There are many instances where we need to mount an ISO file to access its contents before burning it onto a CD/DVD. Many of us use the popular Virtual CloneDrive and DAEMON Tools Lite software for this job in Windows 7. But in Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, you don’t need to install these software as the latest Windows supports ISO mounting as well.
In Windows 7, Microsoft added the support to burn ISO files without using third-party burning software. With Windows 8, Microsoft added the ability to mount ISO files with a click and feature is available in Windows 10 as well. With this feature, one can mount an ISO file without the help of third-party tools.
As said before, in Windows 10/8.1, an ISO image file can be mounted just with a click. Right-click on an ISO file and then select Mount option to see a new optical drive in This PC (My Computer). One can mount multiple ISO files without any problems.
Mount and unmount an ISO file in Windows 10/8.1
Step 1: Navigate to the location where you have saved the ISO file.
Step 2: Right-click on the ISO file and then select Mount option mount it.
Step 3: You should now see a new window with the contents of the mounted ISO file. If not, double-click on the new virtual drive in This PC (Computer/My Computer) to access ISO file contents.
Step 4: To unmount, right-click on the virtual drive in This PC (Computer/My Computer) and then select Eject option.
NOTE: This feature is not available in Windows 7. Refer our how to mount ISO image files in Windows 7 guide to know more.
Mitko says
It is importanat to know that you need to dismount one DVD or CD or whatever,in order to proceed with installation.No one mentioned that.
Graham Clark says
Thanks for the tip, & instruction, had no idea Windows could do it.
melih fidan says
I was old ersiyo 2011 for Mac, but had never used because it is already installed in me. But although I have taken to buy the site no longer allow me to use for windows.
please help
Jonathan Gowdy says
The problem with this feature is that some outdated programs that support reading and writing to and from drives may assume that the image being mounted in Windows 8 is a DVD-ROM instead of whatever you prefer it to be. This may lead up to certain restrictions on what to do with them. So it’s not all that reliable.
apsonman says
To Doug
Right click on the desired .ISO file >Properties > cluck “Change” under the “General” tab > click on “Windows Explorer” > OK
Doug says
what if I don’t have that option on my Windows 8.1 notebook? Also missing the burn disc image option and the extract files option.
John says
But when you mount a game (one I already own) in order to play without the CD, it asks you to insert CD even though it is mounted already on the virtual drive… why is this??
Kang Ato says
good win 8………..?????