How to Fix the Windows Sandbox Failed To Start Error 0x80070057 on Windows 10/11

After the latest Windows 10/11 update, users experienced various errors, including Windows Sandbox failing to start with error 0x80070057. This article provides troubleshooting guidance to address this issue.

What Is the Error Code 0x80070057?

The error 0x80070057 is a very common computer error and an old one for that matter. It mostly affects updates and the message that accompanies it can vary depending on where the error in the update service is found. This fatal error is usually indicative of a failure to run a service or a process, and for Windows Sandbox users, this means failure in launching the app.

How to Fix the Windows Sandbox Failed to Start Error 0x80070057 on Windows 10/11

A number of things can cause a fatal error like the error 0x80070057 on Windows 10/11. Here is a list of potential causes:

1. Corrupt registry entries
2. Outdated software and drivers
3. Malware infection
4. A problem with the new Windows 10/11 update
5. Incompatibility issues with the latest Windows 10/11 update

When a PC issue has many possible causes, you want to troubleshoot as many of them as possible before trying other solutions. The way to do this is with a high-end PC repair tool, such as Outbyte PC repair that will scan your system for faults like missing registry entries, junk files, corrupt software, and malware. After it’s done scanning your system, the PC repair tool will make the necessary repairs.

1. Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

If you encounter the error 0x80070057 after a Windows update, renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder will help correct it. This is how to go about it:

1. Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R keys.
2. Type “%systemroot%” and press Enter.
3. Search for the SoftwareDistribution folder and use administrator rights to rename it to SoftwareDistribution.old.
4. Go to the Windows search box and type “services.”
5. Check to see whether Windows Update is set to start.
6. Restart your computer.

Check whether you are still getting the error 0x80070057 when trying to launch Windows Sandbox.

2. Disable and Enable Sandbox

The disabling and enabling Windows Sandbox option is another simple way of solving error 0x80070057 on Windows 10/11. This is how it is done:

1. Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” into the Run box. This will open the Programs and Features app.
3. On the left pane of this window, click on Turn Windows features On or Off.
4. Find Windows Sandbox, uncheck it, and reboot your PC.
5. After your computer restarts, navigate again to Turn Windows features On or Off, and enable Windows Sandbox.

Check if your machine is still reporting any errors when trying to launch the application.

3. Update Your Computer’s BIOS

This solution is tricky to pull off because one, BIOS software rarely needs updating and secondly, updating the BIOS incorrectly can mess up the state of your computer. Despite these risks, it seems that some users have been able to successfully solve the “0x80070057 error Windows Sandbox cannot start” PC problem by updating the BIOS.

How to Update Your Computer’s BIOS

1. On the Windows search box, type “msinfo” to open System Information.
2. On the System Information window, check your computer’s model name. This should be located next to the System Model. If your computer is custom built, you can skip this step.
3. Check for your computers BIOS version number. This is located next to BIOS Version/Date. It is the number that is separated from your computer’s model name by a period. If this seems confusing, open the Command Prompt and type “wmic bios get biosversion,” the values will be spelled out for you. You have to have administrator rights to use the Command Prompt this way.
4. Visit your computer’s manufacturer support site and input your computer’s model name to get the latest BIOS files. These will be found in the downloads section of the website.
5. Compare the BIOS version number on the manufacturer’s site with the one on your computer. You should only make the update if the download version is a newer version.
6. Click and download the BIOS file.
7. Extract the files and make sure to open the README document. If the instructions in this document differ from these, you should follow them instead.
8. Put the BIOS update files on a blank USB flash disk.
9. To access the BIOS page shut down your computer and turn it on while pressing the F12, DELETE or ESC keys.
10. If you see a Backup option for your BIOS in the boot window, click Save. You never know what might happen.
11. Under the Boot tab, you will see menu options that will allow you to make a BIOS update. They are different for every manufacturer.

NB: This process requires that you have a stable power supply, because should your computer’s power supply be interrupted while updating BIOS, it may suffer severe and sometimes irreparable damages.

After updating your computer’s BIOS, you will need to turn on some Windows features, specifically, Hyper V and Windows Defender Application Guard. You will also need to use Windows Update to get the Cumulative Patch KBB4497935.

At the same time, make sure that all the drivers on your computer are up to date. It could be that your PC is experiencing performance issues because drivers are misconfigured or outdated. To update your computer’s drivers, go to the Device Manager, and right-click on each of the listed devices, and click on “Update Driver.” Alternatively, you can use software like Auslogics Driver Updater that will automatically do all the updates for you.

Hopefully, the information in this article will help you resolve the Windows Sandbox failed to start 0x80070057 error on Windows 10/11. If it doesn’t, you should contact Microsoft’s customer support on their official site. They will know what to do.