How to Run an ISO File on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

ISO files are like digital containers — they hold the full contents of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc in one single file. If you’ve downloaded software, games, or operating system images, chances are they came as an ISO file. But many users ask: How do I run an ISO file on Windows 11?

The good news is that Windows 11 makes it incredibly easy. You no longer need third-party software for basic tasks — mounting and running ISO files is built right in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to run an ISO file in Windows 11, whether you want to install software, create a bootable USB, or explore the files inside.

Table of Contents

📌 Key Takeaways

Windows 11 has native ISO mounting support — no extra software required.
You can run ISO files by mounting them in File Explorer or burning them to USB/DVD.
ISO files are commonly used for Windows installations, games, and backup images.
Third-party tools like PowerISO, Daemon Tools, or Rufus provide extra features if needed.

What is an ISO File?

An ISO file is a digital replica of a disc — a sector-by-sector copy saved as a single file.

Think of it as a zip file for CDs/DVDs, but instead of compressed files, it preserves the full disc structure.

Common uses:

Windows installation media (Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft).
Game or software installers.
Backup images of discs.

Why Run an ISO File on Windows 11?

You might need to run an ISO file for:

Installing Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Accessing software distributed as ISO.
Playing old DVD-based games without physical discs.
Creating bootable USB drives.
Backing up important discs.

Step 1: Locate the ISO File

First, ensure you have the ISO file downloaded.

Official Windows ISOs → Download from Microsoft’s site.
Game/software ISOs → From developers or trusted distributors.

⚠️ Always download ISOs from official sources to avoid malware.

Step 2: Mount the ISO File (Built-in Windows 11 Method)

Windows 11 lets you “mount” ISO files so they behave like a virtual DVD.

Open File Explorer (Win + E).
Navigate to the ISO file.
Right-click the file → Select Mount.
A new virtual drive will appear under This PC.

👉 You can now browse or run the setup file inside, just like inserting a real disc.

Step 3: Run the ISO File Setup

Once mounted:

Open the new virtual drive.
Double-click setup.exe (or similar).
Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

This method works for most software, games, and Windows installation media.

Step 4: Burn ISO to USB or DVD (For Bootable Media)

Sometimes you need the ISO to boot your system (like installing Windows 11).

Option 1: Use Rufus (USB Bootable Drive)

Download Rufus (free).
Insert a 16GB+ USB drive.
Open Rufus → Select the ISO file.
Choose Partition Scheme = GPT (for UEFI).
Click Start.

Option 2: Burn ISO to DVD

Insert a blank DVD.
Right-click the ISO file → Select Burn disc image.
Choose the DVD drive → Click Burn.

Step 5: Extract ISO Contents (Optional)

If you don’t want to mount, you can simply extract the ISO.

Right-click the ISO file.
Choose Extract All (built-in tool) or use WinRAR/7-Zip.
Browse the extracted folder → Run the setup.

Step 6: Use Third-Party ISO Tools (Advanced Features)

For power users, third-party apps provide more flexibility:

Daemon Tools → Best for mounting multiple ISOs.
PowerISO → Create, edit, and compress ISO files.
Virtual CloneDrive → Lightweight virtual drive tool.

Troubleshooting Common ISO Issues

❓ “Mount” Option Missing in Right-Click Menu

Ensure File Explorer is the default app for ISO.
Right-click → Open with > Windows Explorer.

❓ ISO File Won’t Open

File might be corrupted → Re-download.
Try extracting instead of mounting.

❓ Bootable USB Doesn’t Work

Check BIOS/UEFI boot order.
Recreate USB with Rufus or Media Creation Tool.

Best Practices for Handling ISO Files

Always scan ISO files with antivirus before running.
Keep a backup of important ISOs on external storage.
Delete ISOs after installation to save space (they can be large).

Conclusion

Running an ISO file on Windows 11 is easier than ever. You can mount it directly in File Explorer, extract its contents, or burn it to a USB/DVD for bootable installations. Whether you’re installing Windows, playing a game, or accessing backup images, these step-by-step methods will help you get the job done smoothly.

With built-in support and optional third-party tools, Windows 11 gives you full control over ISO files without hassle.

FAQs: How to Run an ISO File on Windows 11

1. Can Windows 11 open ISO files without extra software?
Yes, Windows 11 has built-in ISO mounting support.

2. How do I install Windows 11 from an ISO file?
Create a bootable USB using Rufus or Media Creation Tool, then boot from it.

3. Do I need Daemon Tools on Windows 11?
Not for basic ISO mounting, but it helps if you need multiple virtual drives.

4. Can I delete the ISO after installing software?
Yes, once the software or OS is installed, the ISO file is no longer needed.

5. Why won’t my ISO file run?
It may be corrupted, incomplete, or not a valid ISO. Try re-downloading.