GNOME Boxes as a Linux alternative to Windows Sandbox
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Boxes is a usable replacement for Windows Sandbox if you need isolation for untrusted software, but with trade-offs. It provides full OS-level isolation via QEMU virtualization, resets on exit if snapshots are used, and prevents persistent changes. However, it's heavier and slower to start than Windows Sandbox, which uses lightweight containers. It suits Linux users who prioritize simplicity over speed and don’t need rapid-fire sandboxing. For developers or cautious users running unknown binaries occasionally, it works—just not as instantly as Windows Sandbox.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 50.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Provides isolated environments to run untrusted programs
- Environment can be reset to a clean state after use
- Easy to launch and manage without deep technical knowledge
- Prevents permanent changes to the host system
- Offers network isolation depending on configuration
What is different
- GNOME Boxes uses full virtualization (QEMU), making it slower to start than Windows Sandbox's lightweight container approach
- No built-in automatic reset on exit—requires manual snapshot management
- Higher resource usage due to full VM overhead
- Lacks tight integration with the host for clipboard or file sharing by default
- Does not support Windows Sandbox's minimal footprint or instant launch times
Opening your Windows Sandbox files
GNOME Boxes does not support Windows Sandbox configuration files (.vbs or .wsb). There is no direct import or conversion feature. You cannot open or export Windows Sandbox-specific files. Users must manually recreate the environment using an appropriate OS image or ISO in GNOME Boxes. Compatibility between the two tools is purely functional, not file-based.
Switching from Windows Sandbox to GNOME Boxes, step by step
- Install GNOME Boxes via your distribution's package manager (e.g., 'sudo apt install gnome-boxes' on Debian/Ubuntu)
- Download a minimal OS image or live ISO for the guest system you want to test in
- Drag and drop the ISO into GNOME Boxes to create a new VM
- Boot the VM and install the OS, or use it live without installing
- Take a snapshot before running untrusted programs, then revert after use
- Configure network settings to limit or disable internet access if needed
Key features of GNOME Boxes
- Uses libvirt/QEMU backend
- Simple drag‑and‑drop VM creation
- Automatic guest OS detection
- Snapshot support (basic)
- Remote host access via SSH
- Integration with GNOME Shell
- Supports ISO, disk image, or network install
How to install GNOME Boxes on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-boxessudo apt install gnome-boxessudo dnf install gnome-boxessudo pacman -S gnome-boxessudo zypper install gnome-boxesFrequently asked questions
Can I run Windows Sandbox files directly in GNOME Boxes?
No. GNOME Boxes cannot open or use Windows Sandbox (.wsb) files. You must manually set up a similar environment using a compatible OS image or virtual machine.
Is GNOME Boxes as fast as Windows Sandbox?
No. GNOME Boxes uses full virtualization, so startup and shutdown are slower. Windows Sandbox uses lightweight containers integrated with the host, enabling near-instant launch.
Can I ensure no persistent changes are saved?
Yes, but you must manage it manually. Take a snapshot before use and revert to it afterward. GNOME Boxes does not auto-reset like Windows Sandbox unless scripted.