If you are just looking to see how to create and mount an ISO image, here is a list of the 11 best programs to create free ISO images. Some have their paid version, but With the free trial you have more than enough to mount these files and run them. without any problem.
Using the .iso format has many advantages, including not needing a physical disk to install games, software or any other program. Therefore, having a reader for this format is crucial. Review the pros and cons of each and choose the one that best suits you.
Related: How to create and mount an ISO step by step
1. Daemon Tools Lite
The list has Daemon Tools as its undisputed leader. This program has a paid version and another Lite version, which is the one we will use. With it you can make backup copies of your discs, whether CD, DVD and Blu-ray. It will also be useful if you want to extract ISO images and see what they contain.
Its interface is very intuitive and easy to use by any user, from beginners to experts. The great compatibility with various formats makes it an interesting tool.
2. PowerISO
PowerISO is another of those complete programs when we talk about ISO files. It can create, convert and mount ISO images to CD and DVD. It can also be used to modify files that are within one of these extensions. It also offers the possibility of creating bootable USB drives.
Another advantage is that The interface is very simple, which does not make it any less complex in terms of everything it offers. Without a doubt, it is a very complete program.
3. WinISO
If we emphasize ease of use, WinISO is the program you need. Its Intuitive and simple design will allow any user to mount or extract an ISO image without any problems. This program allows you to create and burn CD/DVD discs. In addition, it can convert a file into another format.
It supports CUE, BIN, NRG, MDF, CCD, MDS, IMG and DVD extensions, so it is very versatile. Another plus is that it is free, so it is an excellent option.
4. 7-Zip
This free software taIt can also be used to open, compress or extract an ISO image. You can choose the path, set a password or remove the duplication. It supports various formats including 7z, RAR, ZIP, GZIP, TAR, WIM, DMG, RAR, UDF, JAR.
Another advantage is that we can run it in the background, so we can perform other tasks while 7-Zip continues working.
5. UltraISO
Since 2002, UltraISO has stood as one of the most complete programs when it comes to running files. It supports BIN, IMG, ISO, CIF, NRG, BWI, ISZ, MDS, CCD, DMG, DAA, UIF, HFS and many others, so creating and modifying these files is very easy.
The interface is divided into two parts: one for exploring files and another for extracting them. Currently, there is no longer a free version.
6. Alcohol 120%
This software offers convenience, simplicity and an easy-to-understand interface. It also has a free version and a paid version, but for most functions the first option is fine.
7. WinCDEmu
If you require a light program, that's WinCDEmu. It weighs just 2MB and it allows you to mount ISO images completely free. It supports most CD/DVD formats. Another advantage is that it has its own portable version so you don't have to install anything on your computer.
8. Virtual Clone Drive
With Virtual Clone Drive you can emulate virtual drives and mount images in ISO, IMG, BIN, IDF and many more formats. This is another program that weighs less than 2MB. An excellent option if your requirements are basic.
9. ImgBurn
The interface may be dated and overly simple, but ImgBurn delivers what it promises. This free program supports files with ISO, BIN, CDI, NRG, IMG, and other extensions.
10. ISODisk
With ISODisk you can mount virtual drives from the user interface, which stands out for its simplicity and being very intuitive. Note that it only offers 20 of these drives, although we must note that it is free and is already fully configured.
11. TotalMounter
TotalMounter is a tool that can be used to extract ISO files to a DVD or virtual hard drive with ease. This application creates virtual drives from files of various formats such as ISO, CDI, BIN, MDF, MDS, IMG, RAW, CCD and NRG.