What is an ISO File?
An ISO file, also known as an ISO image, is a single file that contains an exact copy of the contents of an optical disc, such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray. These files are often used for distributing large software packages, operating systems, or creating backups of physical media. Because of their widespread use, it’s essential to know how to open ISO files, especially on older operating systems like Windows 7, 10 and 11.
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide on opening ISO files in Windows 7, 10, and 11 using both built-in and third-party solutions. By the end of this guide, you will be able to access and manipulate the contents of an ISO file with ease.
Prerequisites
1. Ensure your system is running Windows 7:
Before you can open an ISO file in Windows 7, you need to verify that your system is running the correct operating system. To check your system’s version, click the Start button, right-click on “Computer,” and select “Properties.” The information about your operating system will be displayed in the System section.
2. Check if you have an ISO file you want to open:
Locate the ISO file you want to open on your computer. If you don’t have an ISO file yet, you can download one from a trusted source or create one using appropriate software. Ensure that the file has a “.iso” extension, indicating that it’s an ISO image.
Methods to open ISO files in Windows 7
There are 2 methods to open an iso file in window 7:
- Use a Virtual CloneDrive
- Use a third-party software
Method 1: Use a Virtual CloneDrive
A. Download and install Virtual CloneDrive:
- Official Website: Visit the official website of Virtual CloneDrive to download the software.
- Installation Process: Run the installation file. and allow permission to proceed further. You must also accept the license agreement and choose the destination folder for the installation. During the installation, you can select the number of virtual drives you want to create. Choose an appropriate number based on your needs. Complete the installation by clicking the “Install” button. Once the installation is finished, click “Close” to exit the setup.
B. Mount the ISO file:
- Right-Click on the ISO File: Find the ISO file you want to mount on your computer, then right-click on it.
- Choose ‘Mount’ from the Context Menu: In the context menu that appears, hover over the “Virtual CloneDrive” option and then click on “Mount” from the submenu.
- Select the Desired Virtual Drive: A new window will open, prompting you to choose a virtual drive from the available options. Select the virtual drive you want to use and click “OK.”
C. Access the contents of the ISO file:
- Navigate to the virtual drive in File Explorer: Open File Explorer (previously known as Windows Explorer) by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the “Win + E” keyboard shortcut. Locate the virtual drive under “Computer” or “This PC,” where you will see it listed with a drive letter.
- Explore the contents of the ISO file: Double-click on the virtual drive to access the contents of the mounted ISO file. You can now browse, open, and copy files as you would with any other folder or drive on your computer.
Method 2: Using third-party software: PowerISO
A. Download and install PowerISO:
- Official website: Visit the official website of PowerISO to download the software.
- Installation Process: Run the installation file and give permission to install on computer. Once the installation is finished, click “Close” to exit the setup.
B. Open the ISO file using PowerISO:
- Launch PowerISO: Find the PowerISO icon on your desktop or in the Start menu and double-click it to launch the program.
- Click ‘File’ and select ‘Open’: In the PowerISO main window, click on the “File” menu in the upper left corner and select “Open” from the dropdown list.
- Browse to the ISO file location and open it: In the “Open” dialog box, navigate to the location of the ISO file you want to open. Select the file and click “Open.”
C. Extract or manipulate the contents of the ISO file:
- Extraction process: To extract the contents of the ISO file, click on the “Extract” button on the PowerISO toolbar. In the “Extract” dialog box, choose the destination folder where you want to save the extracted files. Click “OK” to start the extraction process.
Additional Third-Party Software Options:
Daemon Tools Lite:
A popular tool for mounting ISO files as virtual drives, with additional features like creating and editing disc images. Official website of Daemon Tools is: https://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite
7-Zip:
A widely-used file archiver that supports ISO files, allowing you to extract the contents easily. Official website: https://www.7-zip.org/
C. WinRAR:
Another well-known file archiver with support for ISO files, providing similar functionality to 7-Zip. Official website: https://www.win-rar.com/
D. AnyBurn:
A user-friendly application that supports various disc image formats, including ISO. It offers features such as mounting, burning, and converting ISO files. Official website: http://www.anyburn.com/
Conclusion:
Opening an ISO file in Windows 7 can be accomplished using third-party software, as the operating system does not have native support for mounting or opening ISO files. Some popular software options include Virtual CloneDrive, PowerISO, Daemon Tools Lite, 7-Zip, WinRAR, and AnyBurn. To open an ISO file, first, download and install the software of your choice. Then, either mount the ISO file as a virtual drive or use the software’s built-in features to open, extract, and manipulate the contents of the ISO file.
Selecting the appropriate method for opening an ISO file in Windows 7 is crucial, as different software options provide varying levels of functionality and ease of use. It is essential to choose a solution that meets your specific needs, whether you require basic file extraction or more advanced features such as disc image editing and burning.
We encourage you to explore the various software options mentioned in this guide and find the one that best suits your requirements. By doing so, you can efficiently work with ISO files in Windows 7 and take full advantage of their versatility and usefulness.
