How to Play ISO Files From a Computer

Play ISO files from your computer by creating a virtual CD-ROM.

An ISO file is the compressed data of a retail disc or any custom compilation from your computer. Typically, to use an ISO file you must burn it onto a blank disc media. However, various efficient applications allow you to "dissect" the data and play it from your computer. This process is known as mounting, which converts the ISO file into a virtual disc. In turn, this allows you to play the ISO file without the need to copy it to a disc.

Instructions

1. Download a third-party application, such as Power ISO, Magic ISO (also known as Magic Disc) or Daemon Tools (see Resources). These tools are primarily designed to manage ISO files. Each of these programs works in a similar fashion.

2. Open Power ISO. Go to the "Tools" menu, click "Virtual Drive" followed by "Mount Image to Drive." Browse for the ISO file from the following menu, select it and click "Open" to mount the file.

3. Open Magic ISO, go to the "Tools" menu and select "Virtual CD/DVD-ROM." Click "No media" followed by "Mount." Look for the ISO file from the following dialog box, and then click "Open" to mount it on your computer.

4. Open Daemon Tools and click the "Add File" icon from the main program interface. Browse for the ISO file and click "Open." Highlight the file from the "Image Catalog" section and click the "Mount" icon.

5. Play the ISO file. Go to "Start" and click the "Computer" tool. Double-click the virtual drive pertaining to the ISO file. This entry typically possesses the name of the original file. From here, you can play the ISO by launching and managing the content within it.

References

• Magic ISO: Using MagicDisc to Amount CD/DVD Image
• Power ISO: How to use PowerISO as ISO Mounter?
• Daemon Tools: Support

Resources

• Daemon Tools: Download
• Magic ISO: Download
• Power ISO: Download