Chef InSpec is an open-source framework for testing and auditing your applications and infrastructure. It compares the actual state of your system with the desired state that you express in easy-to-read and easy-to-write Chef InSpec code. It detects violations and displays findings in the form of a report, but puts you in control of remediation.
Chef InSpec is a run-time framework and rule language used to specify compliance, security, and policy requirements. It includes a collection of resources that help you write auditing controls quickly and easily.
Publisher’s description
What is InSpec?
InSpec is a proprietary program for Windows from "Chef Software, Inc <maintainers@chef.io>".
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit as MSI. The main installer is 1 KB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation. An MSI package is available for deployment with Group Policy, Intune or Configuration Manager.
Updates and version history
The current version is 6.8.24.1, released on January 29, 2025. 4 versions are listed since July 24, 2021, each with links to its own installer files. That is about 1.1 releases a year. The last update is more than a year old.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- MSI package for managed deployment
- Documented silent install
- Small download (1 KB)
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
- No update for more than a year
- The official download link did not answer at the last check
In short: InSpec is a Windows tool for 64-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is InSpec safe to download?
- The file is served by packages.chef.io, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
A4C095C1BF72DEE75C66F63F001A45306C256FDCD5220FAF7FBB71BA3CBC7AE7· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link did not answer when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 4 versions ›4 versions over 4 years · about 1.1 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8.24.1Latest | January 29, 2025 | 1 KB | 64-bit MSI |
| 5.18.14.1 | October 9, 2022 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 4.50.3.1 | November 30, 2021 | — | 64-bit MSI |
| 4.38.9.1 | July 24, 2021 | — | 64-bit MSI |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id ChefSoftware.Inspec -emsiexec /i inspec-6.8.24-1-x64.msi /qn /norestartmsiexec /x {4D44D753-F749-41C9-9FE9-6E70EA267E92} /qn /norestartRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- "Chef Software, Inc <maintainers@chef.io>"
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Installer
- MSI
- Version
- 6.8.24.1
- Released
- January 29, 2025
- Added to the catalogue
- July 24, 2021
- Versions listed
- 4
- Updates / year
- 1.1
- Website
- chef.io
- winget ID
- ChefSoftware.Inspec
- MSI product code
- {4D44D753-F749-41C9-9FE9-6E70EA267E92}
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Frequently asked questions
Is InSpec free?
InSpec is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is InSpec safe to download?
The download comes from packages.chef.io, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install InSpec with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can InSpec be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer, including msiexec for the MSI package.
Does InSpec run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of InSpec?
The versions page lists all 4 versions with links to their official installer files, back to July 24, 2021.
