An ISO file, often termed as an ISO image, represents a comprehensive replica of an entire disc, whether it be CD, DVD, or BD. Picturing an ISO file is akin to envisioning a box filled with disassembled toy parts. While the box itself might not be playable, the components inside, once assembled, turn into the toy you desire. In the realm of digital storage, these ISO files serve as containers, encapsulating every fragment of data from a disc into a singular file. Embracing modern technological advancements, Microsoft integrated an inherent capability to mount ISO files directly from Windows 8 onwards. This trend has been seamlessly carried over to Windows 11, rendering the process even more straightforward. Thus, for users who might be pondering over third-party applications to manage ISO files, Windows 11 eradicates the necessity, offering native support to effortlessly mount these files. Dive into this risewindows article as we illuminate the steps to proficiently mount an ISO file on Windows 11.
How to Mount and Unmount an ISO File on Windows 11 using File Explorer?
On a Windows 11 PC, you can mount ISO files in two ways:-
Mount ISO Image with a Double-click
In Windows 11, open File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys to quickly mount an ISO file and then browse to the folder with the ISO image. Lastly, double-click the .iso file to mount it.
Once you execute the above steps, the ISO file will open like any other folder, allowing you to access and extract the contents as necessary. It will also be visible in File Explorer, just like a CD/DVD drive.
Mount the image from the right-click context menu
To mount an ISO image from the File Explorer context menu, open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E keys simultaneously or any other method. Now, browse the folder that stores the ISO image. Then, right-click the .iso file and select the Mount option.
Once you perform the above steps, you can access the image file’s contents by opening the virtual drive from File Explorer.
Unmount image on Windows 11
When you have done with the mounted image and are no longer required, you can quickly unmount it by right-clicking the virtual drive under This PC and selecting the Eject option. Let me delve into detail.
Step 1. Firstly, double-click on This PC icon on the desktop and right-click on the virtual CD drive.
Step 2. Then, click on the Eject from the context menu.
After performing the above steps, the ISO file will be unmounted. If you want to reaccess its content, you need to mount it again.
Also Read: How to Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft?
Conclusion
Mounting and unmounting ISO files in Windows 11 is an effortless procedure, thanks to the built-in features provided by Microsoft. No longer are third-party tools a necessity for this task. By following the simple steps mentioned in this guide, users can proficiently handle ISO images directly from File Explorer, ensuring a smooth experience.
