Win32 app isolation overview

The Win32 app isolation security feature for Windows provides a sandbox environment that can integrated into Win32 apps, providing an additional layer of security. This enhancement requires little to no change to your code.

If you have a feature request or wish to report a bug, file an issue in our GitHub repo.

Important

This feature is in preview: Some information relates to a prerelease product which may be substantially modified before it's commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

Target application types

  • Win32
  • Desktop Bridge (Centennial)

Minimum requirements

The following are the minimum requirements to create a Win32 app isolation app:

Creating a Win32 app isolation app

These are the steps to consider when creating a Win32 app isolation app:

  • If you are using Visual Studio to build your project:
  • Or if you have the Win32 installer / MSIX package:
    • Create an MSIX package from a Win32 installer.
    • Turn an MSIX Package into an isolated Win32 app.
  • If you need to identify the required capabilities:
    • Use the ACP tool.
    • Repackage the app with the capabilities that were identified.

Application Capability Profiler

Microsoft.Windows.Win32Isolation.ApplicationCapabilityProfiler Module

Understanding how packaged desktop apps run on Windows