How to Mount an ISO Image

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to use an ISO file without first burning it to a disc by "mounting" it onto your computer's CD drive. You can mount an ISO on both Windows and Mac computers.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

On Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the folder icon in the lower-left side of the Start window.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the folder in which your ISO is stored (e.g., Downloads ) on the left side of the File Explorer, then open any additional folders in the main window until you arrive at your ISO file.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the ISO file to select it.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this option in the upper-left side of the window. A toolbar will appear below it.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":551,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the "Manage" section of the toolbar. Doing so will mount your ISO file onto your computer's CD drive.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This folder is on the left side of the File Explorer, though you may need to scroll up or down on the left-hand column to see it.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Double-click your ISO's name below the "Devices and drives" heading in This PC. It will resemble a CD on a drive. Your ISO's contents will open.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

On Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the blue, face-like app in your Mac's dock.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the folder in which your ISO is stored (e.g., Downloads ) on the left side of the Finder, then open any additional folders in the main window until you arrive at your ISO file.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":553,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will immediately mount the ISO to your Mac.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid516527-v4-728px-Mount-an-ISO-Image-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the left-hand column of the Finder, you should see your ISO's name appear below the "Devices" heading; click it here to open the ISO.
    • You can also double-click the ISO icon that appears on your Mac's desktop after mounting.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

On Linux

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Open a terminal window or TTY console if you do not have one open already. See How to Open a Terminal Window in Ubuntu for instructions if you are using Ubuntu.
  2. 2
    Create a directory to use as a mountpoint. This is the directory you go to to view the contents of the ISO image. Directories in Linux are created with the mkdir command. For example:

    mkdir /home/wikihow/iso

    will create a directory named iso in the home directory of the user wikihow .
  3. 3
    Enter the mount command with the proper paths and options
    4. Advertisement
  • If your Linux distribution uses the sudo command, enter sudo mount -o ro /path/to/iso/image /home/wikihow/iso
  • If your Linux distribution does not use the sudo command, enter the command su . You will be prompted for a password. After entering it, you will have a root shell. Then enter mount -o ro ' /path/to/iso/image' ' /home/wikihow/iso'
  • Note: ISO images are always mounted read-only (ro). Using the -o ro option simply removes the warning about being write-protected.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if I don't have a CD drive?
    Emberos.exe
    Community Answer
    Then you can always extract the ISO files with the UltraISO application. There are a lot of tutorials online on how to use UltraISO.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 13
  • Question
    Can I use this with games?
    Zachary Underwood
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you've downloaded a .ISO file and it is a game, then you can mount it and run setup/play it!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 15
  • Question
    Will the Windows 8 section work in Windows 10?
    joeycode2
    Community Answer
    There are alternative instructions provided in another answer; however, the instructions may work as-is.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Just because you can open your ISO doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be able to run it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Change the Timezone in Linux
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      How to
      Remove Write Protection from a USB Pen Drive
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      How to
      Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to
      Add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire Tablet
      How to
      Format a Write–Protected Pen Drive
      How to
      Turn on Backlit Keyboard on Lenovo
      How to
      Listen to Police Radio Online: Best Apps & Websites
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 681,888 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Dec 5, 2016

        "Simple, clear, concise instructions with pics. Thank you."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement