Verify a download checksum
Publishers post digests so you can detect truncated or substituted downloads. Hash locally and compare carefully.
Checklist
- Copy the expected digest from the publisher over HTTPS.
- Hash your file in Hash Generator with the same algorithm.
- Compare hex strings case-insensitively; watch for truncated copies.
- If they differ, re-download — do not “fix” the file to match.
Algorithm choice
Prefer SHA-256 or SHA-512 when listed. Use MD5 or SHA-1 only to match a legacy published digest. Matching still is not antivirus. For a SHA-256-focused walkthrough see SHA-256 file checksum.
What this page does not do
No password cracking, no HMAC with a secret key and no cloud re-hashing of your upload. Digests stay in this browser.