4 Ways to Safely Run Suspicious Programs and Applications in Windows

Do you want to test new suspicious programs without the risk of harming your Windows 10 PC? We’ll take you through the best methods to do this.

There are situations where you might desperately need a certain program, but you’re unsure of its origin. Sometimes, you want to try a new exciting app, but it looks suspicious and harmful. How can you ensure that the program won’t harm your computer or pose a threat to your data? To resolve this issue, you can safely run the program in an isolated environment so that it doesn’t harm your computer.

We’ll take you through the effective methods you can apply to safely run suspicious programs and applications in Windows 10.

1. Run Programs and Applications Using Windows Sandbox

Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, or the Windows 10 May 2019 update and later versions include a feature called Windows Sandbox. This feature isn’t available in Windows 10 Home edition, but you can get it if you’re considering upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro.

This feature acts as a virtualization software that enables you to run applications without affecting your PC. It creates a safe environment where you can run suspicious programs and applications in isolation.

To get started, you’ll first need to set up Windows Sandbox on your Windows 10 PC. From there, you can then run Windows Sandbox by following these 4 easy steps:

1. Launch Windows Sandbox by typing it in the taskbar search field and then hitting the Enter key.
2. Copy and paste the .exe file or shortcut you want to run in Sandbox.
3. Run the setup file and then install the program. Use the Start menu in Sandbox to launch the program. Use the program as you’d do in the regular desktop environment.
4. When you’re done using the program, close Sandbox. This will automatically delete the installed program and reset Sandbox to its default settings. If you’d like to use the same program again, you’ll have to reinstall it in Sandbox.

Any changes that you make on Windows Sandbox won’t affect your Windows 10 operating system (OS) and your data. In this case, it’s absolutely safe to run suspicious programs in Windows Sandbox as those particular programs won’t affect your PC in any way.

2. Get Basic Protection With SHADE Sandbox

If you’re looking for alternatives to Windows Sandbox, there are other best Sandbox tools to safely test Windows programs. SHADE Sandbox is an excellent tool that offers a simpler alternative to virtualization that allows you to test software on your own desktop.

You can download the SHADE Sandbox trial version and test it on your PC to see if it meets your requirements. If you like the program, you can choose to purchase either a one-year or a lifetime license on the same download page.

Once you’ve installed the free version of SHADE Sandbox, you’ll need to restart your PC before you can run the software.

To add and launch applications to SHADE Sandbox, follow these 3 steps:

1. Launch SHADE Sandbox and then click on the SHADE Sandbox button.
2. Drag and drop your .exe file or shortcut into the SHADE window.
3. Launch the application on your PC and it will automatically run in SHADE Sandbox.

The best part about using SHADE Sandbox is that it offers an easy-to-use program where you can simply drag and drop applications. It’s easy to navigate and offers a straightforward solution.

3. Virtualize Your PC Using VirtualBox

One of the safest ways to test your suspicious programs is by using virtual machines. This method allows you to simulate a full OS, isolated from the rest of your PC, without building an entirely separate computer. If a program installs malicious software without your knowledge, this will only be contained in the virtual machine. Any changes caused to the virtual machine won’t affect your PC.

There are several tools you can use to create virtual machines, but we’ll cover VirtualBox in this article.

To get started, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Install VirtualBox on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Open VirtualBox and click New to create a new virtual machine.
3. Install the OS of your choice for your virtual machine.
4. Learn how to use VirtualBox and start installing and testing apps on your virtual machine.

You can save snapshots of your virtual machine so that you can always restore it to its original state when you finish testing your programs. There are many practical reasons to start using virtual machines since they are one of the most powerful software control methods out there.

It’s highly advisable that you create a virtual machine if you regularly test apps. However, if you only try suspicious apps out once in a while, you can stick to simpler methods such as using a sandbox.

4. Use Cameyo for Simpler Virtualization

Virtualization is great for safely testing suspicious apps, but the downside to virtual machines is that they require a full OS installation. If you only want to test an app once without the hassle of setting up an entire virtual machine, Cameyo offers a slightly simpler virtualization alternative.

You can use it to test applications in a remote virtualized environment. Cameyo runs a virtualized version of Windows on a remote computer that you can test apps in. To use Cameyo to test your applications, follow these steps:

1. Create a Cameyo free trial account and log in.
2. Click Add App in the sidebar on the left.
3. Select Create a new Cameyo package.
4. Upload your .exe file or shortcut by selecting Local machine.
5. Choose a target to store the repackaged app. You can save the app packages to your Dropbox space if you need to return to the app after a long time.
6. Click Submit. Once Cameyo finishes creating the repackaged app, you’ll be able to run your app in a browser window.

The downside to this method is that you are limited to just one app, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for something to use once in a while.

Run Suspicious Programs Without a Hassle

The internet is filled with brilliant apps, but it’s also packed with malicious software. You may not be sure about the safety of a program you want to run or install, but this shouldn’t stop you from experimenting. We’ve provided you with the best tools to protect your PC and data when you’re experimenting with new programs.

It’s always good to be cautious and know the best and safest PC software for your Windows computer. It’s also a great idea to know which apps you should never install in your PC.

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