Written by An ISO file, often called an ISO image, is a single file that’s a perfect representation of an entire CD, DVD, or BD. The entire contents of a disc can be precisely duplicated in a single ISO file. How to open and play an ISO file directly on PC without mounting to a DVD drive or burn it to a blank disc? This post would show you how to open and play ISO files on PC in different ways.
1. Open ISO File with Un-zipping Apps
2. Play ISO Files with VLC Media Player
4. Play ISO Files using Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate
5. Read More: Mount ISO image files & Burn ISO image files
1. Open ISO File with Un-zipping Apps
Most computers would have certain unzipping apps like WinRAR installed for unzipping downloaded files. To open ISO file, your unzipping apps could also be of great help.
1. Change the ISO file extension name from “.iso” to “.zip” manually. The system would pop up a notice “If you change a file name extension, the file might become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?” Click “Yes”.
2. The ISO file would then turn into a zip package. With unzipping apps like WinRAR, you could unzip the package and then choose the file you want to play back with players on your PC.
2. Play ISO Files with VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is the most advanced yet portable multimedia player. With this most advanced free open-source and cross-paltform multimedia player, you can get ISO files played on VLC in less than one minute by following the steps below:
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player.
Step 2: Click on “File.” Choose “Open File.” A window will open inside VLC.
Step 3: Click the first “Browse” button on the right side of the window. A VLC “Browse” window will open.
Step 4: Click the name of the ISO file that you want to play. The ISO file will be highlighted.
Step 5: Click “Open.” The ISO file will play in VLC Media Player.
3. Play ISO Files in 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is one of the best ISO player that opens ISO files directly on your PC as easy as playing an MKV, MP4, WMV file. Read the guide below to play ISO files on your PC via 5KPlayer.
Step 1: Free download this free ISO Player for PC
5KPlayer is simple and lightweight; you will free download, install and launch this high efficient player for ISO image on your Windows 10/8/7 in a snap.
Step 2: Play the target ISO video file
You have following ways to set your ISO file for playing with 5KPlayer:
* Drag & drop the target .iso file to the main panel of this ISO player;
* Click "Video" button on the main interface to add ISO video/movie for playback;
* Right click on target ISO file, and navigate to "Open with 5KPlayer" option.
4. Play ISO Files using Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate
Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate is the most advanced video converter in the world today. This video convertor is the best option when VLC Media Player and 5KPlayer cannot play some ISO files. A list of built-in editing tools is available for you. Users of this complete video converter can convert, edit, and watch media files in more than 250 formats. (Review)
How to Play ISO Files With Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate?
Step1: Import your ISO file
Launch Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate after installation, then click "File">"Load IFO/ISO" to add your desired ISO files. Or you can directly drag an ISO file and drop it in the program window.
Step 2: Play ISO file
Now, you can play the imported ISO file by double clicking or checking the desired one and click the play button under preview window.
Note: You can also use this application to convert ISO to MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, etc. for easy playback on various media players and devices.
5. Read More: Mount ISO image files & Burn ISO image files
Mount ISO image files
To play back ISO image file, you could mount ISO image file to make it appear as DVD/Blu-ray drive and then you could make use of your DVD/Blu-ray player to play back, just like playing DVD/Blu-ray disc.
One of my favorite free programs for mounting ISO images is WinCDEmu because of how easy it is to use. Another one I feel good recommending is Pismo File Mount Audit Package. If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 8, you’re lucky enough to have ISO mounting built in to your operating system! Just tap-and-hold or right-click the ISO file and choose "Mount". Windows will create a virtual drive for you automatically – no extra software required.
Burn ISO image files
To play ISO file on PC, burning ISO file to DVD/Blu-ray disc and then playing it on DVD/Blu-ray player is widely used, especially for data backup and data transfering. Windows 10, 8, and 7 can all burn ISO images to a disc without using any third-party software – just double-tap or double-click the ISO file and then follow the wizard that appears.
