Most computer games that gamers download from the Internet in order not to pay for licensed versions are distributed in special images. These images emulate the contents of a game disc. Images were especially relevant at a time when physical media were very popular. Let's figure out how to install a game from an ISO file, as this knowledge can be useful to every gamer who wants to try an old game at the present time.
What it is?
First, let's understand what ISO files are. This extension is a CD image in which all the contents of the physical medium are recorded. An ISO image requires a virtual drive on the computer. The system perceives the ISO as a regular disc inserted in a DVD or CD drive. For correct work with images, we need third-party software. Opening ISO files is possible through:
- Daemon Tools
- Alcohol
- UltraISO and others.
You can find a whole list of similar programs, but their functionality is very similar, so we will analyze the example of the main and popular utilities. So, we’ll look at instructions on how to install a game from an ISO file.
What is required?
For the image to work correctly, you need the ISO file itself, the program and the virtual drive. You download the image from the Internet (usually games in ISO can be found in large numbers on torrent trackers and similar resources). The program is installed from the official website of developers, and already through it a virtual drive is created.
Daemon tools
In the browser, open the link to the official website of the developers of the program. On the page, click the "Download" button. You can choose one of the options - advanced, simple and professional. To mount files into a virtual drive, the regular version of the software is also suitable. Download DAEMON Tools Lite. If you like the functionality of the program, then you can purchase it or activate it using a pirate crack.
Run the executable file and select “Free License”. Next, follow the installation instructions. Wait for the download and installation to finish. After starting the program in the tray, the corresponding icon will appear on the desktop. Right-click on it to open the drive menu. Click on one of the virtual disks and select the folder on the hard drive in which the ISO image is located. After the file is mounted, go to "My Computer" and open the drive with the appropriate name. If the image provides for autorun, then you will immediately proceed to install the game.
Another option for reading ISO files in DAEMON Tools. Open the program using the shortcut on the desktop and click on "File" - "Open". In the window, find the folder with ISO and click on the "Open" button again. Next, you will see the contents of the image in the main window. At the bottom of the program, select the virtual drive and click on the "Mount" button.
Now you know how to install a game from an ISO file using DAEMON Tools. We move on.
Alcohol 120%
On the developers site you can download a trial version of the software. After installation, you must perform the following steps:
- In the left part, find the "Image Search" button and click on it. The program will automatically add to the list all ISO and other supported formats, which is very convenient and saves time on searching the directories of the hard drive.
- In the lower part, select the desired virtual drive and double-click on it with the left mouse button.
- Done! Now it remains to open the contents of the drive and install the game from the ISO file.
In addition to installing games, using Alcohol you can also perform many other operations. For example, create your own images, burn them to physical media, create bootable flash drives, and so on. We recommend using this utility in everyday activities when working with disks and flash drives. You can also purchase a licensed version. However, a cracked copy or a trial version is also suitable for installing games.
Ultraiso
The simplest program of all those listed. Let's figure out how to start the game from the ISO-file through this utility:
- Download and install the application from the site.
- In the main window, click "File" - "Open."
- Choose an image of the game.
- Press the F6 key to open the menu.
- In the window, select the required virtual drive and click "Mount".
With all the programs described, you can easily install games from ISO files on your computer. Choose the utility that you like best in terms of functionality and management to mount images as conveniently and quickly as possible!