Thread: Windows 8 can mount ISO images directly

In the wake of the announcement of new features in Windows 8 Microsoft has now revealed another detail: in addition to enhanced copy function and a redesigned Windows Explorer , it will also be possible ISO images and mount VHD files directly.Previously this was only limited or third-party software possible.


ISO images to the standards ISO 9660 and ISO / IEC 13 346 will follow, have been used for years by knowledgeable computer users. Can be read both standards specify how the data structure on a DVD or CD-ROM to look to this device




and software across. Of the physical disks can thereby will be imaged, the ISO images. They have the advantage that they can also be read independently of the operating system, you would want to burn it again on a disk, this is easily possible. Previously, it was not possible, the ISO images under Windows directly read, this has always been a third-party software required.


In Windows 8, that should change now. Microsoft adds a feature to Windows Explorer to mount ISO images directly. As known from emulation programs, this will create a new virtual drive, can be accessed like a real CD or DVD drive. This is done either by selecting the mount function in the new Ribbon user interface or via double-click the ISO image. The virtual drive disappears again directly, if the image is ejected.


Also in this way can be utilized VHD container files. This is often the backup file format can also be used through Windows Explorer and will mount as a virtual hard disk instead, as the ISO files mounted as virtual optical drive. This difference is not only cosmetic in nature: you can work as normal on the virtual hard disk. Changes are reflected and stored it in ejecting the VHD file.However, Windows will also provide 8 no way to create ISO images with board funds.