To create bootable CD or DVD images, you need to burn it as an ISO image (not as regular data disk). These are the 5 best free CD and DVD burning software for Windows. You should be able to pick one from this list that suite you the most.
1. Daemon Tools Lite
Daemon tool lite is a straightforward and effective program for making simple disc image files and emulating virtual CD/DVD drives. It also has basic backing up functionality that protects images and password, compress images and manage image collection. It can also create up to 4 virtual devices to mount several images simultaneously.
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- Pros: Easy to mount images, user-friendly interface; turning on/off advanced emulation; support of portable installation; very good feedback from users.
- Cons: Could take up a bit of memory
- OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
2. Ashampoo Burning Studio Free
Another powerful and yet easy to use CD and DVD burning program that focuses on burning disc fast without any complications. This version retains all the advantages of previous versions plus more with the new addition of multi-disc file backups. It creates compressed backup archives with password protection as well as split archives automatically and restores archive contents to their original locations. It will now also give you an option to set the number of copies you want to burn; overall, this new version is easier to use with jam-packed features.
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- Pros: attractive and user-friendly interface with great features; new version is greatly improved and equipped with more effective tools and features
- Cons: It will try to install a toolbar that you need to deselect if you are not interested
- OS: All flavors of Windows including Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, Windows 7 (Supports both 32 and 64 bits Windows)
3. ImgBurn
This is one of the most powerful free burning applications with advanced features and options. It features more than 10 image formats, author rewritable discs, produce images from file compilation or discs as well as builds audio CDs from several file types and enables access to drives for restricted users.
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- Pros: Equipped with advanced features not typical for FREE software; have flexible options and great features
- Cons: beginners may find it a bit complicated to handle with its advance configurability
- OS: All flavors of Windows including Win 9x/ME/NT/2K/XP/2K3/Vista/7 (32 and 64-bit)
4. Burn Aware Free
A full-fledged disc burning tool which is fast, lightweight and feature-packed. It is a great software that features a very attractive interface which provides a clear procedure for burning objectives. With Burn aware free, you can easily manage to create and burn audio and mp3 cd, data and dvd-video disc and many more. It has a file management system that makes navigation a breeze.
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- Download Burn Aware Free
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- Pros: easy file management system with attractive interface; equipped with sufficient features for most burning objectives and uncomplicated to handle; lightweight and fast.
- Cons: no option of floating window; issues with timestamps
- OS: Windows 7/2000/2003/2008/9x/Home Server/Vista/XP (both 32 and 64 bit)
5. CD Burner XP
Another free application that is quick and easy to use for burning CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It has a Multilanguage interface that is good for both personal and company use.
- Our Rating:
- Download CD Burner XP
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- Pros: multisession functionality; can be used by companies; user-friendly interface
- Cons: new version now uses open candy installation “tool”
- OS: All flavors of Windows including Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista
