How to Create an ISO File in Windows

This guide detailed guide will explain how to create an ISO image file from a CD/DVD or from files already on your hard drive in Windows.

Using the fantastic and completely free CD/DVD burning app CDBurnerXP you can create ISO files in Windows. This guide will show you how to copy a CD or DVD to an .ISO file, and how to create an .ISO file from other files and folders already on your hard drive.

Copy a CD/DVD to an ISO File in Windows

1. Open CDBurnerXP and when the ‘make a selection’ panel opens, select Copy or grab disc and then click the OK button.
2. Make sure the CD or DVD is in your CD/DVD-ROM (or CD/DVD Recorder) and that drive is the one selected in the Device: list. Then make sure Hard disk is selected as the Target. Finally, click the … button located on the right-side of the File name: field.
3. Navigate to the folder you want to save your .ISO file in and then give it a name in the File name: field. Click the Save button.
4. When you’re ready, click the Copy disc button.
5. CDBurnerXP will now “rip” that CD or DVD to your hard drive as an .ISO file. The process can take anywhere from a few seconds to almost an hour – it depends on how large the CD or DVD you’re turning into an ISO is.
6. Once the process has completed a window will pop up saying CDBurnerXP has finished creating your ISO. Click the OK button.
7. Open a File Explorer and navigate to the folder you selected back in step #3 – you’ll find a newly created ISO file. All done!

Create an ISO from Files and Folders in Windows

1. Open CDBurnerXP and when the ‘make a selection’ panel opens, select Data disc and then click the OK button.
2. In the top panel, select all of the files and folders you want to create an ISO file from. Once you have them all selected, click the + Add button (see screenshot below).
3. Repeat the previous step if there are more files and folders in other locations on your hard drive. Once you have a list of all the files you want to include in your ISO in the second/bottom panel (see screenshot below).
4. Select File from the main menu and then Save compilation as ISO file…
5. Navigate to the folder you want to save your ISO file in and then give it a name in the File name: field. Click Save when you’re done.
6. CDBurnerXP will now create an ISO file from the files and folders you selected. This process can take anywhere from a few seconds to over an hour – it depends on how many files you opted to include in your ISO.
7. Once CDBurnerXP has completed, open a File Explorer and go to the folder you saved your ISO file in. There it is! You can close CDBurnerXP now – you’re all done.

As you may have guessed, you can also use CDBurnerXP to burn an ISO to a CD/DVD in Windows too.