WinZip's ISO Opener Functionality
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What is an ISO file extension?
An ISO file is, simply put, a digital file format replicating a physical CD, DVD, or BD. The ISO file extension does not just store files and folders; they house all the vital file system information about the disc’s structure. This information stored on the ISO file can be “mounted” and used on your computer without a CD player, be opened to explore the contents, or simply burned onto a physical disc of your choice.
Unlike many other file formats, the ISO file extension does not use compression, as it’s a full digital copy of the original disc.
What are ISO files used for?
ISO files are most commonly used to create backup discs on physical CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray discs. Since the ISO file format is capable of storing a 1-1 digital replica of a physical disc, there is no compression involved since it is intended to be used as it is without extracting.
You may also mount an ISO file in a virtual disc, provided your operating system supports it. By mounting an ISO file, you’re virtually “inserting” the disc without the need for an external disc reader. By doing this, your computer will treat the mounted ISO file as if you inserted a physical disc.
One notable usage with ISO files is the distribution and usage of large programs. For example, Windows and Linux operating systems can be used by burning the file to a USB storage device or a CD.
How to Create ISO Files
Microsoft has created a Media Creation Tool for Windows 10. After downloading the tool from the Windows 10 page follow the steps below to create an ISO file of your desktop.
- Open the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO) for another PC. Then select Next.
- Choose the language, architecture, and edition of Windows you are using and select > Next.
- Select “ISO file” and then select Next. The tool will then run and create your ISO file for you.
- In order to use the ISO file as a backup for your computer or to install it onto another PC you will need to burn it onto a DVD.
Mounting ISO Files
When mounting an ISO file, you’ll be able to use it as if it were a physical CD or DVD. But before we dig into how to mount an ISO, you’ll first need a virtual drive in order to do so.
ISO files can be mounted directly in Windows 10. Follow the steps below to mount your .iso file directly to your desktop.
- Locate your ISO file on your computer
- Right-click on the ISO file and select Open with > Choose another app
- When the window appears select the checkbox by “Always use this app to open /iso files. Then select Windows Explorer from the list
- Your ISO file is now mounted to your desktop
Converting ISO Files
There are hundreds of other disc image file formats to choose from when converting your ISO files. However, most of these formats each have very specific procedures in order to convert.
However, the ISO File format can be opened with WinZip, which allows you to extract the files and create a new file in the disc image file format of your choosing.
To reiterate, there is not a “one-size fits all” iso converter solution for your ISO files, but it is, nonetheless, still possible to convert. If you wish to convert your ISO to a format that is compatible with WinZip, you may want to convert your ISO to a DMG, BIN, or IMG format.
If you would like the individual files in the ISO file converted to zip then follow this detailed guide:
- Follow the steps above in “How to Open ISO Files”.
- Now select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel.
- Click “Add to Zip”.
- In the actions panel, click “Save as”.
- Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
- You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.
