WinRAR, an iconic name in the world of digital compression tools, has become almost synonymous with file extraction. Its prowess is not limited to just ZIP and RAR files; many users might be unaware that WinRAR also possesses the capability to handle ISO files. ISO files, often used for optical disk images, can be a challenge to deal with, especially if one does not have the right tools. But with WinRAR, a program that needs no elaborate introduction due to its widespread acclaim, this task becomes effortlessly simple. So, ever wondered how to unlock the contents of an ISO file using this renowned software? Let’s delve into it.
WinRAR, an iconic name in the digital compression realm, has seamlessly blended into our daily tech rituals, especially when dealing with ZIP and RAR files. However, a lesser-known fact about this stalwart software is its capability to tackle ISO files. By default, ISO – also known as a disk image – isn’t associated with WinRAR. This means that when you double-click on an ISO file in Windows 10, it mounts automatically onto a virtual drive. Yet, if you’re curious about the contents within an ISO file without mounting it, simply right-click on the ISO and select the “Open with WinRAR” option. This action unveils the ISO’s contents, proving once again the versatility of WinRAR in managing a range of file formats.
For a more streamlined experience, you can associate the ISO extension with WinRAR. By doing so, you enable the direct opening of ISO files in WinRAR simply by double-clicking them. Consequently, this means that the ISO file will not automatically mount to the virtual CD-ROM of Windows 11/10.
How to open an ISO file using WinRAR?
Read the below-mentioned steps to open an ISO file using WinRAR:-
Step 1. Let’s start with downloading, installing, and launching the WinRAR tool on your computer.
Step 2. Now, click on Options and select Settings from the WinRAR menu.
Step 3. After that, click on the Integration tab under the Settings window of WinRAR.
Step 4. Once you install the WinRAR app, it is associated with RAR, ZIP, 7Z, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, GZ, LZ, LZH, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z, ZIPX, and 001 file types by default. Moreover, ISO remains unchecked by default. Select the ISO and then click on the OK button to associate ISO with WinRAR.
Step 5. After this setting is applied, you can see that the ISO files icon has been replaced with WinRAR.
Step 6. Now, when you double-click on the ISO file, it will be opened in the WinRAR app by default.
Download WinRAR
You can download the latest version of WinRAR software from here. Please make sure you check your Windows operating system version before downloading WinRAR, as it comes with different setup files for different versions like 32-bit and 64-bit.
Conclusion
WinRAR is not just a tool for extracting ZIP and RAR files but also an efficient software for managing ISO files. With simple settings adjustments, users can easily associate ISO files with WinRAR and access their contents without needing to mount them. It’s clear that the versatility of WinRAR extends beyond basic file compression and serves as an all-encompassing solution for various file formats.
