How To Open BIN Files Properly – Complete Guide 2025

Even though BIN files aren’t as popular as they used to be, you never know when you might need to recover valuable old files saved in the BIN format. Today, we are covering a comprehensive guide to “How To Open a BIN File” in 2025. Let’s dive into it!

What are BIN files?

A BIN file, or binary file, is a computer file that stores information in binary format, which is a series of bytes. BIN files can contain a variety of information, including images, videos, executables, libraries, databases, and archives. 

BIN files contain binary data and can serve different purposes:

• Disk Image Files: Often used for CD/DVD images (e.g., for games or software).
• Binary Executables: Compiled programs or firmware.
• Backup Files: Data backups or saved configurations.
• Data Files: Contain raw data used by specific software.

Method 1: Burning the BIN File

Here are the steps for burning a BIN file to a blank disc on your computer:

1. Insert a blank disc

To start with the process of burning a disc, insert a blank disc into your computer’s disc drive. 

Note: Make sure any disc you choose has enough space for the items in your BIN file, so a blank disc is often the best choice.

2. Search for a CUE file

• When burning a BIN file, you need to find the related CUE file on your computer. 
• A CUE file is a plain-text file (Notepad editable) that stores the organization of tracks on a CD or DVD, so it can be useful for accurately burning the information of a BIN file onto a disc. CUE files typically live in the same folder as their corresponding BIN files and have the same file name but with the .cue extension. 

Here’s an example of related BIN and CUE file names:

• filename.bin
• filename.cue

If you are not able to locate the related CUE file, you’ll need to simple create one. Open a text editor (like Notepad) and enter the following text:

sql FILE “filename.bin” BINARYTRACK 01 MODE1/2352INDEX 01 00:00:00

Note: 

• Ensure to replace filename.bin with the actual name of your BIN file.
• Save this file with the same name as your BIN file, but with a .cue extension.

Once you find or have created the CUE file, make a note of where it is, as you may need it when using certain burning software programs.

3. Find a burning program

• There are many options for disc-burning programs online. We suggest using software like Nero, ImgBurn, or CDBurnerXP to burn the BIN to a physical disc. Nero is recommended. 
• Now, install the disc-burning software on your device.  
• From the software’s wizard, select the disc you want to burn in the software.

4. Load the CUE or BIN file

• After choosing the disc to which you want to burn your BIN file, the burning program you chose may prompt you to select a file. 
• Depending on the software, it may require either a BIN file, a CUE file or either of these formats. 
• Now, locate the BIN or CUE file you want to upload and select it from your list of files.
  

Note: Double-check to make sure you’ve chosen the correct file to burn on your blank disc. Once you hit the “Burn” button, you won’t be able to revert back and the disc might get corrupted too. 

5. Choose “burn”

• Now, the chosen program will give you options to “burn” or “cancel” after selecting the BIN and CUE files from your folders. 
• Choose the option to “burn” so your computer can start copying the contents of the BIN or CUE file onto your blank disc. 
• Be patient, the time taken to burn the disc depends upon the size of your selected file. Make sure you don’t eject the disc or choose “cancel” while your disc is burning, otherwise, you may not copy the entire contents of the file to the disc.

6. Test your disc

• After finishing the burning process, you will get an alert that the burning process is complete. The files are successfully burned to the disc. 
• You can remove your disc from the drive safely. 
• Now, test out the burned disc and check if your files are accessible. 
•  You can double-click on the disc’s icon or right-click and choose “open.” This should open your disc and show you the contents of the BIN file on your computer’s media player.

Your BIN files should be successfully accessible. Let’s move on to other methods. 

Method 2: Mounting the BIN file

Mounting a BIN file means that you create a “virtual disc drive” on your system, allowing you to access its contents without burning it to a physical disc (i.e. method 1). 

This process lets your computer treat the BIN files like an actual disc, allowing access to its contents just like you would with a CD or DVD. 

This method is recommended when you don’t have access to a burning disc. Virtual mounting the BIN file provides a quick, convenient way to access BIN file data. Thus, it’s ideal for software installation or media viewing, where the user wouldn’t be needing physical media. There are many tools to mount the BIN files. 

Here’s how to mount a BIN file on a virtual drive, with the help of our recommended tools: 

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A) Using Daemon Tools

1. Download and Install:
   • Go to Daemon Tools.
   • Download the appropriate version (Lite is sufficient for most users).
   • Install the software (you may need to restart your PC).
2. Add the BIN File:
   • Open Daemon Tools.
   • Click the “Quick Mount” button (or “Add Image” in some versions).
   • Browse and select your .bin file.
3. Mount the File:
   • Once added, right-click the BIN file in the library.
   • Select Mount.
   • A new virtual drive will appear in your File Explorer, containing the BIN’s contents.
4. Access the Mounted File:
   • Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
   • Look for the new virtual drive (usually labeled with the BIN file name).
   • Open it to access files.

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B) Using WinCDEmu

1. Download and Install:
   • Go to WinCDEmu.
   • Install the software (it’s lightweight and free).
2. Mount the File:
   • After installation, right-click the BIN file.
   • Select Mount Image.
   • Choose a virtual drive letter (the default is fine).
   • Click OK.
3. Access the Mounted File:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Navigate to the newly created virtual drive to access the BIN file’s contents.

C) Using Virtual CloneDrive

1. Download and Install:
   • Go to Virtual CloneDrive (renamed as CloneBD).
   • Install the software (free for personal use).
2. Mount the BIN File:
   • After installation, double-click the BIN file, and it will automatically mount.
   • Alternatively, right-click the BIN file, choose Open With, and select Virtual CloneDrive.
3. Access the Mounted File:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Find the virtual drive and explore the contents.

Let’s move on to the next method.

Method 3: Convert the BIN file into an ISO file

This method is recommended because:

• ISO files are supported by more tools and operating systems, hence more compatibility
• Modern systems like Windows and macOS can mount ISO files natively, while BIN files often require specific software, hence promoting ease of access
• Also, ISO files are easier to share and burn to physical media, thus offering better portability

You can convert your BIN file into an ISO file, which is an archival file format that directly copies the contents of your BIN file, with file conversion software. Many of these are available online as web applications or downloadable programs for your computer. Try to find one that accepts BIN files and can convert them into ISO files. 

Some recommended tools from us:

• PowerISO

• WinISO

• MagicISO

Here are the steps to “Convert the BIN file into an ISO file” :

A) Using PowerISO

Step 1: Download and Install PowerISO

1. Go to the official PowerISO website.
2. Choose the correct version for your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit).
3. Download the installer and run it.
4. Follow the installation prompts:
   • Accept the terms and conditions.
   • Choose the installation directory.
   • Complete the installation by clicking Finish.

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Step 2: Launch PowerISO

1. Open the PowerISO application from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
2. If prompted, skip or activate the license. The free version works for this task.

Step 3: Open the BIN File

1. Click on Tools in the top menu bar.
2. Select Convert from the dropdown menu.
3. In the new window:
   • Click Add File and browse for the .bin file on your computer.
   • Select the file and click Open.

Step 4: Set Conversion Options

1. In the Convert window:
   • Under Output Format, select Standard ISO File (.iso).
   • Set the Output Folder by clicking Browse and choosing where the ISO file should be saved.

Step 5: Start the Conversion

1. Click the Convert button.
2. Wait for the conversion process to finish (this may take a few minutes, depending on the file size).
3. A confirmation message will appear once the process is complete.

Step 6: Access the ISO File

1. Navigate to the folder you selected as the output location.
2. Verify the new ISO file is present and functional by mounting it with any virtual drive tool or using it as needed.

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B) Using WinISO

Step 1: Download and Install WinISO

1. Visit the official WinISO website.
2. Download the installer for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the setup instructions:
   • Accept the terms of service.
   • Choose the installation folder.
   • Complete the process and launch the application.

Step 2: Load the BIN File

1. Open the WinISO application.
2. In the toolbar, click File and select Open.
3. Browse your computer to locate the .bin file.
4. Select the file and click Open to load it into WinISO.

Step 3: Convert to ISO

1. Click File in the toolbar and select Save As.
2. In the Save As dialog:
   • Choose ISO Files (.iso) from the Save as Type dropdown menu.
   • Specify the destination folder where you want the ISO file saved.
   • Enter a name for the output file and click Save.

Step 4: Verify the Conversion

1. After the conversion process is complete, navigate to the output folder.
2. Double-check that the ISO file was successfully created and is usable.

C) Using MagicISO

Step 1: Download and Install MagicISO

1. Visit the MagicISO website.
2. Download the installer and run it.
3. Follow the installation instructions:
   • Agree to the terms and conditions.
   • Complete the setup.

Step 2: Load the BIN File

1. Open MagicISO.
2. Click File in the menu bar and select Open.
3. Browse to the .bin file and select it.

Step 3: Convert to ISO

1. Click Tools in the menu bar and select Convert.
2. In the Convert dialog box:
   • Choose Output Format: ISO.
   • Specify the output folder where you want to save the converted file.
   • Click Convert.

Step 4: Complete the Process

1. Wait for the conversion to finish.
2. Navigate to the output folder to locate the ISO file.

Conclusion

These were the top 3 methods to open a BIN file. BIN files are old but they are still used some time to recover data. It’s promptly used for CD images and some anti-virus programs. It can be anything, an image or sound data for a game or a ROM for an emulator.

1. What are some common programs to burn CDs/DVDs for Windows?

• Nero
• ImgBurn
• CDBurnerXP

2. What are the common methods to open a BIN file?

1. Mount the File:

• • Use tools like Daemon Tools, WinCDEmu, or Virtual CloneDrive.
  • Mount the BIN file to a virtual drive and access its contents like a physical disk.

2. Burning disk Image BIN Files using tools like Nero, ImgBurn, or CDBurnerXP.

3. Convert the BIN file into an ISO file using tools like PowerISO, WinISO, MagicISO.

3. What is a BIN file?

A BIN file, or binary file, is a computer file that stores information in binary format, which is a series of bytes. BIN files can contain a variety of information, including images, videos, executables, libraries, databases, and archives.

4. Are BIN files still relevant today?

While less common than ISO or ZIP formats, BIN files are still used in niche applications like gaming, firmware updates, and archival projects.