How to Mount an ISO File in Windows 10/11

In this article, you'll learn how to mount an ISO image in Windows 10/11 and the most common issues people encounter when mounting ISOs in Windows 10 and 11. You'll also find out how to safely recover a deleted ISO file.

So without further ado, read on for the details.

Overview of ISO Images

First of all, before you learn the methods to mount ISO images, you should know what an ISO image is.

An ISO image is a disk image that serves as an archive of all the sector data and the file system found on a disc. The ISO file extension stems from the ISO 9660 file system used for CD-ROM media. However, ISO images also incorporate the Universal Disk Format (UDF) file system, which is applicable to Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

Here are various methods to help you mount ISO images smoothly in Windows 10/11.

How to use File Explorer to create a bootable USB Windows 10 installer

The first way to mount an ISO file is through the File Explorer. Here, there are three distinct methods of using the File Explorer, so we'll go through all three in hopes of successfully mounting the ISO image.

1. Mount an image using the right-click menu

The easiest way to mount an ISO file through File Explorer is via the right-click context menu, and the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Open File Explorer and search for the folder containing the ISO image file.

Step 2: Right-click the ISO file.

Step 3: Now click on the "Load" option from the context menu.

Step 4: Select a virtual drive from the left pane.

2. Double-click to mount the image

Here's an explanation of the second simplest way to mount an ISO file using File Explorer, with easy steps.

Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2: Now, navigate to the folder containing the ISO image file.

3. Once you've found the folder, double-click the ISO file.

Step 4: When you double-click on it, the file will open in a separate folder. From there, you can extract and access its contents as needed.

3. Use the “Load” option from the ribbon menu to mount the ISO file.

In addition to the above two steps, if you want to mount an ISO image file or disk from the menu, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open File Explorer.

Step 2. Next, navigate to the folder that contains your ISO image file, then select the ISO file.

Step 3. At the top of the screen, click on the option that says “Disk Image Utility.”

Step 5: Click on “Mount” in the top-left corner of the screen.

Since most users rely on third-party tools to open and run compressed files, the “Mount” option often doesn't appear in the ribbon menu. In that case, these tools are usually set as the default for opening ISO images. So, if you don't see the “Mount” option in the ribbon menu, try one of the other two methods to mount an ISO image through File Explorer.

How to Mount an ISO Image Using Windows PowerShell

Some users prefer to use the pre-installed "Command Prompt" app in Windows 10 and 11. If that's your case, you can mount an ISO file using PowerShell. To do so, follow these steps with PowerShell commands.

Step 1: Click on "Start" on your desktop/laptop. Search for "PowerShell."

Step 2: Right-click it and run it as administrator.

Step 3: Type the following command and press Enter: Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "Full path of ISO file".

In this command, make sure to replace "CompletePathToISO" with the actual path of the ISO file you want to mount. Once done, you've successfully mounted an ISO file on Windows 10 and 11. For a clearer understanding, here's an example:

How to Quickly Recover Deleted or Lost ISO Image Files

ISO files are usually large and can be used multiple times. Users who accidentally delete ISO files can seek assistance from a data recovery tool. This file recovery utility enables users to restore deleted files from any device, be it HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, external hard drive, regardless of the file type.

This tool helps you recover data once from corrupted, damaged, formatted, or RAW hard drive. With just three simple steps and no strict technical requirements, you can quickly restore over 1000 file types with this data recovery software.

Step 1: Select the location to scan

Select the specific device or drive from where you Shift+deleted or emptied Recycle Bin to permanently remove files. Then, click on the “Scan” button to look for the lost files.

Step 2: Check the results

The software will automatically start scanning everything on the selected drive. Once the scan is complete, select the "Deleted Files" and "Other Lost Files" folders in the left panel. Then, use the "Filter" feature or click on the "Search for a file or folder" button to quickly locate the deleted file.

Step 3: Recover the deleted files

Select the deleted files you want to restore, and click “Preview.” Then, hit “Recover” to save them to another secure location or device.

Select the files and click on “Recover”

How do I mount an ISO in Windows 10, which lacks the option?

Some users have reported that the “Mount” option is missing from the context menu when they right-click on an ISO file. If this is happening to you, follow the methods below to restore or add the “Mount” option to the context menu.

Fix 1: Add missing mount options via properties

If you want to quickly restore the installation options without spending too much time, you should take a look at the steps given below using the “Properties” option.

Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the ISO file.

Step 2: Right-click the ISO file and select Properties, then Change.

Step 3. Select «File Explorer» from the list. Click OK and Apply.

After doing this, you'll see the “Mount” option whenever you right-click on an ISO file.

Fix 2: Restore missing mount options via settings

By selecting File Manager in the Settings app, the mount option will appear directly in the right-click menu.

Step 1. Search for and select the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Click on "Apps" and then "Default apps."

Step 3: Click on “Set defaults by app.”

Step 4: Select "Windows Disc Image Burner," and then click "Manage."

Step 5: Set File Explorer as the default app for ISO files.

Step 6. The Mount option should now appear in your right-click menu.

Fix 3: Add Mount ISO option through Control Panel

You can also restore the mount options using the Control Panel with the following steps:

Step 1: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs.

Step 2: Click on "Set default programs."

Step 3: Click "Set this program as default."

4. Click “Select All” and then “Save” from the list that appears.

This option will be added to the context menu that appears when you right-click on an ISO file.

Bottom line

Thus, this is your simplest and most straightforward guide to installing ISO files on Windows 10/11, detailed with two primary methods: via File Explorer or PowerShell commands. This article should also be of assistance if you encounter issues when mounting ISO files on Windows 10/11.

The prime aspect of this article is to assist you in retrieving deleted ISO files using an affordable and user-friendly tool called Tools Data Recovery Software. Hence, this article provides a reliable solution to your multiple ISO woes.