Resource Hacker (also known as ResHacker or ResHack) is a free resource extraction utility and resource compiler for Windows developed by Angus Johnson. It can be used to add, modify or replace most resources within Windows binaries including strings, images, dialogs, menus, VersionInfo and Manifest resources. Security researchers use it to analyze malware. ResHack can also create resource files (*.res) from scratch, and it provides a number of text templates to facilitate this.
In 2002 the author stated that he had "no plans to continue development". However, since then he has released more updates.
The author also stated that he would neither release nor sell the source code.
This Microsoft Windows software-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information.
What is Resource Hacker?
Resource Hacker is a free terminals & cli tool program for Windows from Angus Johnson. It is written in Delphi.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 32-bit as EXE (Inno Setup). The main installer is 4.3 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 143,429 times. Wikipedia has an article about it in 9 of our languages. On Windows it registers 7 file types, including .exe, .scr, .dll, .res and .com. Similar programs include PowerShell, QPDF and Oh My Posh.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Documented silent install
- Small download (4.3 MB)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- 32-bit only
- Installation needs administrator rights
- No update for more than a year
In short: Resource Hacker is a free terminals & cli tool tool for 32-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Resource Hacker safe to download?
- The file is served by angusj.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
B611BE2F35CB44EFD1C29DF03E7EBE62BD556A500585680E1AFA5E073EAF1756· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered 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 1 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2.8Latest | March 5, 2025 | 4.3 MB | 32-bit EXE (Inno Setup) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id AngusJohnson.ResourceHacker -echoco install reshack -yscoop install extras/resource-hackerreshacker_setup.exe /VERYSILENT /SUPPRESSMSGBOXES /NORESTART /SP-Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Angus Johnson
- Category
- Terminals & CLI tools
- Licence
- Freeware
- Price
- Free
- Written in
- Delphi
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (Inno Setup)
- Version
- 5.2.8
- Released
- March 5, 2025
- Added to the catalogue
- March 6, 2025
- Versions listed
- 1
- Chocolatey downloads
- 143,429
- Website
- angusj.com
- winget ID
- AngusJohnson.ResourceHacker
- Chocolatey package
- reshack
- Scoop package
- extras/resource-hacker
File types it opens (7)
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to Resource Hacker
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Frequently asked questions
Is Resource Hacker free?
Yes. Resource Hacker is free to use.
Is Resource Hacker safe to download?
The download comes from angusj.com, 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 Resource Hacker 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 Resource Hacker be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does Resource Hacker run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 32-bit version through emulation.
What are alternatives to Resource Hacker?
PowerShell, QPDF, Oh My Posh, Alacritty and fzf. The alternatives page compares them.
