![](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_58420bb58a462.png)
On Windows 8 and 10, Windows finally offers a built-in way to mount ISO disc image files. If you’re using Windows 7, you’ll need a third-party tool.
Mounting an ISO Image in Windows 8, 8.1 or 10
On Windows 8 and 10, Windows has the built-in ability to mount both ISO disc image and VHD virtual hard drive image files. You have three options. You can:
- Double-click an ISO file to mount it. This won’t work if you have ISO files associated with another program on your system.
- Right-click an ISO file and select the “Mount” option.
- Select the file in File Explorer and and click the “Mount” button under the “Disk Image Tools” tab on the ribbon.
![](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_58420aa38fa75.png)
Once you’ve mounted the disc image, you’ll see it appear as a new drive under This PC. Right-click the drive and select “Eject” to unmount the ISO file when you’re done.
![](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_584203aa34ea3.png)
Mounting an ISO Image in Windows 7 or Vista
On older versions of Windows, you’ll need a third-party application to mount ISO image files. We like WinCDEmu, a simple and open-source disc mounting program. It supports ISO files and other disc image formats.
WinCDEmu is even useful on Windows 8 and 10, where it will allow you to mount the BIN/CUE, NRG, MDS/MDF, CCD, and IMG image files that Windows still doesn’t offer built-in support for.
Install WinCDEmu and give it permission to install the hardware driver it requires. After you do, just double-click a disc image file to mount it. You can also right-click a disc image file and click “Select drive letter & mount” in the context menu.
![](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_584208cfdb39f.png)
You’ll see a simple interface for choosing the drive letter and other basic options. Click “OK” and the mounted image will appear under Computer. To unmount the disc image when you’re done, right-click the virtual disc drive and select “Eject”.
![](https://www.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_58420981400ba.png)
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