How to Convert Files and Folders to ISO on Windows

These are useful when you want to create a backup of files and folders in ISO format. You can also use it to add new files to an existing ISO image and recreate the package.

By default, Windows does not provide an option to convert files and folders into ISO images. But there are third-party Windows programs that can help you accomplish this task. In today's article, TipsMake will show you the best applications to create ISO files from files and folders.

1. AnyToISO

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If you are looking for a free utility to create ISO images, which are more compact than regular CDs, then AnyToISO Lite is a great utility. The program is very easy to use and does not have many options.

AnyToISO also supports Windows Explorer shell extension. When enabled, it will add the create ISO option to the Windows Explorer context menu.

To convert a folder to ISO image using AnyToISO:

B1: Launch AnyToISO and open the Folder to ISO tab .

B2: Next, click Browse for Folder and select the folder you want to convert to ISO image.

B3: Next, click Choose ISO and select the location to save the ISO file.

B4: You can change the volume label name or leave the default option.

B5: Click Options to customize File System and ISO Settings .

B6: Next, click the Make ISO button to start the process. Depending on the size of the folder, the ISO burning process may take some time.

B7: Once completed, you will have a new ISO file created from the selected folder.

You can also right-click any folder in File Explorer and select the Create ISO option to launch the app and convert the folder into an ISO image. However, if you're using Windows 11, you'll first need to access the classic context menu to see the AnyToISO option.

If you want to create ISO images with large folders (over 870MB), you need to upgrade to the Pro version for $22.95.

2. AnyBurn

http://www.anyburn.com/download.php

AnyBurn is an official CD burning utility that is free to use for both personal and commercial purposes. In addition to creating images from files and folders, you can use it to create bootable USB drives, perform surface testing, edit image files, and burn image files to disc.

Follow these steps to create an image file from files and folders using AnyBurn:

B1: Launch AnyBurn and click Create image file from files/folders .

B2: In the new dialog box, click the Add + button on the toolbar.

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B3: Navigate to the location, select the file or folder to convert and click Add.

B4: Next, click the Properties button. Here, you can change the label name, file system, select the compression level, add comments, and modify the date and time. Click OK to save the changes.

B5: Click Next.

B6: Enter a name for the new ISO image and select the image file type.

B7: Click Create Now to start the process.

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AnyBurn will optimize the file layout and then quickly burn the image file. A green progress bar indicates that the process has completed successfully.

3. WinCDEmu

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WinCDEmu is a simple but effective utility for Windows. You can use it to mount optical disc images or create ISO images from folders.

WinCDEmu is also available in a special portable version. However, with the portable version, you don't have to right-click to create an ISO image option.

To convert a folder to an ISO image using WinCDEmu:

B1: Download the application and complete the installation.

B2: After installation, open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to convert to image.

B3: Right-click on the folder and select Build an ISO Image . On Windows 11, you need to click Show more options to see the classic context menu.

B4: Enter a name for the ISO image and click Save.

WinCDEmu will now begin the image writing process. Depending on the size of the folder, this process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

4. BurnAware

BurnAware is a feature-rich disc burning utility that lets you create ISO images from folders and files. The free version is 32-bit only; this will suffice unless you're working with large files. The Premium and Professional versions come with additional features and 64-bit support.

To create an ISO using BurnAware, download and install the application on your PC. During the installation process, make sure to uncheck the included WinX DVD Ripper option . Then, follow these steps:

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1. Launch BurnAware, then click Make ISO .
2. In the new dialog box, drag and drop the files to convert them to ISO. Click the gear icon to adjust advanced settings for the image.
3. In the upper left corner, click Make . Choose a save location, enter a file name, and click Save . Wait for the process to complete and your ISO will be ready.

5. ISO Workshop

ISO Workshop is a premium ISO image management application. It has a modern interface and offers a wide range of disc management options. You can use it to create ISOs, burn ISOs, convert ISOs, and extract files from images.

Here's how to use ISO Workshop to create an ISO image from files and folders.

Step 1: Download and complete the installation. After installation, launch ISO Workshop.

B2: In the main interface, click Make ISO.

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B3: Next, enter a name for the new ISO image and click OK.

B4: Click the + icon , select files and folders to add. You can also drag and drop all files and folders into the application to add them.

B5: Click Make , enter a name for the file and click Save.

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B6: ISO Workshop will start writing the image files. Once finished, you can burn the ISO image to disc or mount it on your PC.

ISO Workshop is a premium utility and comes with a 10-day free trial. After the trial period ends, you will need to purchase one of the licenses to continue using it.

If you regularly convert files and folders to ISO images, a tool like AnyToISO and WinCDemu will be more beneficial due to their shell application support for the File Explorer context menu. If you need advanced ISO imaging options, choose AnyBurn or ImgBurn. However, for occasional use, any of these utilities can help you convert your files and folders to ISO images in no time.

Samuel Daniel

Update 06 October 2024