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How to Fix Windows 11 Sandbox No Internet Connection: Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 Sandbox is a great tool for safely testing applications or browsing without risking your main system. However, sometimes users find that the Sandbox environment does not have an internet connection. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on internet access inside the Sandbox for updates or downloads.

Fortunately, fixing the no internet connection issue in Windows 11 Sandbox is often straightforward. This guide will walk you through simple steps to restore internet access inside the Sandbox.

Each step is explained in detail so even beginners can follow along. By the end, you should be able to use Sandbox with full internet connectivity again.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure your main Windows 11 system has an active internet connection. The Sandbox relies on your host’s network to provide internet access.
  • Check that Windows Sandbox is properly enabled. It requires virtualization support and must be enabled in Windows Features.
  • Verify your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes network issues in Sandbox are fixed through system updates.
  • Make sure your antivirus or firewall isn’t blocking Sandbox network access. Some security software may restrict Sandbox’s connectivity.

Step 1: Restart Windows Sandbox and Your PC

Sometimes, network glitches are temporary and can be resolved by simply restarting. First, close your Windows Sandbox session completely.

Next, restart your main Windows 11 computer. This helps reset network adapters and services that the Sandbox depends on.

After rebooting, open Windows Sandbox again and check if the internet connection works inside.

Step 2: Check Windows Sandbox Network Adapter Settings

Windows Sandbox uses a virtual network adapter on your host system to share internet access. If this adapter is disabled or misconfigured, the Sandbox won’t connect.

  1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
  2. Look for an adapter named vEthernet (WSL) or similar related to Sandbox or Hyper-V.
  3. Make sure this adapter is enabled. If it’s disabled, right-click and select Enable.

If the adapter is enabled but still no internet, try disabling and enabling it again to reset the connection.

Step 3: Reset Network Settings on Your Host Machine

Network issues on the host can affect Sandbox connectivity. Resetting network settings can fix corrupted configurations.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Network & Internet > Status.
  3. Scroll down and click Network reset.
  4. Click Reset now and confirm. Your PC will restart automatically.

After reboot, try launching Sandbox again and check internet access.

Step 4: Verify Hyper-V and Virtual Switch Configuration

Windows Sandbox relies on Hyper-V virtualization technology and a virtual switch to connect to the internet.

If Hyper-V or the virtual switch is not functioning correctly, internet won’t work inside Sandbox.

  1. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator. Search for PowerShell, right-click, and select Run as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command to check if Hyper-V is enabled: 
    Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All
  3. If it shows as disabled, enable it with: 
    Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All -All
  4. Restart your computer after enabling Hyper-V.
  5. Next, check the virtual switch by opening Hyper-V Manager (search for it in Start menu).
  6. Click on Virtual Switch Manager in the right panel.
  7. Ensure there is an External virtual switch configured. If not, create one that connects to your physical network adapter.

This virtual switch allows Sandbox to access your network and the internet.

Step 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software can block Sandbox from connecting to the internet as a security measure.

To test if this is the issue:

  1. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, then select your active network and turn off the firewall.
  2. If you use third-party antivirus or firewall software, disable it temporarily as well.
  3. Run Windows Sandbox and check if internet works.

If connectivity is restored, adjust your firewall or antivirus settings to allow Sandbox network access before re-enabling protection.

Step 6: Create a New Sandbox Configuration File

Windows Sandbox can be customized using configuration files. Sometimes a default configuration may cause network issues.

Try creating a new simple configuration file to explicitly enable networking:

<Configuration>
  <Networking>Enable</Networking>
</Configuration>

Save this as SandboxConfig.wsb on your desktop.

Double-click the file to launch Sandbox with this configuration. This forces networking to be enabled and can resolve some connection problems.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix network problems.

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Internet Connections and click Run.
  3. Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix issues.

Although it applies to your host system, fixing host network problems often restores Sandbox internet connectivity as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows Sandbox have no internet while my main PC is connected?

Sandbox uses a virtualized network adapter linked to your host’s network. If this virtual adapter is disabled, misconfigured, or blocked by security software, Sandbox loses internet access even if your main PC is online.

Can I use Wi-Fi internet inside Sandbox?

Yes. Sandbox accesses the internet through your host system’s active connection, whether it is Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Do I need to enable Hyper-V manually for Sandbox internet to work?

Yes. Windows Sandbox requires Hyper-V virtualization features enabled. Without Hyper-V, Sandbox cannot function properly, including network connectivity.

Will disabling firewall put my PC at risk?

Temporarily disabling firewall or antivirus is only for troubleshooting. Always re-enable protection after testing and configure exceptions for Sandbox to keep your PC safe.

Can I share files between Sandbox and my main PC?

By default, Sandbox is isolated for security. File sharing requires explicit configuration and is not related to internet connectivity.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Windows Sandbox still has no internet connection, consider the following:

  • Run Windows Update to ensure your system has the latest fixes.
  • Check Microsoft’s official Windows Sandbox documentation and support forums for known issues.
  • Reset your network adapters using command prompt commands: 
    netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
  • Consider reinstalling Windows Sandbox by disabling and re-enabling it in Windows Features.
  • Contact Microsoft Support if the problem persists.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Sandbox no internet connection issues are usually caused by disabled virtual adapters, Hyper-V settings, or firewall blocks. By following the steps from restarting Sandbox, checking network adapters, resetting network settings, and verifying Hyper-V configuration, most users can restore connectivity quickly.

Remember to check security software settings and use configuration files if needed. When all else fails, use network reset commands or seek official support.

With these solutions, you can confidently use Windows Sandbox for safe and connected testing environments.

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