Virtual CloneDrive

What Virtual CloneDrive is

Virtual CloneDrive provides virtual CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives on Windows. It lets users mount optical image files stored on a hard disk or network drive, with double-click mounting for quick access. Supported image formats are ISO, BIN, IMG, UDF, DVD, and CCD, and the software can emulate CD, DVD, and Blu-ray media. Up to 15 virtual drives can be active at the same time.

Windows Explorer context menus provide access to mounting actions. A recently mounted image history, automatic mounting of the last image, and an eject button help manage images after setup. Virtual CloneDrive is freeware, listed as free. Supported Windows versions include XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, with specified 64-bit editions. The listed release is version 5.5.3.0, dated 2025-02-10; its release notes describe an update to the ElbyCDIO.sys driver, version 6.1.5.0. Installation requires administrator rights. Listed minimum requirements include a Windows-compatible PC, a 500 MHz processor, and 256 MB RAM.

Who it suits

Virtual CloneDrive suits Windows users who need to mount optical disc image files as virtual drives, including images stored on a hard disk or network drive. It is a fit for people who need support for several image formats or multiple simultaneous virtual drives.

Limits

The free plan supports up to 15 virtual drives. Installation requires administrator rights, and the listed system requirements include a 500 MHz processor and 256 MB RAM.

Getting started

1. Open the Virtual CloneDrive product page at https://oss.elby.ch/en/products/vcd.html
2. Download the freeware version 5.5.3.0
3. Install it with administrator rights on a Windows-compatible PC
4. Double-click a supported image file to mount it
5. Use the eject button to unmount an image

Verdict

Choose Virtual CloneDrive if you need a free Windows utility for mounting optical image files and want up to 15 virtual drives. Look elsewhere if you need a version for a platform other than Windows.