Free Tools to Mount an ISO Image on Windows PC?

by Tony Joshie

ISO Image is a file format in which it contains all the data that would be written in an optical disk otherwise. It is an archive file and is filed with a copy of all the data available in CD and DVD by representing the whole disk. The extension of its files has.iso while being saved in the ISO-9660 format. The purpose is to distribute the disk's data so that a CD or a DVD could be burned. It is very common and used in many formats such as:

1. DOS

2. Windows (extension-the Juliet ISO)

3. Linux (extension-RockRidge ISO)

ISO Images can be mounted on Windows 10. If you are one of those people who are clueless as to how it works, we have simplified the procedure for you. Below you will find the whole method and all the steps simplified for your better understanding.

Mounting an ISO Image in Windows

Mounting an ISO Image in Windows 8 and 10 is relatively very simple. The reason for that lies in the fact that Windows has now come up with a built-in system. Through this option, the ISO image is installed directly without any hassle or third-party involvement. If you are a Windows 8 or 10 user, the process of mounting an ISO image will be pretty simple and straightforward. However, if you use Windows 7 or Vista, the process requires more time as it is lengthy and involves a third-party tool. For the ease of all users, both the methods will be discussed in detail.



Mounting an ISO Image on Windows 8 and 10

When Windows 8 was launched, a lot of new and advanced features were added. Amongst these features was the option to mount ISO Images without needing a third-party tool. This same built-in feature was then passed on the Windows 10 in which you do not require another party or tool to mount ISO Images. The exact method and procedure are mentioned below. The steps are mentioned below in a simplified manner to ease the process for you. All you need to do is follow the instructions given below.

Step 1: Switch on the PC

Step 2: Click on File Explorer

Step 3: Search and locate where the ISO file is present

Step 4: Click on this file

Step 5: Click on the ISO image file twice. Alternatively, you can right-click on the ISO image to get the same result.

Step 6: From the list of options, select "Mount". If you have selected the image, then switch to the "Manage" tab. After that, you can click on "Mount".

Note: Before mounting any image, make sure it is not associated with any other file or program. The reason behind this is that if it is associated with any other files or program it would simply not mount.

Step 7: A virtual disc drive will now be created by Windows with all the contents. To access it, refer to the left side of the pane.

And you are done! This is it; your ISO Image will now be mounted.

Unmounting an ISO Image on Windows 8 and 10

You can also unmount an ISO Image in a simple way. It is convenient and very easy to understand. After completing your work, you can unmount the image or anytime according to your situation and needs. The instructions to do so are mentioned below.

Step 1: Switch on the PC.

Step 2: Click on File Explorer

Step 3: Locate the mounted file. It will be below "The PC" title as a completely new drive.

Step 4: Right-click on the selected file.

Step 5: Scroll down till you find "Eject".

Step 6: Click on that.

Step 7: This will unmount the file.

And you are done! This is it; your ISO Image will now be unmounted

Mounting an ISO Image using PowerShell on Windows 8 and 10

Power Shell can also be used to mount ISO Images if other reasons don't work for any reason. It is not that complicated, on the contrary, it is quite simple and easy to comprehend. The instructions to do so are mentioned below.

Step 1: Switch on the PC.

Step 2: Click on the "Start" menu.

Step 3: In the search bar type "PowerShell".

Step 4: Click on it.

Step 5: In the window, type this command, however, if it is convenient then just copy-paste it. Change the C:\FILE.ISO command. The path should be to your ISO file. The command you should type is below.

Command Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:\FILE.ISO"

Note: Do not forget to add quotation marks as they are very important.

Step 6: Press Enter.

You are now done! Your ISO image file is now mounted and without any difficulty. You can access whatever you want conveniently.

Unmounting an ISO Image using PowerShell om Windows 8 and 10

PowerShell can also be used to unmount an ISO Image most easily. It is convenient and very easy to understand. After completing your work, you can unmount the image or anytime according to your situation and needs. The instructions to do so are mentioned below.



Step 1: Switch on the PC.

Step 2: Click on the "Start" menu.

Step 3: In the search bar type "PowerShell".

Step 4: Click on it.

Step 5: In the window, type this command, however, if it is convenient then just copy-paste it. Change the C:\FILE.ISO command. The path should be to your ISO file. The command you should type is below.

Command Dismount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:\FILE.ISO"

Note: Do not forget to add quotation marks as they are very important.

Step 6: Press Enter.

You are now done! Your ISO image file is now unmounted and without any difficulty or hassle. You can access whatever you want easily.

Mounting an ISO Image on Windows 7 and Vista

The method to mount an ISO Image in Windows 8 and 10 as mentioned above, however, if you have the older versions that are Windows 7 or Vista, you cannot mount ISO Images directly. You need a third-party tool to do this. The procedure to do this on the previous is a bit complicated but still achievable. The third-party tools are listed after the steps.

The procedure and method explained below are in regards to using the WinCDEmu tool. This is a third-party tool that enables the Windows 7 and Vista to mount ISO Images. The method and procedure for third-party tools vary according to which one you use. However, the main idea is the same and you can easily do it once you understand the method. The steps are mentioned below.

Step 1: Search for WinCDEmu on your browser.

Step 2: Download it by clicking on the green "Download" option.

Step 3: It will ask your permission to download the hardware diver.

Step 4: Permit it.

Step 5: Search the "File Manager" on your PC.

Step 6: Click on it.

Step 7: Click on the ISO Image twice. Another way to do this is to right-click and then look for "Select drive letter & mount".

Step 8: Click on that option.

Step 9: Hit "Ok". This will mount the file.

This is it! A virtual disk drive will now be created that you can access anytime to view the contents of your choice.

Unmounting an ISO Image on Windows 7 and Vista

You can also unmount ISO images most simply on the older versions of Microsoft i.e. Windows 7 and Vista. It is convenient and very easy to understand. The procedure to do this is mentioned below.

Step 1: Switch on your PC.

Step 2: Go to "My Computer".

Step 3: Look for the virtual disk dive present next to your Compact Disc (CD) drive.

Step 4: Right-click on this virtual drive.

Step 5: Select "Eject".

Your file will now be unmounted from PC. This is it! This is how you unmount an ISO Image on the older version of Windows that is Windows 7 and Vista.

Mounting Software

There is much mounting software available that will mount your ISO Image. Some of these are listed below. You can also use these on the newer versions of Microsoft that is Windows 8 and 10. The files will be saved in the following format:

1. BIN

2. CUE

3. MDS

4. MDF

5. NRD

The software is listed below:

1. WinCDEmu

WinCDEmu
WinCDEmu

2. ISO Disk

ISO Disk
ISO Disk

3. Virtual CloneDrive

Virtual CloneDrive
Virtual CloneDrive

4. DAEMON Tools Lite

DAEMON Tools Lite
DAEMON Tools Lite

5. Free ISO Burner

Free ISO Burner
Free ISO Burner

6. Microsoft Virtual CD ROM Control Panel

MicrosoftVirtual CD ROM Control Panel
Microsoft Virtual CD ROM Control Panel

7. Total Mounter

TotalMounter
Total Mounter

8. OSFMount

OSFMount
OSFMount

Final Thoughts

Mounting an ISO Image is a common need of every PC user. It is a very simple process that varies upon the version of Microsoft you are using. If you are using Windows 8 or 10, the process is quite simple since it has a built-in and does not require a third-party tool. When it comes to Windows 7 and Vista, you will need to use a third-party tool some of which are mentioned above. Not only this but we have also mentioned alternate ways along with how to unmount an image in both versions.



About Tony Joshie

Tony's journey as a blogger began several years ago when he discovered his love for the visual arts. Fascinated by the stories behind the masterpieces and the artistic techniques employed by renowned artists, he started sharing his thoughts and interpretations on his blog.

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