Access ISO files like normal filesystems without burning media. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 2 min Want to inspect or extract files from an ISO without burning it First mount the ISO via a loopback device and treat it like any mounted filesystem. Quick working example Example mounting a simple ISO Create a mountpoint and attach the image with `sudo mkdir -p /mnt/iso && sudo mount -o loop ubuntu.iso /mnt/iso` then verify with `mount | grep /mnt/iso` which typically returns `/dev/loop0 on /mnt/iso type iso9660 (ro,relatime)` and when finished run `sudo umount /mnt/iso` to detach. Handling images with partitions If the ISO or disk image contains partitions use `sudo losetup --find --show -P diskimage.iso` to map partitions which prints a device like `/dev/loop0` then mount a partition with `sudo mount /dev/loop0p1 /mnt/iso` and when done release with `sudo losetup -d /dev/loop0` to avoid stale devices. Options, pitfalls and best practices Prefer `-o ro` for safety and use `modprobe loop` if loop support is missing; to mount a specific partition inside an image calculate offset in bytes or use `losetup -P` or `kpartx` to create partition devices; always unmount before detaching loop devices and remember that ISO9660 is usually read only so write operations will fail unless you use overlay techniques. Related utilities and desktop options On desktops use `udisksctl` or file manager integrations for non root mounts, `fuseiso` enables user mounts with FUSE, `qemu-nbd` and `guestmount` are handy when working with VM images and complex formats, and `kpartx` helps when mapping partitions inside larger images. Where this leads Mastering loop mounts unlocks safe image inspection, fast package extraction and forensic workflows and is a small but essential skill on the path to deeper Linux certification and system administration practice. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. filesystem storage utilities
