What is a .ISO file?
An ISO file is like a digital copy of everything on a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray, including the stuff you don't see, like the menu structure and computer instructions. People use ISO files to make exact copies of their discs to share, save as a backup, or to download software from the internet onto their computers. For example, you can get the Windows 11 operating system as an ISO file from the internet and use it to set up your computer.
You can do different things with ISO files, like looking inside them to see the files, copying them onto a blank disc, or making your computer think there's a disc inserted when there isn't by "mounting" the ISO file. This is handy because you don't need the physical disc.
To open or use ISO files, you can use various programs. Some of these are: - For Windows, there's File Viewer Plus, Microsoft File Explorer (which comes with your computer), Nero 2022, and PowerISO. - On Macs, you can use DiskImageMounter and Apple Disk Utility (both are included with the operating system), Roxio Toast 20, and Parallels Desktop for Mac 19. - For Linux users, options include Furius ISO Mount, Brasero, and K3b. - There are also universal programs like VideoLAN VLC media player, 7-Zip, and WinRAR that work on multiple operating systems. - If you're using a web browser, tools like 123apps Archive Extractor and ezyZip can help you work with ISO files online. - Even on Android devices, apps like RARLAB RAR and Limbo PC Emulator can handle ISO files.
ISO files are big because they're an exact sector-by-sector image of a disc, including all the data and the way it's organized. This is different from just copying files from a disc because some information, like how the disc starts up, wouldn't be copied. Before we could stream movies and music, people used to copy, share, or back up their discs by making ISO files. When you download an ISO file for software or an operating system, it's like getting the whole disc from the internet, ready to use for installation or to run on a virtual machine.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .ISO file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.