An ISO file is a complete disc image, commonly used for Windows installation media, Linux distributions, and software that used to ship on DVDs. Windows 10 and 11 can open ISO files without any extra software by mounting them: Windows treats the file like a DVD in a virtual drive. This guide shows how to mount and unmount an ISO, run setup from it, and fix a missing Mount option.
Quick Answer
In File Explorer, double-click the ISO file, or right-click it and choose Mount. It opens as a new DVD Drive in This PC. When you’re done, right-click that drive and choose Eject.
Method 1: Double-Click or Right-Click > Mount
- Open File Explorer and find the .iso file (often in Downloads).
- Double-click it, or right-click and choose Mount.
- File Explorer opens the virtual drive with the ISO’s contents.
- Browse the files, copy what you need, or run the installer (for example, setup.exe).
In Windows 10, you can also select the ISO and click Manage > Mount on the File Explorer ribbon.
Method 2: PowerShell
- Mount: Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath “C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\file.iso”
- Unmount: Dismount-DiskImage -ImagePath “C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\file.iso”
Useful for scripts and automation.
Unmount (Eject) the ISO
- Open This PC, right-click the virtual DVD drive, and choose Eject.
- Restarting the PC also unmounts ISO files.
Install Windows or Software From a Mounted ISO
- Software: Run the setup program from the mounted drive, just like a DVD.
- Windows upgrade: Run setup.exe from a mounted Windows ISO to upgrade or repair-install while keeping your files and apps.
- Clean install on another PC: A mounted ISO can’t boot a computer. Create a bootable USB instead with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or Rufus. See our guide to creating a Windows 11 bootable USB.
Mount Option Missing?
- Another app (like an archive or disc-burning program) has taken over ISO files. Right-click the ISO, choose Open with > Windows Explorer, and check Always use this app. Or set it in Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type (.iso > Windows Explorer).
- The ISO is on a network drive or inside a ZIP file. Copy or extract it to a local folder first.
Error: “Couldn’t Mount File”
- “The disc image file is corrupted”: The download may be incomplete. Download it again and compare the checksum if the site provides one.
- Sparse or compressed file: Windows can’t mount ISOs marked as sparse or stored with NTFS compression. Right-click the file, choose Properties > Advanced, uncheck Compress contents, or copy the file to another folder.
- Blocked download: Right-click the ISO, choose Properties, check Unblock if shown, and click OK, only for files from sources you trust.
For physical disks, see mounting a drive in Windows 11.
Summary
- Double-click the ISO or right-click and choose Mount.
- Use it like a DVD in This PC.
- Right-click the drive and choose Eject when finished.
- Use a bootable USB, not a mounted ISO, for clean installs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.