In today’s digital age, keeping our data safe and organized is crucial, and creating an ISO image file is one of the best ways to achieve this. An ISO file is a versatile tool that allows you to create backups of CDs and DVDs, making it an excellent option for storing and organizing digital content. This file format is compatible with most operating systems, including Windows, and can contain multiple folders, making it an ideal option for those looking to keep their files organized.
Fortunately, creating an ISO file from your Windows folders is a simple process that requires minimal technical expertise. Whether you want to keep all your folders together or have specific ones on hand for burning, this process can help streamline your workflow and improve your data management. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to convert a folder to ISO on Windows 11/10 PC, helping you keep your data safe, organized, and easily accessible.
Once you have created an ISO file, you can see the content by mounting them on a virtual CD-ROM. That means there is no need to extract ISO content again in a folder.
There are many free applications available in the market that help you create an ISO from a folder. Some of the good freeware are the following:-
- Folder2iso
- WinCDEmu
- AnyBurn
- ImgBurn
- AnyToISO
Folder2ISO
Folder2ISO is the best software to make an ISO file from a folder. It comes with a single function, i.e., it only converts a folder to ISo. If you intend to convert a folder to an ISO image, then Folder2iso may be the best choice.
Quite small in size but yet effective, Folder2iso is compatible with all versions of Windows, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. It is a portable tool and does not require installation on your PC. You can run it from a pen drive, also. It is hardly 1.50MB in size.
To create an ISO image from a folder, run this free tool, click “Select Folder,” and select the folder from your PC that you want to convert as an ISO image. Choose the location of the output folder by clicking on the “Select Output” button. Finally, click on the button “Generate ISO,” and you have done it.
WinCDEmu
WinCDEmu is a free CD/DVD/BD emulator software that helps you mount optical disc images by just clicking on them in Windows Explorer. Double-click on an ISO, cue, raw, or IMG image file; this software mounts an image to a virtual CD-ROM. Apart from mounting an image file, it also allows you to create an ISO file from the folder.
To convert a folder into an ISO file, perform the following steps:-
Step 1. Install WinCDEmu on your PC.
Step 2. Select a folder that you would like to convert to an ISO image. Right-click on the folder and choose the “Build an ISO image” option.
Step 3. When the dialog box appears, specify a location on your PC where you want to save the ISO file. Name the ISO file and click the Save button.
Executing the above steps, you can build an ISO file from a folder using WinCDEmu.
AnyBurn
AnyBurn is a multi-purpose software and is also available for free. Using this utility, you can burn the image file to a disc, burn Audio CD, copy the disc to an image file, browse/extract an image file, create an image file from files/folders, create a multisession disc, erase re-writable disc, edit image file and build a bootable USB drive.
To create an ISO file from a folder using AnyBurn, you need to do the following actions:-
Step 1. Download, install, and launch the AnyBurn app on your computer.
Step 2. Locate the button labeled “Create image file from files/folders” and click on it.
Step 3. In the following screen, click the Add button to choose the folders you want to add to your ISO.
Step 4. In the “Add Files and Folder” window, select the folder from your PC and then click the Add button.
Step 5. Click Next.
Step 6. Next to the “Select image file name,” write the name of your ISO file and then click on the “Create Now” button. It will create ISO on the same where your folder exists. If you wish to change the ISO file location, click on the folder location and select a different place on your PC.
Step 7. Depending on the folder size, it takes a few minutes to create an ISO file. Once the ISO is created, click Exit.
ImgBurn
ImgBurn has existed in the market for a long time. If you’ve ever built a backup of your discs or you’ve burned a disc, you’ll likely remember the app. This app also helps to create ISO files from your folders as well.
To generate an ISO file from a folder using ImgBurn, do the following:-
Step 1. Download, install, and start the ImgBurn app on your PC.
Step 2. From the home interface of this tool, click on the option that says “Create image file from files/folders.”
Step 3. Click on the folder icon of Source and choose the folder from your PC that you would like to convert into an image. Then click the folder icon to select the destination location to save your converted ISO file.
Step 4. Finally, click on the Build button to construct an ISO file in your desired location for your selected folder.
AnyToISO
AnyToISO is another freeware tool that lets you convert folders to ISO. Apart from converting the folder to ISO, this software can extract 7Z, BIN, DAA, DEB, DMG, IMG, ISO, ISZ, MDF, NRG, PKG, RAR, TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, XAR, ZIP, and more.
To generate an ISO file from a folder using AnyToISO, you need to perform the following:-
Step 1. Download, install, and run AnyToISO on your computer.
Step 2. Navigate to the Folder to ISO tab in the menu.
Step 3. Click the Browse for folder button and choose the folder from your computer. Now, click the Choose ISO button to select the destination where you want to save your file. Finally, click the Make ISO button.
After executing the above steps, you will have an ISO file of the desired folder on your PC.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating an ISO image file is an essential step in keeping our digital data safe and organized in today’s digital age. An ISO file is a versatile tool that allows for the creation of backups of CDs and DVDs, making it an excellent option for storing and organizing digital content. Creating an ISO file from a Windows folder is a simple process that requires minimal technical expertise. There are many free applications available in the market that can help you create an ISO file from a folder, such as Folder2iso, WinCDEmu, AnyBurn, ImgBurn, and AnyToISO. These applications are compatible with all versions of Windows and make creating an ISO file a breeze. Once you have created an ISO file, you can easily see the content by mounting it on a virtual CD-ROM, making it easily accessible. Overall, creating an ISO file is an effective way to improve your data management and keep your files safe and organized.
Folder2Iso — это очень простое, но полезное приложение, которое создает ISO-файл из любой папки на вашем компьютере. Программа может пригодиться пользователям, которые хотят с легкостью записывать фильмы или другие файлы на свой компьютер, используя лишь отдельный инструмент, способный записывать ISO-файлы на CD и DVD.
Folder2Iso впечатляет своей простотой. Интерфейс минимален, и хотя в нем нет файла справки, разобраться с программой можно всего за несколько минут. Пользователям предлагается выбрать папку, которую они хотят преобразовать в ISO-файл, и выбрать местоположение вывода, то есть указать директорию для сохранения результата.
Кроме того, от пользователя требуется указать метку ISO и выбрать Charset — это единственное, что может вызвать у вас затруднения при использовании Folder2Iso.
После этого просто нажмите кнопку «Сгенерировать ISO» и ждите. Обычно Folder2Iso справляется с задачей всего за несколько секунд, но это также зависит от общего размера папки и количества включенных в нее файлов.
В целом, Folder2Iso будет полезен, если вам нужен инструмент для преобразования папки в ISO-образ, и может пригодиться пользователям, которые хотят с легкостью записывать фильмы или другие файлы на свой компьютер, используя лишь отдельный инструмент, способный записывать ISO-файлы на CD и DVD.
An ISO image can contain the entire contents of a CD, DVD, or any other external drive. An ISO image is like a box that contains all components of an element that can be used to remodel the original content.
An ISO image is even capable of keeping files of the installed operating system. With the availability of ISO images, we can make bootable USB flash drives and install any OS to our systems.
You may need to convert a folder to an ISO file if you need to share the contents of the folder in a single file or recompile an image after making modifications to it.
Want to convert a folder to an ISO image? Here’s how:
You can convert folders with video files to ISO images. If you want to compress the size of your ISO image which contains videos, check out how to compress video files without losing quality.
You can convert any file or folder into an ISO file so it can compress the actual size of the data and you can easily share it anywhere you want to.
TIP: You can also create a system backup/clone of your working PC using the image software.
Table of Contents
Here are a few tools to get the job done.
How to Convert Files and Folders to ISO Images
AnyToISO
AnyToISO freeware tool is available for Windows 10 and 11 that can easily convert any folder or file to ISO.
When it is installed, a window will appear. There are 3 options in the respective tabs:
- You can extract any files from the zip or archive folder
- You can make an ISO image of CD/DVD.
- You can create an ISO image of any file or folder.
Follow the steps below to convert a file or a folder into an ISO image using AnyToISO:
- Download AnyToISO and proceed with the installation wizard to install the tool.
- Switch to “Folder to ISO” tab and then click Browse for folder in front of Source folder.
- Now select the folder that you want to convert.
- AnyToISO will now fill in the other details automatically. Click Make ISO to begin creating an ISO image out of the selected folder.
The ISO image will now begin creating itself. This step may take a moment depending upon the size of the folder. Once done, you can find the ISO image in the destination directory as designated by the AnyToISO tool.
ImgBurn
ImgBurn is another great tool that will convert a file or a folder into an ISO image. Follow the steps below to download, install, and then use ImgBurn to create an ISO file:
- Open the ImgBurn download page, click on any of the mirror download links, and download the tool from there.
- Once the setup has been downloaded, double-click it to begin the installation process and then follow through with the installation wizard.
- Once installed, run the tool. From the main menu, click “Create image file from files/folders“.
- On the next screen, click on the Browse for a file or Browse for a folder button (depending upon whether you want to convert a file or folder).
- From the browsing window, navigate to and select the file/folder you want to convert.
- Now click the Browse button under Destination and select a location to save the converted ISO image.
- Click the Build button.
- From the popup confirmation window, click Yes.
- You will now be notified that a volume label has not been given and the tool will set one itself. Click Yes again.
The conversion process will now take place. Once converted, you will find the converted ISO file at the designated location.
Folder2ISO
Folder2ISO is a portable tool that does exactly what its name is – convert folders to ISO images! Proceed with the following steps to convert a folder into an ISO image:
- Download Folder2ISO and proceed with the extraction.
- As the tool is portable, it does not require installation. Execute the Folder2ISO tool.
- Click Select folder and navigate and select the folder that you wish to convert.
- Now click Select Output and choose a name and a destination for the converted ISO image.
- Click Generate ISO to begin the conversion.
The tool will now create an ISO file out of the selected folder.
ISO Workshop
ISO Workshop is another freeware with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that you can use to create an ISO image out of a folder. Here is how:
- Open the ISO Workshop download page and click Download in front of the said software.
- Run the downloaded .exe setup file and follow through with the installation wizard to install the software.
- Now run the ISO Workshop software and click Make ISO.
- A new window will now open. From the popup, click Ok.
- Now click the “+” (plus) sign from the top, navigate to the folder that you want to convert and click Add.
- (Optional) Repeat the last step to add more folders.
- When added, click Close.
- Now click Make from the top menu in the tool.
- Now set a name and a destination for the converted ISO file and click Save.
- The tool will now begin creating the ISO file out of the selected folder(s). When done, click Ok.
You will find that the ISO image has been saved to the selected destination.
WinCDEmu
Perform the following steps to convert a folder into an ISO image directly from its context menu using WinCDEmu:
- Download WinCDEmu and install the tool.
- Once installed, right-click the folder that you want to make an ISO image out of, and click Build an ISO image from the context menu.
- From the popup window, enter a File Name and click Save.
- The tool will now begin the conversion.
It is that easy to convert any folder into an ISO file with WinCDEmu on a Windows computer.
Closing Words
Learn how to convert DMG to ISO images.
So, these are very convenient and simple ways to make any folder or file into an ISO image and share it with anybody, anywhere. Basic tasks can be done using any of the given tools discussed in this post.
Have fun and keep on making ISO images to transfer/share big programs over internet. What method do you use to convert a set of files and folders into an ISO image?
Quick Links
Converting files and folders into an ISO image is a convenient way to archive and back up your files and folders while preserving the original file structure. Since Windows lacks a built-in option, here’s how you can use some popular third-party tools to make ISOs.
1
AnyToISO
AnyToISO is a dedicated tool for creating and extracting ISO images. It’s easy to use and only comes with essential features, including creating ISO from CDs, files, and folders, as well as command-line access and integration with File Explorer. The free Lite version has a file size limit of 870 MB, so working with larger files requires the Pro version.
- Launch AnyToISO and open the Folder to ISO tab.
-
Click Browse for Folder and select the folder you want to convert to an ISO image. You can’t select individual files, but only the folder.
- Click Choose ISO and select the save location. Then, click on Options to customize the file system and ISO settings.
- Finally, click Make ISO to start the process. Depending on the size of the folder, it may take some time to finish creating an ISO.
You can also right-click on any folder in File Explorer and select Create ISO to launch the app and convert the folder into an ISO image.
Download: AnyToISO (Free, premium version available)
2
AnyBurn
AnyBurn is a versatile CD-burning utility that’s free to use for both home and commercial purposes. Besides creating ISO images from files and folders, it can also create a bootable USB drive, perform disc surface tests, edit ISO files, and burn image files to the disc. The Pro version adds even more functionality, such as converting audio formats, password protection, and a convenient option to install Windows on a USB drive.
- Launch AnyBurn and click Create image file from files/folders. Then click Add + and choose files or a folder you want to add. Repeat the steps to add multiple folders.
- Click Properties to change any advanced options; if not, leave them as default. Click Next.
- On the next screen, you can change the label name and image file type, choose the compression level, add comments, and modify the time and date. Click OK, then click Next.
- Type a name for the file, choose the image file type, then click Create Now.
Download: AnyBurn (Free, premium version available)
3
WinCDEmu
WinCDEmu is an open-source and easy-to-use CD/DVD emulator that allows you to create an ISO image from folders or mount an ISO image on Windows. It is also available in a special portable version, though this version cannot create ISO images from folders and files. Here’s how to use it to convert files and folders to ISO:
- Download the app and complete the installation.
- Once installed, open File Explorer, select and right-click on the folder you want to convert, then choose Build an ISO Image. On Windows 11, click Show more options in the context menu to view this option.
- Type a name for your ISO image and click Save.
That’s it. WinCDEmu will start the image writing process. Depending on the folder size, this may take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Download: WinCDEmu (Free)
4
BurnAware
BurnAware is a feature-rich disc burner utility that allows you to create ISO images from folders and files. The free version is only available in a 32-bit edition; it should be sufficient unless you are working with large files. The Premium and Professional editions come with additional features and 64-bit support.
To make an ISO using BurnAware, download and install the app on your PC. During installation, be sure to uncheck the bundled WinX DVD Ripper option. Then, follow these steps:
- Launch BurnAware, then click Make ISO.
- In the new dialog, drag and drop the files to convert them into an ISO. Click the gear icon to adjust advanced settings for the image.
- In the top-left corner, click Make. Choose a save location, type a file name, and click Save. Wait for the process to complete, and your ISO should be ready.
Download: BurnAware (Free, premium version available)
5
ISO Workshop
ISO Workshop is a premium ISO image management app with a clean UI and multiple disc management options. You can use it to make, burn, convert ISO files, and extract content from disc images. Here’s how to use it to convert files to ISO:
- Launch ISO Workshop and click Make ISO. Next, type a name for the new ISO image and click OK.
- Click the + icon and select the files and folders to add. You can also drag and drop all the files and folders onto the app to add them.
- Click Make, type a name for the file, and click Save.
ISO Workshop will start writing image files. Once complete, you can burn the ISO image to a disc or mount it on your PC.
Download: ISO Workshop (Free, premium version available)
If you frequently convert files and folders to ISO images, tools like AnyToISO and WinCDEmu with command line support and File Explorer integration are particularly useful. For more advanced options, AnyBurn, BurnAware, and ISO WorkShop are better choices.
ISO files offer users many advantages regarding backups, system restore, and portability. Windows OS prides itself on built-in support for creating ISO files. Users can mount the ISO image to upgrade Windows, install apps, access media, and more. Similarly, you can convert files and folders to ISO format to backup files. EaseUS will show how to create ISO file from folder. Hurry up and learn!
Create Bootable Rescue Media via Bootable Media Creator
Any backup media, be it an ISO file or a system image, is essential to prevent computers from accidents and boot failures. Even if you have backup files, drive failures can put your data at risk. To avoid such cases, the best way is to create a bootable disk of Windows and data in advance.
The rescue media separates the backup OS and data from the PC and keeps it safe against all odds. EaseUS Todo Backup helps create rescue media with a USB drive or a CD/DVD with just a few clicks. Todo Backup can make a Windows image of a drive and put ISO on USB drives.
EaseUS Todo Backup provides features like cloning, incremental and differential backup, encrypted backup, scheduled backup, and more. To ensure adequate data security, you can store encrypted backup files on the EaseUS cloud. It also allows you to transfer your Windows to another computer without trouble. Here is how to use EaseUS backup software to create a rescue media.
Step 1. Prepare a USB drive which can be written and read.
Step 2. Launch and install EaseUS Todo Backup on the Computer B.
Step 3. Find and click «Tools» and choose «Create Emergency Disk«.
Step 4. Choose the Boot disk location. You can create an ISO file, a bootable USB or CD/DVD disc.
Step 5. Then click «Create» to start.
There are plenty of third-party tools for creating ISO image files from folders. Although some offer free services, they have limitations, and premium software is expensive. How do we create ISO files from folders?
Method 1. Create ISO Image from Folder Using DISM Command
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command tool that creates and manages Windows images and virtual hard drives. It allows you to create an ISO image from a USB drive easily. Follow the steps to create ISO files with the DISM Build Image command.
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2. Use the command below to create an ISO file from a folder:
- dism /Build-Image /ImageFile:»C:\path\to\output\file.iso» /SourceFolder:»C:\path\to\folder»
Replace the ImageFile path with the desired location and name of the ISO file you want.
Replace the SourceFolder path with the folder containing the files you want to make the ISO compilation.
For example, if you want to store the iso file in the «ISODestination» folder as ISOfile.iso and the ISO content is present at «ISOContents,» the command will look like this:
- dism /Build-Image /ImageFile:»C:\path\to\ISODestination\ISOfile.iso» /SourceFolder:»C:\path\to\ISOContents»
Step 3. Execute the command and wait for the OS to create an ISO file. Find the ISO file in the output path.
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Method 2. Create ISO Image from Folder Using ADK
Windows offers a Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for creating ISO files. Let’s see how to use ADK to create ISO files and consider some reliable third-party tools. The ADK contains tools to customize Windows images for large-scale organizational deployment. One feature is OSCDIMG, a command-line tool for making ISO images from folders using CMD.
Step 1. Download and install Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) on your PC. While selecting the features you want to install, check the Deployment tools option before clicking Install.
Step 2. Once you install the Windows ADK, you must find the OSCDIMG tool to start creating ISO files of folders.
Note: Keep all the contents you want to create an ISO image within a single folder.
Step 3. Click on the Windows key, type CMD, and open it with administrator privileges.
Step 4. By default, the OSCDIMG tool is located below.
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\OSCDIMG
If you go to the location above, you can find a folder with a different version number than ten, depending on the ADK version.
Step 5. Once you confirm the OSCDIMG tool location, use the command below to change the directory to the folder with OSCDIMG tool files.
- cd /d path
Replace the path with the location given in step 4. The full command with the path will look like:
- Cd /d C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\OSCDIMG
Step 6. Once you select the directory, the command below will help you create an IOS image file from a folder.
- OSCDIMG -n -d -m PathToSource Destinationfile.ISO
Replace the SrouceLocation with the folder location you want to convert to an ISO file and the destination file with the location where you want to save the file.
If the folder location is D:\CovertToISOFolder and you want to save the file as D:\SaveISOFile.iso, the command will look like this:
- OSCDIMG -n -d -m D:\CovertToISOFolde D:\SaveISOFile.iso
Step 7. After you execute the command, the ISO image process will start. Once the creation is completed, a 100% complete message with the final image file size is displayed on CMD.
Find the ISO file of the folder at the selected location. Now, you can mount it on a PC or burn it to a disc.
Method 3. Create an ISO Image from Folder with PowerISO
As the name suggests, PowerISO is known for creating ISO files and folders for Windows OS. The guide below details creating an ISO file from a folder.
Step 1. Download and install PowerISO from the official website.
Step 2. By default, an empty compilation of ISO9660 and the Joliet file system will exist. To create a new DVD ISO file, click on the «New» button or choose «File > New > Data CD / DVD Image.» To change the media type, click on the media type area at the bottom and change it.
Step 3. Add the files or folder you want to compile, and make the necessary modifications. Click the Add button to add files and folders. Drag and drop option is also available.
Step 4. PowerISO provides multiple options for creating ISO images:
- Click «Action > New Folder» to create a new folder.
- Click «Action > Change Label» to change the default label.
- Click «Action > Boot > Add boot information..» to add the boot information file to the compilation. This will create a bootable ISO file.
- Click «File > Properties» to change/update the ISO file properties.
Step 5. Once you add the files and make the necessary modifications, click Save in the toolbar to save the compilation.
Step 6. Enter the iso file path name, and save it as a type «Standard ISO Images (*.iso)» in the Save As dialog box. Click Save.
Step 7. You can see the progress information as soon as PowerISO starts creating the ISO. Once PowerISO completes writing ISO files, it automatically opens the newly created file.
Method 4. Create an ISO Image from Folder via ImgBurn
ImgBurn is another powerful software for creating ISO files from folders. The steps below help you convert a file or folder into an ISO image using ImgBurn.
Step 1. Navigate to the ImgBurn download page and use any mirror download link.
Step 2. After downloading, install the ImgBurn software and launch it.
Step 3. Select Create image file from files/folders from the landing page.
Step 4. Click on Browse for a file or a folder button to add folders to ISO.
Step 5. From the browsing window, select the Source and Destination path to save the ISO image of a folder/file.
Step 6. Click on the Build button, and confirm the popup with a Yes.
The tool asks for details of the volume labels and will assign one itself, so click Yes again.
Why Do You Need to Create ISO from a Folder
ISO image is just like a picture puzzle. It contains all the elements of a picture (ISO image) we can use to remodel the original photo. An ISO file groups multiple files of a folder into a compressed image, allowing you to share it over any network. The recipient can mount the ISO image with the Windows mount and burn option to retrieve its content.
ISO images are famous for restoring Windows systems, especially when a user wants to retrace back to a previous point. The advanced functions of an ISO image include a user’s ability to extract the ISO image, add modifications to it, and recreate the image. It’s like modifying an already existing ISO image and repackaging it. So, an ISO image is a backup, restore point, and more.
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To Wrap Things Up
ISO files boast many advantages compared to other forms of backup. As ISO files are compressed versions of all the files, they will occupy less storage. Windows native can only make ISO files on the OS, so if you want to create ISO file from folder, third-party apps greatly help. The post introduces Windows DISM, ADK, PowerISO, and ImgBurn to convert files/folders to ISO images.
Creating bootable media is a great way to back up files, folders, or the OS. Rescue media protects data against threats and provides options to boot the PC or access content directly. With EaseUS Todo Backup, creating bootable rescue media and safeguarding your data takes a few clicks.
FAQs on Creating ISO Files from Folder
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about creating ISO file from folder.
1. How do I create an ISO file from a drive?
For Windows users, Microsoft offers a Media Creation tool for creating an ISO file from a drive. Download the tool, select Installation Media, and create an ISO file from the drive.
2. How to create an ISO file for free?
Microsoft’s Media Creation tool is the best tool for creating an ISO file for a Windows drive. Freemium options like PowerISO, ImgBurn, ISO Workshop, and ISO Disk are great for making other ISO files.
3. How to make ISO file from folder without software?
You must use third-party tools to make an ISO file of a folder. For native Windows users, Microsoft contains Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) software and the DISM command to cover folders to ISO files.