Windows Sandbox failed to initialize. Access is denied. (0x80070005 (E_ACCESSDENIED))

Question

am getting this error message after updates it just started 2 days ago am trying to fix this issue Windows Sandbox failed to initialize.
Access is denied. (0x80070005 (E_ACCESSDENIED)) i have done everything and i dont feel like having to reformat my pc fully just for the damn thing to work again plz help cuz i have too much on my pc that is what i keep getting and i have done all this Restarting the computer

• Running Windows Update to ensure all patches are installed
• Checking Windows features to ensure Sandbox is enabled (tried also to reenable) and stilled getting that error i hope this issue gets fixed in the nexted update or if someone can help me with the issue

Answer 1

Hi Ericneo1,

Thank you for reaching out Microsoft Community. I totally understand the importance of having your issue resolved. I will do my best to help you with your concern.

May I know if are you using Windows 10 or Windows 11?

The error "Windows Sandbox failed to initialize. Access is denied. (0x80070005)" typically occurs due to permission issues or misconfigurations. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Enable Windows Sandbox:
   • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
   • Ensure "Windows Sandbox" is checked. If it’s already enabled, uncheck it, restart your computer, and then re-enable it.
2. Run as Administrator:
   • Right-click on the Windows Sandbox shortcut and select "Run as Administrator." This can help bypass permission issues.
3. Check Group Policy Settings:
   • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Sandbox.
   • Ensure that no policies are restricting Sandbox usage.
4. Update Windows:
   • Ensure your Windows is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
5. Repair System Files:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • These commands will scan and repair corrupted system files.
6. Check Hyper-V Settings:
   • Windows Sandbox relies on Hyper-V. Ensure Hyper-V is enabled in Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
7. Verify Firewall and Security Software:
   • Some third-party security software or firewall settings might block Sandbox. Temporarily disable them to test if they are causing the issue.
8. Check Event Viewer:
   • Open Event Viewer (Windows + R, type eventvwr, and press Enter) and look for detailed error logs under Windows Logs > Application or System. This can provide more insights into the issue.

If same issue then try to create a new user for Windows.

1. Open Settings:
   • Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
   • Alternatively, press Windows + I to open Settings directly.
2. Navigate to Accounts:
   • In the Settings window, click on "Accounts."
3. Go to Family & Other Users:
   • Select "Family & other users" (or "Other users" in Windows 11) from the left-hand menu.
4. Add a New User:
   • Click on "Add someone else to this PC."
   • If you want to create a local account (not linked to a Microsoft account), select "I don’t have this person’s sign-in information" and then "Add a user without a Microsoft account."
5. Enter User Details:
   • Provide a username, password, and security questions for the new account.
   • Click "Next" to complete the process.
6. Optional: Set Account Type:
   • If you want the new user to have administrative privileges, go back to "Family & other users," select the account, and click "Change account type." Choose "Administrator" and save the changes.

Once done, the new user will have their own personalized space on the computer

If same issue then try to do the repairing of windows using Windows ISO or In place upgrade process.

STEPS FOR INPLACE UPGRADE:

-Go to Windows 11 website:   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 

-Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)

-Once done downloading the ISO, kindly right-click on ISO then click Mount -  then Click Setup.exe

-You may be prompted by User Account Control. If so, click on Yes.

-In the Install Windows 11 dialog, click Next.

-Setup will check your PC and show a license agreement. -Click on Accept in the license terms dialog.

-Wait for the setup program to check for the available free space.

-On the Ready to install page, make sure Keep personal files and apps has been checked.

-Then click Install and just follow the prompt.

-Windows 11 will restart your device several times, and lead you to the lock screen.

If same issue then try to contact a live support for further assistance.

Here's the link to contact live support: Contact Us - Microsoft Support

Best Regards,

Clifford B.

Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

only issue i have is i dont feel like having to reInstall windows 11 pro fully cuz i dont want to lose my games or anything else on my pc plz help

Answer 3

Hi Ericneo1,

Thank you for replying. Just to inform you that you can reinstall Windows 11 using Windows ISO. You will be performing In-place Upgrade. This is a repair installation process that will reinstall your Windows and at the same time fix all the possible corruptions and perhaps to complete the missing components - if there are. The good thing about this step is that you wouldn't be losing any files nor programs.

STEPS FOR INPLACE UPGRADE:

-Go to Windows 11 website:   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 

-Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)

-Once done downloading the ISO, kindly right-click on ISO then click Mount -  then Click Setup.exe

-You may be prompted by User Account Control. If so, click on Yes.

-In the Install Windows 11 dialog, click Next.

-Setup will check your PC and show a license agreement. -Click on Accept in the license terms dialog.

-Wait for the setup program to check for the available free space.

-On the Ready to install page, make sure Keep personal files and apps has been checked.

-Then click Install and just follow the prompt.

-Windows 11 will restart your device several times, and lead you to the lock screen.

If same issue then try to contact a live support for further assistance.

Here's the link to contact live support: Contact Us - Microsoft Support

Best Regards,

Clifford B.

Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 4

Hi all,

I have the same error on two machines which are in the beta ring. (Build 26120.3671)

Could it be an error of one of the last updates?

Best regards

Roland

Answer 5

Yes, it could be. Upon checking the build version of your Windows which is the Build 26120.3671 is part of the Windows Insider program, specifically released in the Beta Channel for Windows 11 24H2. This build introduces features like taskbar icon scaling, which allow users to manage how app icons are displayed when the taskbar is full. It also includes improvements to file sharing and accessibility settings.

Also, being part of the Windows Insider Program means joining a community of users who get early access to preview builds of Windows. Members can test new features, provide feedback, and help shape the future of Windows development. The program is divided into channels - Dev, Beta, and Release Preview - each offering different levels of stability and access to experimental features. You have an option to leave Windows Insider program by performing clean installation process and see if it will let you use Windows Sandbox.

Here's the link on how to perform clean installation process:

Windows 11 Clean Installation

Reinstall or clean install Windows 11 - Microsoft Community

Best Regards,

Clifford B.

Microsoft Community Moderator