How to Check a File's Checksum in Windows

File checksums help verify the integrity and authenticity of files, especially if they were downloaded from the internet. In Windows, you can determine a file's checksum using various methods, including built-in command line tools and third-party applications. Here are some ways to do it:

1. Using PowerShell to Check the Checksum

Windows PowerShell provides a convenient way to calculate file checksums using cmdlets. To find, for example, the SHA-256 checksum of a file, follow these steps:

Get-FileHash -Path "C:\path\to\file" -Algorithm SHA256

Replace "C:\path\to\file" with the actual path to your file. PowerShell supports several algorithms by default, including MD5, SHA1, SHA256, SHA384, and SHA512.

2. Using Command Prompt to Get the Checksum

The Windows Command Prompt also allows you to calculate checksums, though you’ll need to use the certutil utility. To get the MD5 or SHA256 checksum, for instance, use the following:

certutil -hashfile "C:\path\to\file" SHA256

Replace SHA256 with any supported algorithm, such as MD5 or SHA1, if you need a different checksum.

3. Using Third-Party Utilities

If you prefer a graphical interface, there are third-party programs for calculating file checksums. Some popular free tools include:

• HashMyFiles — a utility that supports multiple algorithms, allowing you to quickly obtain checksums for multiple files at once.
• 7-Zip — a popular archiver that also lets you calculate file checksums. Right-click the file, choose "CRC SHA," and then select the desired algorithm.