Can I distribute my autorun as an ISO file or a download?
Yes. Fewer PCs have a disc drive every year, so many customers ship the same AutoRun Wizard project three ways: on a disc, on a USB drive, and as a download.
As an ISO file
An ISO is a single-file image of a disc. Most burning programs can save your Base Folder as an ISO instead of burning it (choose "Create image" or "Save as ISO"; keep autorun.inf, autorun.exe and autorun.dat at the root of the image).
On Windows 10 and 11, double-clicking an ISO mounts it as a virtual DVD drive. Windows then treats it like a disc: it may show the AutoPlay prompt, and the user can always open the drive and double-click autorun.exe.
An ISO is also the cleanest master for a duplication service, because the copies they make match it exactly.
As a ZIP download
Zip the contents of your Base Folder (not the folder itself). Tell users to:
- Right-click the ZIP and choose Extract All.
- Open the extracted folder and double-click autorun.exe.
Running autorun.exe straight from inside the ZIP window does not work, because Windows extracts only that one file and autorun.dat is missing.
Windows security on downloads
Windows marks downloaded files, and files inside a downloaded ZIP or ISO, with the "Mark of the Web." Because of that, the user may see "Windows protected your PC" when autorun.exe or your own program starts. They click More info, then Run anyway. Signing your own programs reduces these prompts. Details: antivirus and Windows warnings.
Which one should I use?
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| CD or DVD | Trade shows, mailings and anything that should prompt on insert |
| USB drive | Branded giveaways (custom drive icon and name); the user opens autorun.exe |
| ISO | Duplication masters and users who mount disc images |
| ZIP | Email and website downloads |
Check that your license covers the way you distribute.