Cryptographic Hash Option in Context Menu
What is a Cryptographic Hash Function?
A cryptographic hash function is an algorithm that can be run on a piece of data, like an individual file or a password, to produce a value called a checksum.
Unlike secret key and public key algorithms, hash functions, also called message digests, have no key. Instead, a fixed-length hash value is computed, based on the plaintext, that makes it impossible for either the contents or length of the plaintext to be recovered.
The main use of a cryptographic hash function is to verify the integrity of a piece of data. Two files can be assured to be identical only if the checksums generated from each file, using the same cryptographic hash function, are identical. The hash value provides a digital fingerprint of a message’s contents, which ensures that the message has not been altered by an intruder, virus, or by other means.
Some commonly used cryptographic hash functions include MD5 and SHA-1, though many others also exist.
ADD HASH TO CONTEXT MENU
The Hash context menu allows you to quickly see the SHA1, SHA256, SHA384, SHA512, MACTripleDES, MD5 and RIPEMD160 hash value of files.
- Download the Add Hash to context menu and Remove Hash from context menu registry files.
- Double-click the Add_Hash_to_context_menu registry file, it will import the registry file and an option would appear in your context menu for calculating hash of the file.
- To remove the hash context menu, double-click the Remove_Hash_from_context_menu registry file. When prompted, click on Run, Yes (UAC) Yes, and OK to approve.
HASH CONTEXT MENU USAGE
1. Select one or more files you want to see the hash value(s) of.
2. Right click and click on Hash option in the context menu.
3. Click on the SHA1, SHA256, SHA384, SHA512, MACTripleDES, MD5 and RIPEMD160, or Show all algorithm.

4. A PowerShell window will now open for each selected file showing you their hash value.

The registry files have been created by Shawn Brink, and he has also created a tutorial which you can find here.