How to open a .iso file
Quick, free ways to open ISO on any system.
A .iso file is a ISO 9660 Disc Image. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads ISO yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .iso file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .iso. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with File Explorer (mount) or 7-Zip.
- On Mac, use Disk Utility or double-click to mount.
- On Linux, try mount command or GNOME Disks.
- Still stuck? Convert the .iso to Burn to disc or USB, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .iso files
Windows
- File Explorer (mount)
- 7-Zip
- Rufus (to USB)
macOS
- Disk Utility
- double-click to mount
Linux
- mount command
- GNOME Disks
- Archive Manager
Web
- Not applicable; download and mount
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Before you open it: The image is inert until you run or install what is inside. Only mount and install ISOs from official, trusted sources.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .iso file?
Almost always because no installed app understands ISO. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open an ISO file?
On Windows and Mac, double-click to mount it as a virtual drive. To install an operating system, write the ISO to a USB stick with Rufus or balenaEtcher.