Windows 10 no longer mounts (opens) ISO files, what can I do?

Tobo · ‎16.01.2024

Question

Windows 10 does not mount (open) ISO files (ISO images) anymore what can I do?

Answer

Problem file.png

If Windows displays this or a similar error message when deploying an ISO image, uninstalling all entries of the Microsoft virtual DVD-ROM drive from the Device Manager should resolve the error.

To ensure that the device manager displays all appropriate entries, a environment variable is set for the device manager. Environment variables can be created temporarily or permanently.

Temporarily:

Press Windows key + r to open a run dialog, type cmd and run it. In the console window that now opens, type the following commands and confirm each with ENTER.

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
devmgmt.msc opens the device manager, then continues to Permanent.)

Permanent:

Open with Windows key + Pause key the system dialog. Click on Advanced System Settings on the left, in the next window on Environment Variables and then under System Variables on New. Name of the variable: devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices; Value of the variable: 1.

new variable.png

Close all open dialogues with Ok! Open the quick access menu with Windows key + x and select the device manager. Then click on View in the Device Manager menu and select the option Show hidden devices.

device manager.png

Open the DVD/CD-ROM drives branch. Click on the Microsoft virtual DVD-ROM drive entries with the right mouse button, select Uninstall device and confirm the prompt with Uninstall.

Now try to open the ISO file in question again.

⚠️Note⚠️

In some forums it can be read that Windows 10 cannot provide ISO files from EXFAT-formatted drives. This cannot be confirmed after a test with an EXFAT-formatted stick.

The information in this article refers to: