An ISO file is a special file type that can store an exact copy of a CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc, usually containing operating systems, games and programs that can be installed on the computer, which continue to retain their properties despite the change of Format.
ISO files allow you to transfer that information back to a physical disk through burning programs such as Nero Burning Rom or AnyBurn, among others. And since they are used to distribute operating systems, they are also used to create bootable disks or USB sticks using the appropriate installation tools, just like the ISO images of current Windows systems.
What to do with a program in ISO format downloaded from the Internet?
Despite the gradual abandonment of optical discs, until today it is possible to find commercial software packaged in the form of ISO files on the Internet, so to proceed with its installation without having to burn the disc it is necessary to resort to programs that emulate the readers. of computer disks. Its function is to treat ISO files as if they were physical disks through a process known as mounting.
This method of reading ISO files is provided by a variety of dedicated programs such as Virtual CloneDrive or Daemon Tools, although File Explorer in Windows 10 and Windows 11 also achieves the same purpose.
Follow these steps to mount ISO image file on Windows system.
How to mount the ISO image of a program in Windows 10 and 11
Open Windows 10 and Windows 11 File Explorer and go to the folder where the file with the ISO extension is stored. Immediately double-click on his name. In the Do you want to open this file window, click Open.
Another way to run an ISO file from Windows 10 and Windows 11 File Explorer is to select the file, then right-click your mouse and select the Mount option. Once this is done, you will be able to access the information of the ISO file in the normal way.