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How to Verify a File Checksum (SHA-256, MD5) on Any Computer

Software sites publish a checksum (a long string like 3a7bd3e2…) next to downloads. If your file’s hash matches, it arrived intact and unmodified.

#Free Hash Generator
MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 for text and files.Open tool →

In your browser

Open the Hash Generator, choose the downloaded file, then paste the published checksum into 'Compare with a known hash'. A match is shown in green. The file is hashed on your device.

Windows

Open PowerShell and run: Get-FileHash C:\path\to\file.iso -Algorithm SHA256. Compare the output with the published value.

Mac and Linux

Open Terminal and run: shasum -a 256 /path/to/file (Mac) or sha256sum /path/to/file (Linux).

If it doesn't match

Delete the file and download it again from the official site. A mismatch means it was corrupted or altered – don't run it.

Frequently asked questions

SHA-256 or MD5?

Use SHA-256 when available; MD5 only detects accidental corruption, not tampering.

Is there a size limit?

The browser tool handles files up to 200 MB.

Does a match guarantee safety?

It proves the file matches what the publisher listed – get the checksum from the official site.

#Free Hash Generator
MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 for text and files.Open tool →

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