Burn ISO to DVD Command Line Windows - How To

Burning ISO Images to DVD via the Windows Command Line

Many users prefer utilizing the Command Line interface in Windows for a multitude of tasks. A common inquiry arises: can an ISO image be written to a DVD directly from the command line?

This SuperUser Q&A addresses a reader’s need to efficiently burn ISO images to DVDs. The following information details how this can be accomplished.

Understanding the Process

The question originated from the SuperUser platform, which is a segment of Stack Exchange. Stack Exchange is a network of question and answer websites maintained by its user community.

Successfully burning an ISO to DVD via the command line requires utilizing specific tools and commands available within the Windows operating system.

Resources and Further Information

The original discussion and detailed solutions can be found on SuperUser. The screenshot accompanying the original post was provided by MDT Guy, a contributor to the SuperUser community.

Users seeking more in-depth guidance or alternative methods can explore the linked SuperUser thread for a comprehensive range of responses and techniques.

Important Note: Ensure you have the necessary permissions and a compatible DVD drive to perform this operation.

Burning ISO Images to DVD via Command Line in Windows

A SuperUser user, Avinash Raj, inquired about the feasibility of burning an ISO image to a DVD directly from the Windows command line.

The question posed was whether it’s achievable to write an ISO file to a DVD using the command line interface in Windows 7 or 8, and if so, what the necessary steps would be.

The core of the inquiry centers on utilizing command-line tools within Windows to accomplish DVD burning from an ISO file.

Utilizing the 'PowerISO' Command-Line Tool

While Windows doesn't natively include a command-line utility for direct ISO to DVD burning, third-party tools can provide this functionality. PowerISO is a popular option.

PowerISO offers a command-line interface that allows for automated disc burning tasks. It requires a licensed version for full functionality.

Command Syntax for PowerISO

The basic syntax for burning an ISO with PowerISO from the command line is as follows:

PowerISO.exe -burn "path_to_iso" -drive "drive_letter" -speed "burn_speed"

• PowerISO.exe: This invokes the PowerISO executable.
• -burn: This parameter specifies the burn operation.
• "path_to_iso": Replace this with the complete file path to your ISO image.
• -drive "drive_letter": Substitute this with the letter of your DVD drive (e.g., "D:").
• -speed "burn_speed": Indicate the desired burning speed (e.g., "4x").

Example Command

To burn an ISO file named "myimage.iso" located in "C:\ISOs" to drive "D:" at 4x speed, the command would be:

PowerISO.exe -burn "C:\ISOs\myimage.iso" -drive "D:" -speed "4x"

Alternative: ImgBurn

ImgBurn is another powerful tool that provides command-line capabilities for disc burning. It's a free and widely used option.

ImgBurn's command-line interface is more complex than PowerISO's, but offers greater control over the burning process.

Considerations

Ensure the correct drive letter is specified to avoid accidentally burning to the wrong device. Always verify the ISO file's integrity before burning.

Burning speed can affect the reliability of the burn; slower speeds generally result in fewer errors. Administrative privileges may be required to execute these commands.

Burning ISO Files via Command Line in Windows

According to a SuperUser contributor, MDT Guy, it is indeed possible to burn ISO files to DVDs directly from the Windows Command Line interface.

However, this functionality is limited to Windows 7 and subsequent versions of the operating system.

Command Line ISO Burning Process

Burning ISO and IMG image files using the Command Line in Windows is a relatively straightforward procedure.

Begin by opening the Command Prompt and then type 'isoburn' to display the available syntax options.

It's important to note that referencing the '.exe' extension is unnecessary, as 'isoburn' resides within the System32 folder.

To initiate the burning process, use the following command structure:

• Syntax: isoburn.exe /q [the CD/DVD writing drive]

Example: isoburn.exe /q D: C:\Users\JDoe\Desktop\image.iso

This command instructs the system to burn the specified ISO image file to the designated optical drive.

Following the execution of the command, a confirmation window will appear.

Although the burning process is initiated from the Command Line, the confirmation window may require manual closure upon completion.

Additional Resources

For further information, consult the following resource:

How to Burn Disk Images (ISO & IMG) in Windows 7 & Windows 8

Readers are encouraged to contribute their insights or ask further questions in the comments section.

A more extensive discussion involving other knowledgeable Stack Exchange users can be found at the original thread linked here.