How to Download and Use OS ISO Files

An OS ISO file is a complete disc image of an operating system installer. Use it to perform a clean install, upgrade your system, or boot inside a virtual machine (VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, Parallels). To install on real hardware, flash the ISO to a USB drive using Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux) — then boot from USB.

Windows Modern Releases — ISO Downloads

Windows 7 Editions

Classic Windows ISO Downloads

Linux & Other OS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ISO file and how do I use it?
An ISO file is a complete disc image — a single file that contains everything on an operating system installation disc. To use it, write it to a USB drive with a free tool like Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux), then boot your PC from that USB drive. You can also mount ISO files directly in virtual machine software like VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Hyper-V, or Parallels — no USB drive required.
Are all ISO downloads on GramFile free and safe?
Yes. Every ISO image hosted on GramFile is provided completely free of charge. We verify each file's integrity using SHA-256 checksums before listing it, so you can be confident you are getting a clean, unmodified disc image with no bundled adware, spyware, or modified installers.
Which Windows version should I download for my PC?
For most users with hardware from 2017 onwards, Windows 11 is the recommended choice — it offers better security, performance, and long-term support. If your PC does not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot), Windows 10 is still widely supported and highly capable. Windows 7 and earlier should only be used in isolated or virtual environments, as they no longer receive security updates from Microsoft.
Can I run these ISO files in a virtual machine?
Absolutely. All OS ISO images listed here are fully compatible with popular virtualization software including VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Hyper-V, and Parallels. Simply create a new virtual machine, attach the downloaded ISO as the boot media, and follow the on-screen installation wizard. This is the safest way to test a new OS without touching your main system.
How do I verify an ISO file's integrity after downloading?
Each ISO listed on GramFile is accompanied by a published SHA-256 checksum. After downloading, compare your file's hash against our published value. On Windows, run CertUtil -hashfile yourfile.iso SHA256 in Command Prompt. On Linux/macOS, run sha256sum yourfile.iso. A matching checksum confirms your download is complete, intact, and unmodified.
What is the best tool to create a bootable USB from an ISO?
Rufus is the most popular free tool for creating bootable USB drives on Windows — it supports both GPT/MBR partition schemes and UEFI/Legacy BIOS modes. For a cross-platform option, Balena Etcher works on Windows, macOS, and Linux with a simple drag-and-drop interface. For Linux ISOs specifically, Ventoy lets you put multiple ISOs on one USB drive and boot whichever you choose.

About Our OS ISO Downloads

GramFile hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of free, verified OS ISO files on the web. Whether you're looking to perform a clean install of Windows 11, set up a Windows 10 virtual machine, or experiment with a classic like Windows XP or Windows 98, every disc image we publish has been integrity-checked using SHA-256 checksums to guarantee it is unmodified and malware-free.

Our library covers the complete Windows family — from the AI-powered Windows 11 25H2 all the way back to Windows 95 — as well as Linux-based systems like SteamOS for gaming and Ubuntu variants for productivity. Each entry includes the ISO file size, architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), edition notes, and a direct download link with no paywalls, no sign-up requirements, and no bundled software.

Looking to recover a broken system? Need a bootable USB for a friend's laptop? Testing software compatibility in a VM? Our ISO downloads are formatted to work seamlessly with Rufus, Balena Etcher, Ventoy, VirtualBox, and VMware. We update our listings regularly to ensure file availability and checksum accuracy.