What Is An ISO File?
An ISO file (also known as an ISO image) is a compressed archive file that includes an exact copy (or image) of data stored on an optical disc such as a CD or DVD. They’re frequently used to back up optical discs or to distribute big file sets that will be burnt to such an optical disc.

What is an ISO Image?
ISO is derived from the ISO 9660 file system used by optical media. An ISO image is a full replica of everything on an actual optical disc, such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc, including the file system.There is no compression and they are a sector-by-sector replica of the disc. ISO images are designed to allow you to save an exact digital copy of a disc and used that picture to burn a new disc that is an exact version of the original. Most operating systems (and many utilities) allow you to mount an ISO image as a virtual disc, which means that all of your apps will treat it as if it were a real optical disc.
Also Read:How To Pause And Resume Updates For Windows 11
Direct download Windows 11 ISO files from Microsoft
If you require the installation media right away, follow the instructions to obtain direct download links, or use these official links:
The above link has been generated using Microsoft’s website and it will expire automatically after 24 hours. If you’ve downloaded the media image from another source, you can verify the validity of your download by following these steps:
- Tap Windows PowerShell.
- To compute the hash value for the file, use the PowerShell command Get-File Hash.
- In this case, use the command Get-FileHash C:\Users\username\Downloads\Win11_English_x64.ISO
- You can proceed with the installation if the SHA256 value matches the table below.
Please note that these links supports all Windows editions. Pro, Home, Enterprise, Workstation, Education, hence are all included.
How to Install Windows 11 from an ISO.
Follow these steps to install Windows 11:
- Right-click Win11_English_x64.ISO and click Mount.
- Open File Explorer and locate the drive containing the media image.
- Double click Setup.exe.
- Click Yes if Windows ask for administrator permission.
- Click “Next” under “Install Windows 11.” If you don’t want to assist improve the installation, uncheck the option “I want to help make the installation better.”
- Please agree to the End User License Agreement.
- Tap “Install“.
To reduce compatibility difficulties, Windows will check for updates many times. If you don’t want Windows to look for updates during the setup, turn off the internet connection and begin the setup again.
Also Read: How To Turn On And Off Touch Indicator In Windows 11
Extract ISO Files from a Windows Backup
Windows backups preserve everything on your computer, especially your settings, applications, and files, allowing you to recover your data.
Your computer’s hard disc may fail, malware may gain control of your system, or a crucial error may cause data loss. As a result, backups are required on a regular basis. If you have accidentally deleted IOS files, you can quickly recover them.
Follow these steps to recover deleted ISO files from backup.
Step 1: Go to your computer’s Start menu.
Step 2: Go to System and Maintenance > Backup and Restore in the Control Panel.
Step 3: Select Restore My Files from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: In the Restore Backup dialogue box, browse the backup’s contents for the files or folders you want to restore. There are three ways to find the files you need: Search, Browse for Files, and Browse for Folders.
- Search: Enter a portion of the name of the file you want to restore. Click OK after selecting the found file or all files.
- Browse for Files: Select the backup name, followed by the folder containing the original file. Click Add Files after selecting the found file.
- Look for Folders: When you click this button, a folders dialogue box will appear. Click a folder to restore all of the files contained within it. Tap Add Folder.
Step 5: Select the location where you want the files to be restored.

Use Software to extract ISO Files.
You’ll need an ISO recovery programme if you don’t have any backups and can’t locate any alternatives that work for you.
Data Retriever is a robust and secure data recovery programme. It is designed to scan your computer and recover practically all deleted or lost ISO files. Whatever caused the data loss, you have a chance of regaining it.
Data Retriever tool is a robust and secure data recovery programme. It is designed to scan your computer and recover practically all deleted or lost ISO files. You have a chance of regaining your data regardless of what caused it to be lost.
Let us see how it goes.
Step 1: Launch the Program
To begin, download and install this data recovery programme into your computer. Then start the software.
Step 2: Scan the Data
Choose the data types you want to recover and the place where you lost the data on the main page. If you forgot where the document went missing, you can restore files from the Recycle Bin. Then, on the Scan button, begin a rapid scan on the selected disc drive.

Step 3: Select data
All files will be presented on the interface after the scan is completed. Mark the data you want to recover by selecting the file type from the left side. You may also use the Filter option to find files quickly.
Step 4: Extract data/Retrieve Data
To save the selected data back to your computer, click the Recover option
Apart from ISO files, This software can recover Word documents, images, and other types of files from a computer, hard drive, flash drive, digital camera, and other devices.
Creating an ISO Bootable image for Windows 11.
Step 1: Get PowerISO from its official website.
Step 2 – Once the download is complete, double-click the EXE file to begin the installation process.
Step 3 – On the next screen, click “I agree.”
Step 4 – When the installation is finished, press the next button.
Step 5 – Select all for file associations because it is useful for all file formats, then click Finish.
You are now ready to go. Now, use PowerISO to create a bootable DVD.
Also Read: How To Close All Open Windows For App At Once In Windows 11
Windows 11 ISO file link is broken. 403-Forbidden error when clicking link.