How to Check a SHA-256 Checksum

Published: January 1, 2026

You do not need to download third-party software to verify a SHA-256 checksum of a file. Every major operating system has the capability built-in directly to the command line.

Windows (PowerShell)

Open PowerShell and use the Get-FileHash command:

Get-FileHash C:\path\to\your\file.iso -Algorithm SHA256

macOS (Terminal)

Open the Terminal application and use the shasum command:

shasum -a 256 /path/to/your/file.iso

Linux (Terminal)

Open your terminal and use the dedicated sha256sum command:

sha256sum /path/to/your/file.iso

Once the terminal outputs the hash, visually compare it to the hash provided by the software developer. If they match, the file is authentic.

Further Considerations and Best Practices

When working with cryptographic hashes like SHA-256, it is important to remember that security is an ongoing process. Implementing a hash function correctly is just as critical as choosing a secure algorithm in the first place.

Always ensure that you are using up-to-date cryptographic libraries. Never attempt to "roll your own crypto." The standard libraries provided by modern programming languages (such as Node.js's crypto module, Python's hashlib, or the browser's Web Crypto API) have been rigorously audited by security professionals.

If you need to generate a hash quickly for verification or testing, you can use our free online SHA256 Generator tool. It runs securely in your browser and ensures your data remains private.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a checksum?

A checksum is a small-sized block of data derived from a file used for detecting errors that may have been introduced during its transmission or storage.

How do I check a checksum on Windows?

You can open PowerShell and run the command: Get-FileHash -Path C:your ile.exe -Algorithm SHA256

How do I check a checksum on macOS?

Open the Terminal and run the command: shasum -a 256 /path/to/file

How do I check a checksum on Linux?

Open your terminal and run the command: sha256sum /path/to/file

Are checksums case-sensitive?

The hexadecimal letters in a checksum (a-f) can be uppercase or lowercase. The mathematical value is identical either way.

Ready to generate secure hashes?

Open SHA256 Generator