ISO files or images are used for backing up data from an optical disc. They are also used for distributing large file sets that are intended to be burned up onto an optical disc or a similar memory device.
These usually include large software programs that are formatted to be made available as ISO files, for e.g., Windows OS, Microsoft Office etc. With different operating systems and versions of Windows, the methods to mount an ISO image can vary.
Here are some of the top-rated tools and methods to rely on to look for the best mounting software for the same on Windows 7, 8, or 10.
ISO files or images are used for backing up data from an optical disc. They are also used for distributing large file sets that are intended to be burned up onto an optical disc or a similar memory device.
These usually include large software programs that are formatted to be made available as ISO files, for e.g., Windows OS, Microsoft Office etc. With different operating systems and versions of Windows, the methods to mount an ISO image can vary.
Here are some of the top-rated tools and methods to rely on to look for the best mounting software for the same on Windows 7, 8, or 10.
Methods to mount an ISO image in Windows 7 or Vista
The Windows 7 and Vista versions are comparatively older and thus require separate third-party applications to mount ISO file images.
WinCDEmu
The WinCDEmu is an open-source disc-mounting program that is simple to use. It is compatible with Windows 7, Vista. 8, 8.1 and 10. It allows for mounting various types of image files that Windows hasn’t yet developed built-ins for.
These would include all BIN/CUE, MDS/MDF, NRG, CCD, and IMG images. You are supposed to install the WinCDEmu application after downloading it. Give it permission to install the hardware driver that it requires.
Once you have installed it, you will find a double-disk image file to mount your file. Just double-click on it or right-click a disk image file. A dialogue box appears where you have to click on "Select drive letter & mount."
You will find an interface where you would be required to choose the drive letter and multiple basic options. Select "OK," and you will find the mounted image appear under "Computer."
You will be required to “unmount” the disc image when you are done. Now, right-click on the virtual disc and select "Eject."
Virtual CloneDrive
It is another virtual drive utility service you can use while running Windows 7. Install the downloaded application and open Windows Explorer in Windows 7. Right-click on the ISO file that has to be installed. The pop-up menu will open up. Then Click on the "Mount" command.
A virtual drive is created, and a small window will pop up asking if you want to run the setup file or open the folder for the virtual drive. Now click on "Run setup.exe”.
You will observe that the installation begins. Once the program is installed, right-click on the ISO image in Windows Explorer. Go to “Unmount” from the pop-up menu to remove the virtual drive.
PowerISO
PowerISO is also a fantastic tool to mount ISO files onto your virtual drives supporting Windows 7. This mounting software helps in creating bootable USB flash drives with it. It can also be used to rip audios from your CD or DVDs and convert them to MP3 files for easier storage and listening.
Some may consider it to be the best third-party software solution for mounting ISO images. That is because it has many features, and all of them are very convenient for all kinds of users.
DAEMON Tools Lite
It is one of the most used applications in the market. The tool works on various Windows platforms, including Windows 7. It has all the necessary features, including, the advantage of using a simple interface and multi-drive virtual simulation.
This is a comparatively lightweight application, and it is also available in a portable version that does not require installation.
The interface, however, is a bit outdated as compared to other options on the list. One can either set a permanent virtual volume driver or feel free to add it when needed. There is also a large variety of formats that are supported by Daemon tools Lite along with the option of getting fast access from the system tray.
The Magic Disc
It is a mounting software which works on multiple ISO images simultaneously. This does sound like a time-saver, but one can get only up to 15 drives with the tool. While this is better than softwares like Virtual CloneDrive, it is not as user-friendly in its interface.
The tool does allow you to extract images from optical discs, different covert formats, and you also get to work with your disk image. It is as easy as working with an active CD/DVD drive. It works in Windows 7 with Windows Explorer and is quite easy to use as all you need to do is drag and drop your files.
How to Mount ISO Disk Image Files in Windows 10
Methods to Mount an ISO Image in Windows 8, 8.1 or 10
Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 are higher versions with the built-in ability to mount both ISO disc images and VHD. VHD stands for Virtual Hard Disk. If Windows 10 has been downloaded as an ISO file, it must be burned into a bootable DVD. You can also copy it to a bootable USB drive to install it on your PC. There are three options among which you can use:
You will find the disc image as a new drive under "The PC" once the ISO file has been mounted. Right-click the drive icon and select "Eject.” The ISO file will be “unmounted”.
Some other Useful Options
One can also try installing a program from an ISO file by burning the file onto a CD, DVD, or any optical disc. You can also copy the file to a USB drive (like a pen drive) and install it. This could be more useful when you desire to store the program on a disc to later install it on Windows.
It is also a good option you may use to install Windows OS from an ISO file into a machine with no pre-installations.
When you burn the ISO file onto a disc, firstly insert a blank CD or DVD in your PC’s disc drive. Open File Explorer and right-click on the ISO file. You can also find the file in Windows Explorer. Select the Burn Disc image command from the pop-up menu.
Installation through a Disc
You can use the Windows Disc Image Burner tool. It will direct you to the CD/DVD drive. Click on the “Burn” option. The ISO file is burned into the CD or DVD. The disc drive opens up, and you are allowed to remove the disc.
You can now install the program as per your installation settings. You’ll be prompted to either run the setup file of the software or open files and folders as you’ll place the disc in the optical drive of a PC.
You can also start the process by double-clicking the setup file displayed in File Explorer or Windows Explorer.
Using the Windows USB/DVD Download tool
The Windows USB/DVD Download tool is another convenient option for users to burn the ISO to a disc. You can also use it to copy the file to a USB. The tool copies all the contents of the ISO file to a CD, DVD, or USB drive.
This gives you the capacity to install the program from the disc or USB drive. These memory devices will also become bootable.
This is a reliable method if you wish to install Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 on a fresh computer or for a dual-boot setup. One can acquire this tool from the Microsoft Download Center. You simply have to tap on the Download button and then choose your preferred language.
Running Download Tool
You will need to download the Windows 7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool-Installer.exe file. Right-click on it and select the option to "Run" the file as Administrator. Follow all the installation methods step by step, and then launch the tool.
Select the ISO file which you need to burn among the given options. Click “Next” and proceed. To choose the type of media, choose either to opt for a USB device or a DVD.
Inserting USB Device
When you opt for USB, you will be prompted further to insert the USB media. In case there is more than one USB drive plugged into your computer, ensure to select the correct one. And then, click on "Begin Copying."
Make sure to back up the existing data of the USB drive before selecting it, as everything will be erased on it in the process.. Click ‘Erase USB Drive’ to make room for the Windows files. Once the files have been copied, you will be notified that the Bootable USB device was created successfully. You can then use the USB device to install the program whenever you want.
Inserting DVD
In case you opt for DVD, insert a blank DVD into your drive. Select the option to ‘Begin Burning.’ You will be notified that the DVD has been successfully burned. The bootable DVD can now be used to install the program.
Conclusion
The steps, as mentioned above, would help you mount ISO files in not only Windows 7 but other versions too. It would help you to make the best of your system in straightforward ways. We hope you find them helpful!
