What Is An ISO File And How Do I Use Them?

An ISO file is a type of archive file that contains a complete image of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. ISO files are often used to distribute operating system installations, software, or large data files, as they allow for the easy transfer of large amounts of data in a single file. In this article, we’ll explain how to use ISO files on your computer.

Method 1: Burn ISO Files to a Disc

One way to use an ISO file is to burn it to a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Insert a Blank Disc Insert a blank CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc into your computer’s disc drive.

Step 2: Open File Explorer Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the ISO file you want to burn.

Step 3: Select ISO File Right-click on the ISO file and select “Burn disc image” from the context menu.

Step 4: Choose Burn Settings Choose the appropriate settings for your disc burn, including the disc format and burn speed.

Step 5: Burn ISO File Click on “Burn” to begin the burning process. Once the process is complete, your disc should be ready to use.

Method 2: Mount ISO Files as Virtual Drives

Another way to use an ISO file is to mount it as a virtual drive on your computer. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Download a Virtual Drive Software Download and install a virtual drive software, such as Daemon Tools Lite, PowerISO, or WinCDEmu.

Step 2: Open Virtual Drive Software Open the virtual drive software and select “Mount” or “Mount image” from the toolbar.

Step 3: Locate the ISO File Navigate to the location of the ISO file you want to mount and select it.

Step 4: Mount ISO File Click on “OK” or “Mount” to mount the ISO file as a virtual drive on your computer.

Method 3: Extract Files from ISO Files

If you just want to extract files from an ISO file without burning it to a disc or mounting it as a virtual drive, you can use a file archiver software like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or WinZip to extract files from the ISO file.

Step 1: Open File Archiver Software Open the file archiver software on your computer.

Step 2: Locate ISO File Navigate to the location of the ISO file you want to extract and select it.

Step 3: Extract Files Right-click on the ISO file and select “Extract” or “Extract Here” from the context menu. Choose the location where you want to extract the files and click “OK” to extract them.

That’s it! These are the main methods for using ISO files on your computer.