Fix: Windows Sandbox Failed to initialize error

The “Windows Sandbox Failed to Initialize” error is a message that users may encounter when attempting to launch the Windows Sandbox feature on their Windows operating system. Windows Sandbox allows users to run applications in an isolated and secure environment. When users see the “Windows Sandbox Failed to Initialize” error, it means that there is an issue preventing the proper startup of the Windows Sandbox environment. In this guide, we’ll fix the Windows Sandbox Failed to Initialize error on Windows 11/10, the causes behind this error, and straightforward solutions to get your Windows Sandbox back on track.

Fix the Windows Sandbox Failed to initialize error on Windows 11/10

Here are common reasons for the Windows Sandbox failed to initialize error:

1. Virtualization not enabled: Virtualization needs to be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. Hyper-V conflicts: Hyper-V may conflict with Windows Sandbox. Ensure only one is enabled at a time.
3. Windows Sandbox feature not installed: The Windows Sandbox feature must be installed through the Windows Features menu.
4. Windows Update: Ensure the Windows operating system is up to date with the latest updates.
5. Third-party software conflicts: Some third-party antivirus or security software may interfere with Windows Sandbox.
6. Hardware requirements: Check if the system meets the hardware requirements for Windows Sandbox.
7. Graphics driver issues: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause problems with Windows Sandbox.

Below are several effective solutions to fix the “Windows Sandbox Failed to initialize” error:

Solution 1: Run the Windows Services Required by Sandbox

1. Press the Windows key + R. Type “services.msc” and click OK.

2. Right-click on the “Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service” option and select “Properties”.

3. Make the startup type “Automatic” and then click on the “Start” button.

4. Click OK followed by Apply.

Solution 2: Use Built-in Troubleshooting Tools

1. Open the Command Prompt and run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Press Enter.

3. This will open the Device Diagnostic troubleshooter. (See the below image)

Click Next.

Follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the problem.

Solution 3: Restore Windows

1. Open the search bar and type “Create a Restore Point” and select “Best match“.

2. Under the System Protection tab, click on the “System Restore” option. Press Next.

3. Now, select “Show more restore points“.

4. Select the preferred restore point and then click Next.

5. Finally, click the “Finish” option.

Solution 4: Update Your Device

1. Open the Settings App and go to Windows Update.

2. Now, click on “Check for Updates“.

3. If there is any update available, then update your device.

Solution 5: Restart Hyper-V on Windows Features

1. Press the Windows key + R. Type “optionalfeatures” and press Enter.

2. Expand the Hyper-V option.

3. Uncheck the “Hyper-V Management Tools” and “Hyper-V Platform” options.

4. Click OK.

Solution 6: Repair Corrupted or Missing System Files

1. Open the command prompt and run as administrator.

2. Copy and paste the below command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Press Enter.

Wait for the command to execute.

3. Now, copy and paste the below command:

sfc /scannow

Press Enter.

4. Restart the PC after executing the above commands.

Solution 7: Disable/Re-Enable Windows Sandbox Tool

1. Press the Windows key + R. Type “optionalfeatures” and press Enter.

2. Uncheck the “Windows Sandbox” option. Click OK.

3. A dialog box will appear. Select the “Restart now” option.

4. When the device boots up, check the “Windows Sandbox” box.

5. Again, a dialog box will appear. Select the “Restart now” option.

That’s It!