SANDBOXIE: Your Virtual Safety Net for Windows

Sandboxie is a program for computers that creates a separate virtual space, like a sandbox. It lets people use programs and search the web in a way that keeps everything apart and under control. You can now experience the online world safely and without concern. Think of a safe area for computer programs where they can operate freely without causing any harm to your important personal computer. This is what Sandboxie does: it guards against harmful software, changes you do not want, and annoying internet browser cookies. This software allows you to download files and email attachments without hesitation. Sandboxie works with Windows operating systems, like Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.

If Sandboxie's open-source nature and free price tag don't perfectly suit your needs, consider Shadow Defender, a commercial alternative offering similar isolation features with some additional perks.

Introduction of SANDBOXIE

Sandboxie is a sandboxing software developed by Ronen Tzur and initially released in 2004. In 2013, it was acquired by Sophos, a cybersecurity company. David Xanatos has been developing it since it became an open-source program. It creates an isolated environment, known as a sandbox, in which applications can run separately from the rest of your system. This sandbox acts as a protective barrier, preventing any changes made by the applications from affecting your actual operating system. Sandboxie allows you to run potentially risky programs, such as web browsers or email attachments, install files, change settings, and create browser history – gets locked away in the sandbox, leaving your actual PC pristine and unharmed. This application is good for home use, internet café, and temporary computer-using places. And it's working on Windows operating like Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.

Features that Make Sandboxie Your Digital Guardian

Malware Meltdown

Download that potentially risky file with confidence. Sandboxie confines it to a virtual space, preventing it from infecting your system files, registry, or personal data. Think of it as a digital hazmat suit for programs!

Privacy Playground

Browse the web incognito without a trace. Sandboxie traps browser cookies and history within the isolated environment, keeping your online activities private and hidden from your real system. Surf freely, knowing your tracks are erased once you leave the sandbox.

Untrusted App Tamer

Try out software you've downloaded or apps that are new to you without any worry. With Sandboxie, use them in a safe space where they can't add toolbars you don't want, change your computer's settings, or leave behind anything after they're closed. Experiment freely, knowing you can simply delete the sandbox and start fresh.

System Snapshot Savior

If you have a system setup that is just right and you want to keep it that way, Sandboxie can make a "snapshot" of the condition of your system. Whatever occurs inside the sandbox, you can return to your untouched snapshot with just one click. Picture it like a digital time travel device for your computer.

Multiple Sandboxes, Maximum Mayhem

Need to test different programs or browse with separate identities? Sandboxie lets you create as many isolated environments as you want, each with its settings and applications. It's like having multiple, independent computers packed into one!

User-Friendly Fortress

Don't be intimidated by complex software. Sandboxie boasts a user-friendly interface that makes running programs in sandboxes a breeze. Drag and drop applications, launch them with dedicated buttons, and manage your sandboxes with ease. Safety without sacrificing simplicity!

License - The best things in life

Remember the best things in life are free. So is Sandboxie! This powerful tool is completely open-source and free to use, with no hidden fees, no subscription traps, just pure digital security at your fingertips. There are two flavors of Sandboxie, Plus and Classic. The two share identical basic elements, which implies their security and compatibility are at the same level. The distinction lies in the user interface; the Plus version offers a contemporary Qt-based UI that accommodates all recent additions since the project became open source. The Classic version comes with the outdated MFC user interface, which is not being improved anymore; because of this, it doesn't have new capabilities by default. Nevertheless, you can activate these abilities yourself if you change the Sandboxie.ini file. Typically, there's a choice between the most recent Stable Build for regular use and the latest Preview Build for those who wish to experiment with new features or fix compatibility issues.

Please note that to use Sandboxie Plus in a commercial or educational setting a Business Certificate is required!

Some exclusive functionality is only available to project supporters with a valid Supporter Certificate, see the table.

You can Contribute to the Sandboxie project.

• Monetary contributions
• Non-monetary contributions
• How to help with Sandboxie issues?

Conclusion

For those who care about their computer's health and keeping private things on the internet safe, Sandboxie is very important. If you like to download with care, want to keep your web activities private, or love to try new software without risk, Sandboxie offers the best protection. Download it today and experience the freedom of exploring the digital world without fear. Embrace the power of Sandboxie and experience a safe and secure computing environment like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Sandboxie safe to use?

Absolutely! Sandboxie's open-source nature and long history of development make it a trusted and reliable tool.

Will it slow down my computer?

Sandboxie has minimal impact on system performance, especially on modern computers. However, resource-intensive applications within the sandbox can affect performance somewhat.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to use Sandboxie?

Not at all! The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

What are the limitations of Sandboxie?

Sandboxie primarily focuses on program isolation and doesn't offer complete system-level virtualization. Additionally, it requires Windows to run and isn't compatible with other operating systems.

Is Sandboxie compatible with all operating systems?

Sandboxie is primarily designed for Windows operating systems. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. However, please note that Sophos, the developer of Sandboxie, has announced that they will be making it an open-source tool soon. This may open up opportunities for compatibility with other operating systems in the future.

Change Log

Version 1.12.5

Fixed

• fixed bug with Chromium-based browsers affecting "--type=crashpad-handler" instances #post-3177139

Version 1.12.4

Added

• added display of Date & Time in the Sbie Messages tab #3429

Changed

• without an active, non-expired, supporter certificate, automatic updates/downloads are no longer available for the stable channel
• the automatic updater will still work and notify about new stable releases, the user will be guided to visit the download page and download the latest installer manually
• the cleanup button in SandMan UI is now enabled even when not connected to the Sandboxie core components
• the box creation wizard now allows to create a black box based on any other box type

Fixed

• fixed running sandboxed processes located in an ImDisk volume #3472
• fixed sample 634d066fd4f9a8b201a3ddf346e880be unable to be terminated on Windows 7 x64 #3482
• fixed UseNewSymlinkResolver causing applications to create both the link and the target folder #3481
• fixed issue with sandbox renaming that broke the group hierarchy #3430
• fixed encrypted confidential sandbox with red box preset blocking access to its root directories #3475
• fixed SandMan crash issue introduced in 1.12.0 #3492

Version 1.12.3

Added

• added template providing useful exclusions for confidential boxes

Fixed

• FIXED SECURITY ISSUE ID-23 SeManageVolumePrivilege is now blocked, as it is allowed to read MFT data (thanks Diversenok)
• fixed program launch when forcing processes into a confidential box #3173

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