How to Verify ISO Checksums on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Quick answer: Compute local SHA-256 and compare it to the vendor-published checksum. If values differ, do not install.

Before installing any ISO image, verify integrity with SHA-256. A checksum mismatch means the file is not identical to the expected release artifact.

Windows (PowerShell)

Get-FileHash .\image.iso -Algorithm SHA256

macOS

shasum -a 256 image.iso

Linux

sha256sum image.iso

Comparison rules

• Use the same algorithm.
• Compare the full checksum string.
• Use an official checksum source.

Need troubleshooting? Checksum Mismatch? 9 Real Causes and How to Fix Them (2026) · Checksum Verifier.