An ISO file is a disc image: one file that contains the contents of a CD, DVD, Blu-ray, or installer disc. Windows 10 and 11 can mount ISO files as virtual DVD drives without extra software.
This guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 using File Explorer’s built-in ISO support.
Does This Affect You?
Use mounting when you need to open files inside an ISO, install software from it, or run Windows setup without burning the image to a physical disc.
Mount the ISO File
- Open File Explorer and browse to the folder with the .iso file.
- Double-click the ISO. Windows should mount it and open its contents.
- If double-clicking opens another app, right-click the ISO and choose Mount.
- Open This PC. The ISO appears as a DVD drive with its own drive letter.
Eject the ISO When Finished
- Open File Explorer and go to This PC.
- Right-click the virtual DVD drive created from the ISO.
- Choose Eject.
- The drive letter disappears, but the original ISO file remains where it was.
Fix ISO Mounting Problems
- Confirm the filename really ends in .iso from Properties.
- If another app took over ISO files, right-click the ISO, choose Open with, select File Explorer, and make it the default for ISO files.
- If mounting still fails, re-download the ISO because partial downloads often cannot mount.
- Use 7-Zip or another trusted archive tool to extract contents if mounting is not required.
Extra ISO Tips
Mount with PowerShell
For scripts, run Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:pathfile.iso". To eject it, run Dismount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:pathfile.iso".
Run Windows Setup from an ISO
Mounting a Windows ISO and running setup.exe can perform an in-place upgrade or repair install while keeping files and apps. It does not replace booting from USB for installing onto an empty drive.
Architecture Errors
If setup says the app cannot run on your PC, the ISO may be the wrong architecture or edition. Download the correct 64-bit or matching installer from the original source.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Mount or dismount an ISO image
- Microsoft Learn: Mount-DiskImage PowerShell cmdlet
- Microsoft Support: Create installation media for Windows