How to Open an ISO File without Burning It

By Joshua Bailey

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The ISO file is an archive file that is commonly associated with the optical disc (DVD/CD). Usually you would burn the ISO file to the disc to see the files inside the ISO file. However, you can simply extract the contents of the ISO file to a folder on your computer. Once extracted, all of the files that were inside the ISO file will be on your computer, and ready to be executed/viewed.

Step 1

Download and install either 7-Zip, WinRAR and RarZilla. Links to these programs can be found in the Resources section below.

Step 2

Locate the ISO file that you need to open. Right-click the ISO file and click "Extract to" from the menu that appears.

Step 3

Select a place to extract the ISO file's contents to and click "OK." Wait as the ISO file is extracted and the contents are displayed in the directory you chose. The files in the ISO can now be accessed without burning them to a disc.

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