Why Notepad is Not Included in Windows Sandbox

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 112 views

Introduction

Windows Sandbox is a feature in Windows 11 that allows you to run applications in a virtual environment, providing a secure and isolated space for testing and experimentation. However, when you create a new sandbox in Windows 11 24H2, you may notice that Notepad is not included by default. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Notepad on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox.

Why Notepad is Not Included in Windows Sandbox

Notepad is a basic text editor that comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems. However, Windows Sandbox is a virtual environment that runs a separate instance of Windows, and it does not include all the applications that are installed on the host operating system. This is done to ensure that the sandbox is isolated and secure, and to prevent any potential security risks.

Installing Notepad on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox

To install Notepad on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox, you will need to use the Windows Package Manager, also known as winget. Winget is a command-line tool that allows you to install and manage packages on Windows. Here are the steps to install Notepad using winget:

Step 1: Open the Windows Terminal

First, you need to open the Windows Terminal. You can do this by searching for "Windows Terminal" in the Start menu, or by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "wt".

Step 2: Install the winget Package Manager

If you have not already installed winget, you will need to do so before you can use it to install Notepad. To install winget, run the following command in the Windows Terminal:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

Step 3: Install Notepad

Once winget is installed, you can use it to install Notepad. Run the following command in the Windows Terminal:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

This will download and install Notepad on your Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox.

Alternative Method: Using the PowerShell

If you prefer to use the PowerShell instead of the Windows Terminal, you can use the following commands to install Notepad:

Step 1: Open the PowerShell

First, you need to open the PowerShell. You can do this by searching for "PowerShell" in the Start menu, or by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "powershell".

Step 2: Install the winget Package Manager

If you have not already installed winget, you will need to do so before you can use it to install Notepad. To install winget, run the following command in the PowerShell:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

Step 3: Install Notepad

Once winget is installed, you can use it to install Notepad. Run the following command in the PowerShell:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

This will download and install Notepad on your Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while installing Notepad, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Make sure that you have the latest version of winget installed.
Check that you have the necessary permissions to install Notepad.
Try reinstalling winget and Notepad.
If you are still experiencing issues, you can try searching for solutions online or reaching out to the Windows community for assistance.

Conclusion

Q: Why is Notepad not included in Windows Sandbox by default?

A: Notepad is not included in Windows Sandbox by default because it is a virtual environment that runs a separate instance of Windows. This is done to ensure that the sandbox is isolated and secure, and to prevent any potential security risks.

Q: How do I install Notepad on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox?

A: To install Notepad on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox, you can use the Windows Package Manager, winget. You can run the following command in the Windows Terminal or PowerShell:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

Q: What is winget and how do I use it?

A: Winget is a command-line tool that allows you to install and manage packages on Windows. You can use it to install Notepad and other applications on your Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox. To use winget, you need to open the Windows Terminal or PowerShell and run the following command:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

Q: Can I install Notepad using the PowerShell?

A: Yes, you can install Notepad using the PowerShell. The steps are the same as using the Windows Terminal. You can run the following command in the PowerShell:

winget install --id Microsoft.Notepad

Q: What if I encounter issues while installing Notepad?

A: If you encounter issues while installing Notepad, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Make sure that you have the latest version of winget installed.
Check that you have the necessary permissions to install Notepad.
Try reinstalling winget and Notepad.
If you are still experiencing issues, you can try searching for solutions online or reaching out to the Windows community for assistance.

Q: Can I install other applications on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox using winget?

A: Yes, you can install other applications on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox using winget. You can search for the application you want to install and run the following command:

winget install --id <application-id>

Replace <application-id> with the actual ID of the application you want to install.

Q: How do I manage packages on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox using winget?

A: You can manage packages on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox using winget by running the following commands:

To list all installed packages: winget list
To uninstall a package: winget uninstall --id <package-id>
To update a package: winget update --id <package-id>

Replace <package-id> with the actual ID of the package you want to manage.

Q: Can I use winget to install applications on my host operating system?

A: Yes, you can use winget to install applications on your host operating system. Winget is a universal package manager that can be used on both Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox and your host operating system.

Conclusion

Installing Notepad on Windows 11 24H2 Sandbox is a straightforward process that can be completed using the Windows Package Manager, winget. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully install Notepad on your sandbox environment. If you encounter any issues, you can try the troubleshooting steps provided.