An ISO file (pronounced "eye-so") is an archive file—an exact digital replica of an optical disc (CD, DVD, or Blu-ray). When you , you are essentially downloading the entire contents of a game disc as a single file.

This article will guide you through what ISO files are, how to use them legally, the dangers of illegal downloading, and the modern alternatives that are safer and often free.

The number one rule of the internet:

Once you have an ISO, you don't necessarily need to extract it like a ZIP file. Modern versions of Windows can "mount" them directly. Windows Central Mounting (Windows 10/11) File Explorer and locate your ISO file. Right-click the file and select