Archives & disk images · .iso
What Is an ISO File?
A .iso file is an exact copy of a CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc in one file.
- Extension
- .iso
- Full name
- ISO disc image
- Type
- Archive
- MIME type
- application/x-iso9660-image
Free ISO Tools
These run in your browser. Your ISO files are never uploaded.
About ISO Files
An ISO file is a complete, sector-by-sector image of an optical disc, named after the ISO 9660 file system used by CDs. Operating systems such as Windows and Linux are distributed as ISO files, which you can mount like a virtual disc or write to a USB drive to install the system. Windows and macOS can mount ISO files directly, so you can browse the contents without burning a disc.
How to Open an ISO File
- Windows
- Double-click to mount it as a virtual drive in File Explorer.
- Mac
- Double-click to mount it in Finder.
- Linux
- Open it with the file manager or mount it with mount -o loop.
- Bootable USB
- Use Rufus, balenaEtcher or the Windows Media Creation Tool to write it to a USB drive.
ISO File Questions
How do I install Windows or Linux from an ISO?
Write the ISO to a USB drive with Rufus or balenaEtcher, then start the computer from that drive.
How do I check an ISO download isn't corrupted?
Compare its SHA-256 checksum with the one on the download page. The Checksum Calculator on this site computes it in your browser.