How to Extract ISO Image File without Burning to Disc

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2024 by |


Extracting the contents of an ISO image file without burning it to a physical disc is a common task, especially for users who want quick access to software, backups, or operating system files stored in this format. An ISO image is a single file that contains an exact copy of everything on a disc, such as a DVD or CD, allowing it to be replicated or stored digitally. While ISOs are often used to create bootable discs, you can also access and work with them directly on your computer without any physical media.


There are several ways to extract an ISO file, from built-in system tools to specialized software designed to mount or unpack ISO images. Windows 10 and macOS users, for example, can mount ISOs directly without extra software, turning the file into a virtual drive. For other needs, tools like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or DAEMON Tools offer simple solutions for unpacking or mounting ISOs, making it easy to view and copy contents. Below, we’ll cover what an ISO image is and how to open it with different methods.

What is an ISO Image File?

An ISO image file is a digital archive of a physical disc, such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray. It’s an exact copy of all the data on the disc, stored as a single file with an “.iso” extension, capturing everything from the data structure to the specific files and folders on the original disc. This format is widely used for distributing software, operating systems, and games, as it allows the original disc’s structure to be replicated easily and precisely, preserving the data in a single, transportable file.

The name “ISO” is derived from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which set the standard (ISO 9660) for optical disc formats, ensuring compatibility across different devices and operating systems. ISO files are commonly used for software installations and system backups, and they allow users to mount, burn, or extract the contents onto a computer, making the process of installation or data retrieval faster and more convenient than with a physical disc.

How to Extract ISO Image File

Method 1: Using Built-in Tools (Windows 10 and Later)

Windows 10 and later versions include a built-in ISO mounting feature, making it easy to access ISO files without additional software.

  1. Locate the ISO File: Find the ISO file you want to extract in File Explorer.
  2. Mount the ISO: Right-click on the ISO file and select Mount from the context menu. This will create a virtual drive, which will appear as a new drive in “This PC” (or “My Computer”).
  3. Access the ISO Contents: Click on the virtual drive to view and access the files inside, just like with any other folder.
  4. Copy Files (Optional): To extract the contents, copy and paste them from the virtual drive to a folder on your computer.
  5. Unmount the ISO: When you’re finished, right-click on the virtual drive and select Eject to unmount it.

Method 2: Using File Extraction Software (Windows & macOS)

Several file extraction tools, like 7-Zip, WinRAR (for Windows), and The Unarchiver (for macOS), can unpack ISO files directly into a folder. This method is useful if you don’t need to mount the ISO but only want to access the files inside.

For Windows (7-Zip or WinRAR)

  1. Download and Install: 7-Zip is free, and WinRAR offers a free trial.
  2. Open the ISO File:
    • Right-click the ISO file, and select 7-Zip > Extract Here (or Extract to [folder name] to create a folder).
    • With WinRAR, select Extract files to specify a folder where you want to save the ISO’s contents.
  3. Access the Extracted Files: Once extraction is complete, navigate to the folder to access the files directly.

For macOS (The Unarchiver)

  1. Download The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store.
  2. Open the ISO File: Double-click the ISO file. The Unarchiver will prompt you to specify an extraction location.
  3. Access the Extracted Files: Once extraction is finished, you can open the designated folder to view and use the files.

Method 3: Using Virtual Drive Software (Windows and macOS)

Virtual drive software, like DAEMON Tools or Virtual CloneDrive for Windows, allows you to mount ISO files as virtual drives, similar to inserting a physical disc.


For Windows (DAEMON Tools or Virtual CloneDrive)

  1. Download and Install the Software: DAEMON Tools Lite (has a free version) or Virtual CloneDrive (free).
  2. Open the Program and choose to Mount the ISO:
    • In DAEMON Tools, click Quick Mount, select your ISO file, and it will appear as a virtual drive.
    • In Virtual CloneDrive, right-click the ISO file, select Mount (Virtual CloneDrive), and it will open as a virtual drive.
  3. Access the Virtual Drive: The ISO will show up in “This PC” as a new drive. You can open it to view or copy the files.
  4. Unmount the ISO: Right-click the virtual drive and select Eject when you’re done.

For macOS (Disk Utility)

macOS users can also mount ISOs without third-party tools using Disk Utility.

  1. Open Disk Utility: Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  2. Mount the ISO: Go to File > Open Disk Image, select your ISO file, and it will appear as a mounted drive in Finder.
  3. Access and Copy Files: Open Finder, locate the drive, and you can view or copy files from it.
  4. Eject the Drive: When you’re finished, right-click the mounted drive in Finder and select Eject.

Method 4: Using PowerShell or Command Line (Advanced)

For advanced users on Windows, PowerShell provides a way to mount ISO files from the command line:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Mount the ISO: Enter Command
    • Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:\path\to\your\file.iso"
  3. Access the Mounted Drive:
    • The ISO will mount as a new drive in “This PC,” which you can open to access the files.
  4. Unmount the ISO: Use the command:
    • Dismount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:\path\to\your\file.iso"

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about ISO image files and how to work with them:

1. What is an ISO file used for?

An ISO file is commonly used to distribute large software packages, operating systems, games, or backups of discs. By packaging all data into a single file, ISOs simplify downloading, sharing, and preserving data.

2. How do I open an ISO file on my computer?

Many modern operating systems, like Windows 10 and macOS, support ISO mounting natively, allowing you to open ISO files as virtual drives. Alternatively, extraction software like 7-Zip or DAEMON Tools can open ISOs.

3. Is an ISO file the same as a bootable file?

Not exactly. While many ISO files contain bootable software, like operating system installation files, an ISO itself is just a container. To make it bootable, it needs to be properly created with a bootable structure.

4. Can I burn an ISO to a USB drive?

Yes, with tools like Rufus or UNetbootin (for Windows, macOS, and Linux), you can create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file. This is especially useful for installing operating systems or running software on devices without optical drives.

5. How do I extract files from an ISO without burning it to a disc?

You can use software like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or The Unarchiver (macOS) to extract files directly. Alternatively, mounting the ISO on your system makes the contents accessible as if it were a physical drive.

6. Are ISO files safe to download and use?

ISO files are generally safe if downloaded from reputable sources. However, downloading from unofficial sites can pose security risks, as malicious ISOs may contain malware or viruses.

7. What’s the difference between mounting and extracting an ISO?

Mounting an ISO creates a virtual drive, allowing you to interact with it as if it were a physical disc. Extracting, however, unpacks the files to a folder on your computer, making the files accessible without a virtual drive.

8. Can I create my own ISO file?

Yes, with disc authoring software like ImgBurn (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS), you can create ISO images from folders, files, or physical discs for easy sharing and storage.

9. What’s the best software for working with ISO files?

It depends on your needs. For mounting, Windows Explorer (Windows 10 and later), Disk Utility (macOS), and DAEMON Tools are popular. For extraction, 7-Zip, WinRAR, and The Unarchiver are reliable choices.

10. Why won’t my ISO file open or mount?

Some ISOs might be corrupted or incomplete, causing errors when mounting or opening. Try downloading the file again or using different software to check for issues.

Read Also: How to Make Bootable USB using Rufus and UNetbootin


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