First, install Toast 5 Titanium if you have Mac OS 8.6 to Mac OS 9.2.2. For Mac OS 8.5 and below (down to Mac OS 7.5.1), install Toast 4. DiskCopy, bundled with late classic Mac OS versions, opens Apple's own distribution disk images such as file names that end with '.img'. It's worth noting that just because you could once mount a.img file. With more users are jumping into the trend of Mac system, how to mount ISO file on Mac can be a new question for starters. As a matter of fact, Mac OS X mount ISO image files is not that hard as you think, although the process is different from mounting an ISO file on Windows. Next, we will introduce some solutions for mounting ISO on Mac.
To backup CDs or DVDs, one of the most common ways is to create an image. Typically, these images will be in ISO, IMG, or BIN formats. This is good as all your data is packed into a single file making it easy to transfer and further back up it to other location.
Now the question comes in, how do you open these image files in Windows?
Well, just like you insert the CD/DVD disc into the drive, you can actually mount the ISO files in virtual CD/DVD drives to get access to its contents. Here are some of the best software for Windows.
Read: Unlock Windows 10 With Android Fingerprint With This New App
Best ISO Mounter For Windows 10
1. Use Windows 10 Built-in Options
Iso Drive Mac
Starting from Windows 10, Microsoft actually added the basic ability to mount ISO files directly in the File Explorer. This is quite useful as you don’t have to install any third-party software just to mount an ISO file. Along with ISO files, you can also mount IMG files using the built-in Windows 10 options. To mount an IMG or ISO file in Windows, just right-click on the file and select the option “Mount“.
As soon as you select the option, the image file will be mounted instantly. You can see that in the root of File Explorer like a regular CD/DVD drive. Which means that you can open it like any other drive in Windows 10.
Alternatively, if all you want is access files within the ISO or IMG file, then simply right-click on the file and select “Open with -> Windows Explorer”. This action opens the ISO or IMG file just like a ZIP file. This gives you access to all the files within the image file. But do keep in mind that, unlike the earlier method, you didn’t actually mount the image, you just opened it.
Price: Built-in Windows 10 feature. Free to use.
2. WinCDEmu
WinCDEmu is a tiny little free software that allows you to mount image files in Windows with just a single click, no matter which version of Windows you are using. Just install the software, right-click on the ISO file and select the option “Select drive and mount“.
One thing I like about WinCDEmu is that it lets you choose the drive letter of your choice and even mount the image file automatically at system start-up. Typically, most software and game CD/DVDs run programs in it automatically when you mount the image file. This happens due to a file called autorun.inf within the image file. You can use WinCDEmu to stop this kind of behavior too. Additionally, you can also create ISO image files from the existing CD/DVD files when needed.
If you are looking for a free software that lets you auto-mount images at system start-up and gives you additional options to control various settings like drive letter options then give WinCDEmu a try. Keep in mind that though WinCDEmu is free for personal use, you need to purchase a license for business use cases.
Price: Free. Pro license needed for businesses.
Download WinCDEmu. There is also a portable version with limited features if you don’t want to install WinCDEmu.
3. Daemon Tools Lite
Daemon Tools Lite is one of the most popular and oldest ISO mounter software for Windows. Once you install the Daemon Tools Lite, all your ISO files are associated with it and you can mount and open them by simply double-clicking on the image file. Other than mounting ISO files, you can also use Daemon Tools Lite to mount various other kinds of files like VHD, VMDK, TC, True Crypt files, etc. Other features of Daemon Tools include the ability to store and organize image files, scan your computer for image files, send files to and from local networks, emulate DT, SCSI, and HDD drives, compress virtual drives, etc.
If you are looking for a full-fledged imaging tool with all kinds of bell and whistles then Daemon Tools Lite is for you.
One thing to keep in mind is that the free version is ad-supported and the installer tries to install adware (Opera browser in my case) while installing Daemon Tools Lite. So, be careful and don’t forget to choose the “Custom Install” option while installing.
Price: Mounting ISO files with Daemon Tools Lite is free with ads. For advanced features, you either need to upgrade to the professional version or buy the individual features as and when needed.
Download Daemon Tools Lite
4. Gizmo Drive
Gizmo Drive is yet another lightweight software that is good at mounting various kinds of image files like ISO, IMG, BIN, CUE, NRG, etc. You can also mount virtual hard drive files like VHD. A few things that are special about Gizmo Drive is that it lets you create encrypted hard drive images, mount password protected, support for mounting multiple types of virtual drives simultaneously and unmounting images from Windows command line.
One of the things I really like about Gizmo Drive is that it has a ton of options so that you can modify it to meet your needs. Moreover, the software is very well documented so that if you ever stuck at any point, you can refer to the docs and proceed from there.
Price: Gizmo Drive is free.
Download Gizmo Drive
5. ImDisk Toolkit
If you are looking for a free and open-source ISO mounter software for Windows then try ImDisk Toolkit.
ImDisk Toolkit is a free and open-source software which can mount a wide range of image files with just a few clicks. Apart from ISO files, you can mount regular hard disk volumes, floppies, etc. What makes ImDisk Toolkit special compared to other software in this list is that it gives you better control over the how you mount the image files and what happens after mounting. For instance, you can mount image file like a removable drive so that you will have hot-swap capabilities on that drive, you can either create a virtual disk in virtual memory or in a physical memory, you can mount ISO files in read-only mode, assign specific size for mounting image, etc. If needed, you can even set the mounted image as writable or fixed.
Price: Free and open-source.
Download ImDisk Toolkit
6. Virtual CloneDrive
Just like Daemon Tools, Virtual CloneDrive is one of the oldest and popular software for Windows to mount ISO files. In fact, I’ve used it on a daily basis way back when to mount software and data ISOs. Unlike Daemon Tools, Virtual CloneDrive is created for a single purpose. As such, Virtual CloneDrive is lightweight, minimal, and easy to use. Once you install the software, simply right-click on the image file and select the “Mount” option and you are good to go.
Though Virtual CloneDrive is lightweight, it does supports multiple image formats like IMG, BIN, CUE, UDF, UDF, etc. One of the things I really like about Virtual CloneDrive is that it can automount the last image file. Moreover, it also keeps a history of all the ISO mounts so that you can mount them again with just a single click.
Price: Free.
Download Virtual CloneDrive
7. WinArchiver Virtual Drive
Of all the software on this list, WinArchiver Virtual Drive is the smallest and lightest Windows ISO mounting software. As the name implies, other than the regular image files, WinArchiver can mount archive files like RAR, ZIP, 7Z, etc. Just like with WinCDEmu, you can automount ISO files when needed.
As good as it is, for some reason, WinArchiver isn’t integrated into Windows Shell. Which means that rather than right-clicking and selecting the WinArchiver’s mount option, you have to open the WinArchiver from the start menu, right-click on the WinArchiver icon in the taskbar, select the mount option, browse for the image file and open it. It’s such a lengthy and complicated process for a simple task.
That being said, WinArchiver is pretty good at what it does. If you are looking for a lightweight software to mount ISOs then do try it.
Price: Free.
Download WinArchiver Virtual Drive
Iso Files Mac
Hope that helps. If you think I missed any of your favorite ISO mounting software for Windows then do comment below and share them with me.
Also Read: Best Firewall For Windows 10
Microsoft Windows allows users to carry out different tasks very easily without having to worry about getting engaged in extensive methods. If you have the Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 running on your computer, then you will not need the help of any other 3rd party ISO software for mounting because they come with the capability to mount the ISO software files easily and effectively burn into a DVD or CD.
An ISO file is also called an ISO image which consists of a single file but which has the capability to hold the data of an entire CD or DVD. The entire content of a disk can be very easily stored in the form of an ISO file. In order to use the data, you will need to build the ISO file and access it into your system. The file is of no good unless the content inside is extracted and build upon using the right product.
When Are ISO Files Used?
Since ISO files can store a large amount of data within them, it becomes relatively easier for the people to transfer big files over the internet. All of the data that you want can neatly be arranged and compressed into an ISO file. The ISO is only a single ISO image file which makes it very much easier to download and burn it to a disc or other device so that the content can be used conveniently. You can open the ISO file in different ways by using a different application depending on the content that is inside it.
Included with so many important files, the ISO files should be kept safely with backups. In case the worst situation appears and all the files are lost, you should rescue the ISO files with file recovery software as soon as possible.
13 Best Software that Can Be Used to Mount ISO Files
The following applications come with different features and allow you to carry out different functions easily in Windows 7. Even when you are using a Windows 8 or 10 computer, they will offer some advanced functions, or serve as an alternative when the system feature fails to work.
1. Microsoft Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel
Microsoft Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel was released in 2013 which was made available for Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows Vista so that users can mount the ISO disk image and use them as a virtual CD drive. The application can be really useful for burning disk, reading and also recover the backup files as well.
Since Windows 8 and higher versions support ISO files natively, this ISO mounting software needs to be used only in Windows 7 and earlier OSs. It does not have too many advanced features to offer to the users, but it does provide reliable service of mounting the ISO files as virtual CD or DVD.
2. DAEMON Tools Lite
DAEMON Tools is one of the most popular software that people use to mount their ISO files. For many years this tool has been used to mount and restore millions of .iso files by thousands of customers.
This ISO mounting software is free for home and non-commercial users, but it also provides advanced features, which can be purchased separately. Interestingly, Daemon tools supports Windows 7/8/8.1/10.
3. Power ISO
When it comes to ISO mounting, Power ISO is the first choice for many users. The versatile nature and brilliant features of the application clearly make it one of the best ISO mounters. With the assist of Power ISO, you can mount and burn files of almost every format – BIN, ISO, NRG, CDI, and DAA.
A very useful feature of this file when your system is running on Windows 7 is the aptitude to create USB bootable flash drives. The versatility of the application is revealed when it comes to knowing that apart from mounting ISO files it can also very easily rip MP3, APE, WMA, BIN, or FLAC files.
4. WinCDEmu
WinCDEmu is an open-source ISO mounting software that can be integrated into the Windows Explorer once installed, so you will be able to utilize this app from right-click menu. It has simple functionality, and you can mount ISO files with a simple click.
Not only ISO files but also CUE, CCD, NRG, MDS/MDF, and the IMG images are supported by this well-off application. While using this application, you’d also get the ability to create as many virtual drives as you want. Even though it does not provide as many features like Power ISO or Daemon Tools, it is the best solution when you have basic needs on your computer.
5. Virtual CloneDrive
Virtual CloneDrive has made it to our list of top 13 best software to create virtual drives and mount ISO images. This software comes for free for almost all Windows operating systems, and you can download it from the official website.
You can easily mount ISO files and put them on the virtual drives. The only drawback of this application is that you cannot create unlimited virtual drives but only eight. However, if 8 virtual drives will do your task, then it can be one of the best mounting applications for Windows which is easy to use and is not going to cost you any money.
6. ISODisk
ISODisk is a freeware which you can use to create virtual CD/DVD drive up to 20 drivers. You need to mount an ISO disk image which you want to burn. The software will automatically access the files available on the ISO disk and burn it to CD or DVD. It works in the opposite direction as well. You can create an ISO image file from a CD or DVD ROM.
- Features of ISODisk:
- ●There is no requirement of any virtual drive software to use ISODisk.
- ●It enables the user to mount ISO image files to CD or DVD.
- ●It enables the user to create ISO files from CD or DVD-ROM.
- ●It allows the user to mount an ISO image for on LAN.
7. gBurner Virtual Drive
gBurner Virtual Drive is a powerful tool which you can create to manage and customize the CD or DVD drives. It offers a free utility to create CD/DVD by burning the ISO image completely. It is designed with advanced CD/DVD based programs and is technically advanced to access the games, music and software using the virtual drive. So, you can easily create a virtual drive space using gBurner Virtual Drive and use it as a real CD/DVD-ROM. It provides the user with a platform where they can run any program or play games or compute other tasks using the virtual created CD or DVD drive.
- Features of gBurner Virtual Drive:
- ●Easily create virtual data, audio and video discs in various types, including CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, BD-R, BD-RE, etc.
- ●It is helpful in the creation of multisession discs and bootable USB drives.
- ●It gives great support to ISO 9660, Joliet and UDF file systems.
- ●You can easily copy CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs using it.
- ●Audio CD-TEXT, MP3, wma, wav, flac, ape and ogg formats are supported.
- ●It enables the user to easily open, create, modify, extract, compress, convert and burn the disc image file to CD/DVD-ROM.
- ●This tool works automatically to analyze all the disc image files.
- ●You can mount wim, vmdk, vhd, and vdi virtual disk image files.
8. Free ISO Burner
Free ISO Burner is a free service to burn the image file and convert it to a CD/DVD-ROM. It supports a wide range of image files and CD/DVD-ROM drives. You can create CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, HD DVD and Blu ray Disc. This tool is capable to write all the data directly to created drives. There is no requirement to mention of virtual drives for the emulation of physical drives.
- Features of Free ISO Burner:
- ●It takes a few simple steps to complete the process.
- ●It allows the user to select the drivers, customize the disk volume, burn speed, burn cache size and abort the burning process.
- ●It gives great support to a bootable CD image file.
- ●You can select the final disc which you want to play using the virtual drive.
9. ISO Workshop
Here comes another application which you can get on your PC for the management of the ISO image and CD/DVD-ROM. It is a well-designed program with complex codes and allows the user to work with the mounting and creating process in an innovative way. You can easily use this site for the conversation of ISO images, extraction of the disc images to convert and burn it to make CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc.
- Features of ISO Workshop:
- ●It is capable to burn an image or any other disc image and convert it to CD/DVD/Blu-ray disc.
- ●It allows the user to create a standard or bootable ISO which is compatible with any file system.
- ●Extraction of disc images is also done using the application.
- ●It enables the user to copy and convert CD/DVD/BD to ISO image.
- ●It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
10. OSFMount
OSFMount is used for only mounting of images and disk files. You will not be able to create a disc space using this tool. Get this application downloaded on your device and mount all the local disk image files with a drive letter.
- Features of OSFMount:
- ●It takes the use of mounted volume’s drive letter for the analyzation and read of the disk image file.
- ●It won’t let the mounting process alter the original image files.
- ●It takes the image files for the read-only process.
11. Pismo File Mount
Iso Mounting Software Free
Here comes another application which is available with mount only option. You can easily mount ZIP, ISO, Compact ISO, Compact File Set and Private Folder files and convert them to the various file system as virtual drives. You can customize its services as per your choice an select the usage i.e., personal and professional.
- Features of Pismo File Mount:
- ●It enables the user to mount the zip files in the read-only format. The application accesses its content and converts it into the disk space.
- ●It supports ISO and CISO image formats.
- ●It had an imbuing CD/DVD image file reader and compact file set, reader.
12. TotalMount
TotalMount gives the complete solution to mount CD/DVD and create a virtual drive. It burns the ISO image file without accessing the optical disk. It analyses the system and automatically selects the drive to be burn.
- Features of TotalMount:
- ●It is featured with CD-RW, DVD+RW and CD/DVD-ROM emulator.
- ●It us capable to mount the iStorage Server and another iSCSI target with the help of iSCSI initiator.
- ●It allows the user to mount and create an image file and VHD files.
- ●It renders 8 virtual drives and a simple management tool to set up the virtual drives.
- ●It is compatible with x86 and x64 machines.
- ●It does not out any restriction on disk capacity, RAM or installation of the hard disk.
13. ImDisk Toolkit
It is a simple tool which is used for mounting image files belonging to hard-drive, CD-ROM or Floppy. You can also create one or more RAM disk depending upon the various factors.
Iso Mounter Mac
- Features of ImDisk Toolkit:
- ●It is powered with various tools like ImDisk Virtual Disk Driver and DiscUtils library.
- ●You can easily customize the number of image files and use other features for mounting.
- ●It has a simple and interactive interface.
Final Verdict
So, now you are aware of these top 13 applications that can be used to mount ISO files and create virtual drives. All of these applications are already being used by millions of people worldwide, and each of them has their own set of features.
With the help of these applications, it is just a piece of cake to mount ISO as well as other image files, like CUE, CCD, MDS/MDF, NRG, and IMG. Therefore, you will need to choose the one which suits your needs the best.
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