The ability to burn ISO files right from Windows Explorer without the help of third-party tools was first introduced with Windows 7. Both Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10, in addition to ISO burning feature, allow users to mount ISO image files with the click of a mouse.
Burn disc image option missing from Windows 10/8/7 context menu?
In Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows 7, with default settings, Burn disc image option appears at the top of the context menu when you perform a right-click on ISO and IMG file types. Clicking the Burn disc image option will open the Windows Disc Image Burner tool where you can select the disc burner (if you have multiple optical drives connected) before clicking the Burn button.
The feature is very handy in situations where you want to burn your bootable Windows ISO image files.
The problem with this feature is that sometimes it might go missing. That is, at times, you might notice that the Burn disc image option might not appear when you right-click on an ISO image file located on the desktop or in any other folder.
If the Burn disc image option is not appearing when you right-click on an ISO image file, it’s likely because ISO file is not associated with the Windows Disk Image Burner program. Some disc burning applications usually change the default association of ISO file type.
Here is how to restore missing Burn disc image option. Note that this method is applicable to Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.
Restore missing Burn disc image option
Method 1 of 2
Step 1: Right-click on an ISO image file and then click Open with option.
Step 2: Click Choose default program and then select Windows Explorer from the list of programs.
Method 2 of 2
Use this method only if the above method failed to restore Burn disc image option.
Step 1: Open Default Programs. This can be opened by typing Default Programs in Start menu / Start screen and then pressing Enter. If you cannot find the Default Programs in the Start search, open Control Panel (see how to open Control Panel in Windows 10), change View by to Small icons, and then click Default Programs.
Step 2: Once the Default Programs window is launched, click Set your default programs.
Step 3: Next, in the left pane, under Programs, look for the entry named Windows Disc Image Burner and click on the same to see Set this program as the default option on the right-side.
Step 4: Click Set this program as default option to set Windows Disc Image Burner as the default program to open .ISO and .IMG extensions.
That’s it!
Burn disc image option should now appear in the context menu when you right-click on an ISO file.
admin says
This page is heavily outdated. It’s “Default apps” now, part of Windows 10+ settings, not control panel. The screens and options shown no longer exist.
Either update to current (meaning 5+ years ago) or add a “OUTDATED” notice at the top. Technically this no longer applies to Windows 10.
Jay P says
Method #1 worked for me!
A previously used, now uninstalled, third party app must have been the default app for image burning. When that third party app was uninstalled, there no longer was a default set.
Raghav says
Sir I have Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 Processor This processor is Capable for 64 bit (By the Intel Website) But my System show 86 based PC (32 bit)
Then I can’t Update his to 64 bit
But my Processors is capable
What should I do sir..
André says
please share register keys (.reg) to retore defaults….
Will says
Wonderful thanks! I was pulling my hair out
Nate says
This worked, thanks for the help.
rob says
Cheers – worked for me.
Rueben Derrick says
Thank You!
John says
Nice guide and thank you. However, this shows how lousy and frustrating Microsoft products are! The products has to be tweaked and nudged here and there.
Jeremy Towers says
Excellent! the last method worked. Mine was associated with 7Zip. Thanks
Scott says
Wow, thanks a ton. Had to go all the way to the last method. Was losing hope, but your instructions worked. Thanks much!
eric says
Super finally I got it! Thanks man!
AO says
Thanks! It worked perfectly.
Anonymous says
Works.
Anonymous Guy says
Thank you. This helped fix an error that was in place since removing another ISO burning tool.
Terry Neale says
Many thanks, perfect explanation, and importantly unlike many others I tried, it works!!
Logan says
Thanks for this, well done, spent so much time looking for a fix, simple as this though compared to some of the other ones.
Matteo says
Thank you very much. It works for me! :-)
Hasan Ali says
Wow! Worked like a charm! Thank you!
Luis R says
Thank You!!
Erwin Aarnoudse says
Thanks, very helpful.
Matthew says
Very helpful, thanks!
Bill D says
thank you !!!
R says
Thanks so much for this to the point article. The 1st option worked like a charm!
Cheers,
Phil says
Thanks for this article! Worked great, my .iso extension was associated with WinRAR so the context menu option had gone away. Btw on Windows 10 the “Choose default program…” option has been renamed to “Choose another app”. Same deal though.
Eamo says
Perfect, worked like a charm! Winzip has re-associated the .iso extension to its own program, Method 1 above undid for me, thank you!
Mike Spiers says
Really helpful – thank you. I’ve now idea how I’d have found it without this article. Burning as I write …
James says
Wow! Worked like a charm! Thank you! :)
Brandon Smith says
Opened an ISO file with VLC to verify it worked before burning. All the ISOs in my library then defaulted to VLC files and the “Burn Disc Image” option disappeared.
Method 2 brought it back on Windows 8.1 OS. I will spread tales of your heroism across the interwebs. Thank you kindly.