There are many utilities which can calculate file checksums.
However, in some cases it’s not an option to use a third-party tool. For instance:
- The system is permanently or temporarily disconnected from a network.
- Allowed software is restricted due to policies.
But Windows has a built-in tool, which can calculate file checksums: CertUtil
The syntax is:
certutil -hashfile file_to_check.bin [HashAlgorithm]
Among the supported hash algorithms are MD5, SHA1 and SHA256.
Be aware that the hash algorithm has to be in uppercase or the command can fail with:
CertUtil: -hashfile command FAILED: 0xd00000bb (-805306181) CertUtil: WsResetMetadata
Example of use:
certutil -hashfile c:\Windows\System32\calc.exe MD5
Result:
MD5 hash of file c:\Windows\System32\calc.exe: 10 e4 a1 d2 13 2c cb 5c 67 59 f0 38 cd b6 f3 c9 CertUtil: -hashfile command completed successfully.