How to Fix Windows Sandbox No Internet Connection Error on Windows 11

Windows Sandbox is a fantastic tool, offering a safe and isolated environment to test software, browse the web, and experiment without risking your primary operating system. But what happens when your secure sandbox feels more like a digital isolation chamber, with the dreaded “No Internet Access” error? This frustrating issue can halt your testing and leave you wondering how to regain connectivity. Fear not! This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to diagnose and resolve the Windows Sandbox no internet connection problem in Windows 11, ensuring you can once again enjoy the benefits of a fully functional and connected sandbox.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Windows Sandbox Internet Issues

Here’s a structured approach to troubleshoot the “No Internet Access” error in Windows Sandbox:

1. Reinstall Windows Sandbox and Enable Necessary Features

Sometimes, a fresh installation is all it takes to fix connectivity problems. This method ensures all the necessary virtualization features are correctly enabled and configured.

1- Open the Start Menu and type “Turn Windows features on or off.” Select the matching result to launch the Windows Features dialog.

2- In the list, uncheck “Windows Sandbox.” Click OK to remove the feature.

3- When prompted, restart your computer to complete the removal process.

4- After restarting, repeat Step 1 to return to the Windows Features dialog. This time, check “Windows Sandbox” to reinstall it. Also, ensure the following features are checked:

• Containers
• Hyper-V
• Virtual Machine Platform
• Windows Hypervisor Platform

5- Click OK and restart your computer again when prompted. After the reboot, launch Windows Sandbox and test for internet connectivity.

2. Disconnect VPN and Proxy Connections

VPNs and proxy settings often interfere with the network configuration of virtual environments like Windows Sandbox.

1- Press Windows + I to open Settings. Navigate to Network & internet and select VPN.

2- If any VPNs are listed as connected, click each one and select Disconnect. If using third-party VPN software, exit or close the application completely.

3- In the same Network & internet section, select Proxy and ensure that Use a proxy server is turned off unless specifically required for your network.

4- Relaunch Windows Sandbox and verify if the internet connection has been restored.

3. Adjust Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewalls and security software can inadvertently block network traffic to and from Windows Sandbox.

1- Open your firewall or antivirus application. Look for options to temporarily disable the firewall or add exceptions.

2- If using Windows Defender Firewall, open the Windows Security app, go to Firewall & network protection, and select Allow an app through firewall. Ensure that Windows Sandbox is listed and allowed for both private and public networks.

3- For third-party security software, add WindowsSandbox.exe to the allowed or trusted applications list. If unsure of its location, use Windows search or File Explorer to locate the executable.

4- After making changes, restart your PC and open Windows Sandbox to test connectivity.

4. Bridge Network Connections (Advanced)

Bridging network connections can sometimes resolve connectivity issues by directly linking the virtual network adapter used by Sandbox to your host’s connection.

1- Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open the Network Connections window.

2- Hold Ctrl and click to select both your primary internet connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and vEthernet (Default Switch) or vEthernet (Hyper-V).

3- Right-click one of the selected adapters and choose Bridge Connections. Wait for Windows to create the network bridge.

4- Launch Windows Sandbox and check if the internet connection is now available.

5. Flush DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can prevent Windows Sandbox from resolving domain names, leading to internet access problems.

1- Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

2- Enter the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

3- Wait for the confirmation message indicating the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed. Restart your computer to apply the changes, then launch Windows Sandbox and test connectivity.

6. Disable Unnecessary Network Adapters

Having too many active network adapters, particularly virtual ones, can sometimes confuse Windows Sandbox.

1- Open Settings with Windows + I, then navigate to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

2- Under Network adapters, click Disable next to any adapters you don’t use (like virtual adapters from old VPNs or virtual machines).

3- After disabling unnecessary adapters, restart your computer and test Windows Sandbox internet access.

7. Run Windows Troubleshooters

Windows has built-in troubleshooters designed to diagnose and fix common network problems.

1- Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

2- Find Network and Internet and click Run. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows identify and resolve issues.

3- Reboot your computer after troubleshooting and check Windows Sandbox connectivity.

8. Verify and Reset Virtual Network Adapter

The virtual Ethernet adapter managed by Hyper-V is crucial for Sandbox internet access.

1- Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.

2- Expand the Network adapters section. Locate Microsoft Hyper-V Network Adapter or Microsoft Windows Virtual Ethernet Adapter.

3- Right-click the adapter and choose Disable device. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device.

4- Restart your computer and open Windows Sandbox to see if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion:

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to restore internet connectivity to your Windows Sandbox environment. Remember to test your connection after each step to quickly identify the solution that works best for your system. With a fully functional Windows Sandbox, you can confidently explore, test, and experiment without the limitations of a disconnected virtual machine. Happy sandboxing!