Sometimes, you end up needing an ISO file from a bootable USB, especially if you want to back it up or create multiple copies without redownloading the ISO each time. It’s kind of weird, but you can do it, and it’s really handy when the original ISO is no longer available. The tricky part? Most people don’t know how to pull an ISO straight from a USB they’ve made bootable, especially since tools like Rufus don’t support converting USBs back into ISOs. These methods are pretty reliable but sometimes a bit finicky, especially if your USB is jank or if the boot files are in weird spots. Anyway, here are the two best ways I’ve come across, and they actually work on Windows. So, let’s get into it — no fluff, just real-world stuff.
How to Convert a Bootable USB to an ISO on Windows
Method 1: Using AnyBurn to Create an ISO from USB Files
This approach is good if you want a straightforward way to snag all the files from your USB and make an ISO out of them. It helps because it actually reads the folders and files you used to make the USB, bundling them into a proper ISO. It’s perfect if your drive still has all the files intact and you’re not dealing with tricky boot files hidden somewhere.
- First off, download the latest version of AnyBurn. Because Windows can be weird about trusting software, it’s better to get it from their official site.
- Install it, hit I Agree, and get through the setup. Expect some nag screen, but it’s all legit.
- Fire up the program, and in the main interface, look for Create image file from files/folders. Yeah, that’s what you want.
- Click Add and then browse to your USB drive — usually listed under This PC or a drive letter — and select all folders you see there. If you’re stumped, open it and pick everything, including the hidden/system ones if they’re there.
- Let the tool fetch the files — this step can take a minute, depending on size. Once it’s done, click Next.
- Choose where you want to save the ISO by clicking the Folder icon in the Destination section. Pick a convenient location, maybe your desktop or documents.
- Hit Create Now, and wait. Sometimes it takes a little for AnyBurn to process everything, especially if it’s a big drive. On some setups it failed the first time, then worked after a reboot—saying Windows can be weird like that.
- When it’s done, navigate to your save location. There, you should see your new ISO file — nice and neat, ready to use.
Method 2: Using ImgBurn to Rip Boot Files and Make an ISO
This one’s a bit more involved but gives you control over boot files, which can be important if you want a fully bootable ISO with the same settings as your USB. It works especially well if your USB was made with bootloaders like syslinux or grub, because you’ll need to capture the boot-image files directly.
- Grab ImgBurn from its official site. Watch out for fake sites promising downloads, because Windows loves to throw malware in YouTube tutorials, and some clones just aren’t trustworthy.
- Install it like any other program, and be mindful during setup—uncheck any suggested toolbars or offers.
- Open ImgBurn, and select Create image file from files/folders.
- Click the folder icon and browse to your USB drive. Here’s the trick: select the folder containing the boot files, usually under a “boot” or “sources” folder.
- Now, switch to Advanced > Bootable Disc. Make sure to check Make Image Bootable.
- In the Boot Image field, click the folder icon. Look for files like setupldr.bin or etfsboot, often found in the root or \boot folder of the USB. On some disks, the file might be called bootmgr or similar, so check around.
- Set your destination folder for the ISO — pick somewhere you won’t misplace it.
- Hit Convert. It’ll compile all that into an ISO, making sure to include the boot info so it’s as bootable as the original USB.
- Patience — it takes a few minutes, and then you’ll get a success message. Head over to that save location, and ta-da: your ISO should be waiting for you.
Important note: always use sources you trust. Fake websites are everywhere, and many sites try to sneak adware or malware into what seems like a legitimate download. Keep your antivirus active, and download only from official or well-known links.
Other Ways to Convert a USB to ISO?
There are a bunch of tools out there claiming to do this, but honestly most are outdated or just plain dodgy—they try to sneak in crapware or don’t really do what they say. Sticking to AnyBurn and ImgBurn is usually the safest bet. They’re free, reputable, and both can turn Windows, Linux, or even Mac bootable USBs into proper ISO files.
And if all else fails? Sometimes the simplest fix is just to grab the ISO from the official source directly—especially if it’s still available. That’s way less hassle, and at least you know it’s clean and legit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still got questions? Here are some common stuff that trips people up:
- Can I create an ISO from a bootable USB? Yeah, totally. Just use these tools and follow the steps. It’s surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
- Does Rufus do this? Nope. Rufus is great for making bootable USB drives from ISO files, but it can’t spin an ISO out of a USB after it’s already made.
- How do I make my USB back to normal? Usually, just format it. Pick your drive in File Explorer, right-click, choose Format, and select FAT32 or NTFS. That’ll wipe the bootloader and make it a plain storage device again.
- How to create a Windows bootable USB? Use tools like Media Creation Tool or Rufus. You’ll need an ISO file, and it’s a pretty lengthy process—just follow a step-by-step guide, or check some tech blogs for detailed instructions.
In general, these methods are super useful when you want a clean ISO from your USB media, especially if the original ISO is lost or corrupted. Not sure why it works, but sometimes these tricks just do the job when other options fail.