In the world of computing, ISO files have always played an essential role. These digital containers encapsulate all the installation files necessary to run a program, making it easier to distribute large software suites like Microsoft Office and even the Windows operating system itself. Thanks to their ability to prevent data corruption and preserve exact formatting, ISO files have become the preferred choice for many. Recognizing this importance, Microsoft incorporated a built-in option in its operating system to mount these ISO files. As with other regular files, users can download ISOs directly from the internet, ready for mounting. However, with the evolution of Windows, some users have reported an issue where the mount option mysteriously disappears from the context menu in Windows 11. In this guide, we’ll delve into the steps to fix the missing mount option, ensuring you continue to harness the power and convenience of ISO files seamlessly.
You can mount the Windows 11 ISO file on Windows 10 to run the setup process if your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements or mount the ISO file on Windows 11 for a direct upgrade.
Forget about everything, but the main thing is that the mount is missing on your Windows 11 that you want to fix or restore. This risewindows article will show you how to restore the missing mount option on Windows 11.
How to Fix the Missing Mount Option on Windows 11 using the Properties dialog?
To restore the missing mount option on Windows 11 context menu, do the following steps:-
Step 1. First, right-click the ISO file and select the Properties to open the “Properties” dialog box.
Step 2. In the Properties window that opens, select the General tab and then click the Change button beside the “Open with” option.
Step 3. When Windows prompts how you want to open ISO files from now on, select the Windows Explorer option and then click OK. If you don’t find the “Windows Explorer,” then click the “More apps” link to find it.
Step 4. Once it is complete, click the Apply and then OK button to save the changes.
After completing the above steps, when you right-click the ISO file, it will show the Mount option on the context menu. Also, the next time you double-click on an ISO file, it will automatically mount on a virtual optical drive.
How to Restore the Missing Mount Option in Windows 11 from the Context Menu?
Follow these steps to restore the missing Mount option in Windows 11 from the Context Menu:-
Step 1. First, right-click on the ISO file and then select “Open with”> “Choose another app.”
Step 2. When Windows prompts how you want to open .ISO files from now on, select the Windows Explorer option and then click OK. If you don’t find the “Windows Explorer,” click the “More apps” link.
Step 3. When it is complete, click the Apply and then OK button to save the changes.
Next time, when you double-click on an ISO file, it will automatically mount on a virtual optical drive. Also, when you right-click on the ISO file, it will show the “Mount” option on the context menu.
Also, Windows 11 has inbuilt support of .IMG files. Similar steps will fix the issues if you cannot mount it to a virtual optical drive.
Also Read: How to Reset Quick Settings on Windows 11?
Conclusion
ISO files are instrumental in the computing world, especially for software distribution. Windows 11, like its predecessors, recognizes this importance and provides a native option for mounting these files. However, for users facing the disappearance of the mount option in Windows 11, the solutions mentioned above offer a step-by-step guide to restore it. Whether using the Properties dialog or the Context Menu, users can easily bring back the essential mount option, ensuring smooth interactions with ISO files on their system.
