┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
│ CATEGORY : Other
│ MIME TYPE : application/x-iso9660-image
│ MAGIC BYTES : 4344303031
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is an ISO file?
ISO is a disc image format that contains an exact, sector-by-sector copy of an optical disc (CD, DVD, or Blu-ray). The format is named after the ISO 9660 filesystem standard used for CD-ROMs. ISO files are commonly used for OS installation media and software distribution.
How to open ISO files
- Windows Explorer (Windows 10/11) — Mount as virtual drive
- Finder (macOS) — Double-click to mount
- 7-Zip (Windows) — Extract contents
- Rufus (Windows) — Create bootable USB
- VirtualBox (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Mount in VM
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard | ISO 9660 |
| Extensions | Joliet, Rock Ridge, UDF |
| Max Size | Unlimited (disc capacity) |
| Bootable | El Torito boot specification |
| Filesystem | ISO 9660, UDF |
Common use cases
- OS installation: Windows, Linux installer images
- Software distribution: Large software packages
- Disc backup: Archival copies of physical discs
- Virtual machines: VM installation media