and privacy.
Is Sandboxie Plus free to use?
Yes, Sandboxie Plus is free for private non-commercial use under the GPLv3 license. Some advanced features are exclusive to project supporters with a valid certificate.
How do I run a program in Sandboxie Plus?
You can right-click on an application and select Run Sandboxed, or drag it into the Sandboxie Plus interface. The program will then launch within an isolated environment.
Can Sandboxie Plus protect against malware?
Absolutely. By running untrusted applications or web browsers in a sandbox, any malicious software is contained within that isolated space. This prevents it from affecting your actual operating system.
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