This wikiHow teaches you how to burn an ISO file to a blank DVD. You can do this on Windows or Mac computers using the software that comes bundled with them. Burning an ISO file allows you to run the ISO file as a program, which is useful when you want to create an operating system or game disc.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: On Windows
Step 1. Make sure your computer has a disk drive where you can record them
You need a DVD drive to be able to burn an ISO file to a blank DVD. Most modern Windows computers come with a DVD drive.
- If the CD tray has the name "DVD" burned on it, then you can burn DVD.
- If you can't burn DVD, you need to buy an external DVD drive for your computer.
Step 2. Insert a blank DVD into your computer
If you want to use the DVD to install an operating system or to run a game, be sure to use a DVD that you have never used before.
Step 3. Open Start
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 4. Open File Explorer
Click on the folder icon at the bottom left of the Start window.
Step 5. Go to the folder where you have saved the ISO file
Click the folder where the ISO file is stored on the left side of the File Explorer window.
- For example, if you have the ISO file on your computer desktop, click Desk.
Step 6. Select the ISO file
Click on the ISO file to select it.
Step 7. Click Share
This tab is in the upper left side of the File Explorer window. Doing this will bring up a toolbar at the top of the File Explorer window.
Step 8. Click Burn to Disc
It's on the toolbar. A pop-up window will appear.
Step 9. Make sure the DVD drive is selected as the recording drive
If you have more than one disk drive for your computer, click on the "Recorder" drop-down menu and then on the option for DVD.
Step 10. Click Burn
It's at the bottom of the pop-up window. Doing this will cause the computer to start burning the ISO file to the DVD. When the process is done, you can remove the DVD.
The burning process can take from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours depending on the size of the ISO file
Method 2 of 2: On Mac
Step 1. Insert a blank DVD into the Mac's CD slot
Since Macs nowadays no longer include a disc drive, you may need to purchase an external DVD player to do this.
- You can buy an external disk drive from Apple for less than $ 90.
- To connect an external DVD drive to your Mac, plug the DVD drive cable into the Mac's USB port (on the left side of a Mac laptop or the back of the desktop iMac monitor).
Step 2. Make sure you know where your ISO file is
The burning process is very easy if the ISO file is in an easy-to-access location, such as on the Mac desktop.
Step 3. Open Spotlight
Click on the lupita icon in the upper right corner of the screen. A search bar will appear.
Step 4. Write Disk Utility in Spotlight
This will search your Mac for the Disc Utility application, which you will use to burn the ISO file to the DVD.
Step 5. Click Disk Utility
The icon is a gray hard drive with a stethoscope around it. You should see it at the top of the Spotlight search results.
Step 6. Click Burn
This radioactive symbol icon is at the top of the window. A Finder window will appear.
Step 7. Select your ISO file
Click the folder where the ISO file is located (for example, Desk) on the left of the Finder window, and then click the ISO file to select it.
Step 8. Click Burn
It's in the lower-right corner of the window. This will close the Finder window.
Step 9. Click Record when the message appears
This option is in the drop-down window at the top of the Disk Utility window. Clicking here will start the burning process.
Depending on the size of the ISO file, burning can take from a couple of minutes to several hours
Step 10. Click OK when it appears
You'll see this option in the lower-right corner of the window when it's done recording. This will conclude the burning process.