Quick answer: To send a large ISO file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. An OS installer ISO is about 4.9 GB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a ISO file?
An ISO is a complete image of a CD, DVD or Blu-ray, stored as one file. Operating system installers (Windows, Linux), software installation media, bootable rescue tools and archived discs are distributed as ISOs.
Size follows the disc it represents: up to about 700 MB for a CD, 4.7 GB for a single-layer DVD, 8.5 GB for a dual-layer DVD and 25 GB or more for a Blu-ray. Modern OS installers sit in the 2 to 7 GB range.
Extensions: .iso, .img.
How big are ISO files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| A CD image | up to about 700 MB |
| A Linux distribution installer | roughly 1 to 6 GB |
| A Windows 11 installer | roughly 5 to 7 GB |
| A single-layer DVD / dual-layer DVD image | up to about 4.7 GB / 8.5 GB |
| A Blu-ray image | about 25 GB (single layer) or 50 GB (dual layer) |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send an OS installer ISO (about 4.9 GB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | No, send a link |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | No, send a link |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | No, send a link |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | No, send a link |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send ISO files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop ISO files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.
Tips for sending ISO files
- Share a SHA-256 checksum so the recipient can confirm the ISO downloaded without errors.
- Only share images of software and discs you have the right to distribute.
- Do not zip an ISO of video discs expecting big savings; the contents are already compressed.
- FAT32 USB drives cannot store files over 4 GB, so the recipient may need exFAT or NTFS for large ISOs.
How to open a ISO file
Windows 8 and later: double-click to mount the ISO as a virtual drive. Mac: double-click to mount it in Finder. To make a bootable USB stick, use tools such as Rufus (Windows) or balenaEtcher (Windows, Mac, Linux). Phones cannot use ISOs directly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an ISO file?
On Windows and Mac, double-click it to mount it as a virtual disc and browse the files. To install an OS, write it to a USB stick with a tool such as Rufus or balenaEtcher.
How can I check an ISO downloaded correctly?
Compare its SHA-256 checksum with the one provided by the sender. If they match, the file is identical.
Why can't I copy my ISO to a USB stick?
The stick is probably formatted as FAT32, which cannot hold files over 4 GB. Reformat it as exFAT or NTFS.
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