Windows, by default, does not offer an option to convert files and folders to an ISO image. But there are third-party Windows programs that can help you achieve this task. Here we show you the best apps to make an ISO file from files and folders.

1. AnyToISO

If you are looking for a free utility to create an ISO image not bigger than a regular CD, the AnyToISO Lite version is an excellent utility. It is easy to use and doesn’t come with tons of options.

It also supports the Windows Explorer shell extension. When enabled, it will add a create ISO option in the Windows Explorer context menu.

To convert a folder to an ISO image using AnyToISO:

Launch AnyToISO and open the Folder to ISO tab . Next, click on Browse for Folder and select the folder you want to convert to an ISO image. Next, click on Choose ISO and select the save location for the ISO file. You can change the volume label name or leave it as default. Click on Options to customize the File System and ISO Settings . Next, click the Make ISO button to initiate the process. Depending on the size of the folder, the ISO writing process may take some time. Once completed, you will have a new ISO file created out of the selected folder.

You can also right-click on 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 are using Windows 11, you will first need to access the classic context menu to view the AnyToISO option.

If you want to create an ISO image with large folders (above 870 MB), you need to upgrade to the Pro version and shell $22.95 for the license.

Download: AnyToISO for Windows, Mac (Free Lite version, Premium $22.95)

2. AnyBurn

AnyBurn is a full-fledged CD-burning utility that is free to use for both home and commercial purposes. Apart from creating image files from files and folders, you can use it to create a bootable USB drive, perform disc surface tests, edit image files, and burn image files to disc.

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

Launch AnyBurn and click on Create image file from files/folders . In the new dialog, click the Add + button on the toolbar. Navigate to the location, select the files or folder to convert, and click Add. Next, click the Properties button. Here, you can change the label name, file system, choose compression level, add comments, and modify time and date. Click OK to save the changes. Click Next . Type a name for the new ISO image and select image file type. Click on Create Now to begin the process. AnyBurn will optimize the file layout and then promptly write the image file. The green progress bar indicates the process is completed successfully.

Download: AnyBurn (Free)

3. WinCDEmuI

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

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

To convert a folder to an ISO image using WinCDEmu:

Download the app and complete the installation. Once installed, open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to convert to an image. Right-click on the folder and select Build an ISO Image . On Windows 11, you need to click on Show more options to view the classic context menu. Type a name for your ISO image and click Save .

That’s it. WinCDEmu will start the image writing process. Depending on the folder size, this may take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Download: WinCDEmu (Free)

4. ImgBurn

ImgBurn is another popular Windows utility to create ISO images from files and folders. It is a feature-rich disc burner utility with options to write image files to disc, create image files from disc, and disc verification.

Unlike WinCDEmu and AnyBurn, ImgBurn supports creating ISO images from both files and folders. Here’s how you can use it to create an ISO image from files.

Download and install the app on your PC. Next, launch ImgBurn . If you can’t find the desktop icon, or it doesn’t appear in Windows search, then navigate to the following location to launch the tool: C:\Program Files (x86)\ImgBurn On the main screen, click on Create image file from files/folders . Next, you can browse for the files and folder or drag and drop the content onto ImgBurn to add the files. Next, click the Calculator icon on the right side to calculate the file size and view other information. Next, open the Options tab to customize image options, add hidden system files and other attributes. Next, open the Labels tab and provide a volume label for the file. If you skip this step, ImgBurn will automatically add a label during the image writing process. Click the Folder to Disc icon, enter the ISO image’s name, and select the destination folder. Click Save to begin the process. Follow any on-screen instructions, if necessary, to complete the process.

Download: ImgBurn (Free)

5. ISO Workshop

ISO Workshop is a premium ISO image management app. It features a modern look and offers multiple disc management options. You can use it to make ISO, burn ISO, convert ISO, and extract files from disc images.

Here’s how to use ISO Workshop to make an ISO image from files and folders.

Download and complete the installation. Once installed launch ISO Workshop. In the main interface, click on Make ISO. Next, type a name for the new ISO image and click OK . Click the + icon and select the files and folders to add. You can also drag and drop all the files and folders onto the app to add them. Click on Make , type a name for the file, and click Save . ISO Workshop will start writing image files. Once complete, you can burn the ISO image to a disc or mount it on your PC.

ISO Workshop is a premium utility and comes with a 10-day free trial. After the trial ends, you will need to purchase one of the user licenses for continued use.

Download: ISO Workshop (Free trial, Premium $29.95)

The Best Tools to Convert Files and Folders to an ISO Image

If you frequently convert files and folders to an ISO Image, a tool like AnyToISO and WinCDemu are more beneficial due to the shell application support for the File Explorer context menu. If you need advanced ISO image options, opt for AnyBurn or ImgBurn. However, for occasional use, any of these utilities can help you convert your files and folders to an ISO image in no time.