Guides / Windows 11 troubleshooting

How to verify a Windows 11 ISO SHA-256 hash

Quick Answer

Check the SHA-256 of a downloaded ISO and compare it against a trustworthy hash for the exact file and release.

Check the SHA-256 of a downloaded ISO and compare it against a trustworthy hash for the exact file and release.

By FlyOOBE Software Editorial TeamUpdated 2026-10-28

Step-by-step checks

  1. Download the ISO from Microsoft or a known trusted source.
  2. Open PowerShell and run Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 on the full ISO file path.
  3. Compare the output with a trusted published digest for the exact edition, language and release when one is available.
  4. If no trusted digest exists, do not mistake a locally calculated hash for proof of authenticity.
  5. Keep the unmodified ISO and record its source and download date.

When to stop or reconsider

Hash equality verifies integrity relative to a trusted reference; it does not establish that an unknown source is trustworthy.

Related guides

Sources and verification

Confirm version-specific behavior using Microsoft documentation and hardware vendor support instructions. Do not assume that unsupported Windows installations receive guaranteed servicing.