Microsoft SBOM Tool review
A free command-line tool for SPDX SBOMs in build and release workflows.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Microsoft SBOM Tool is a free, open-source command-line utility for teams creating software bills of materials for artifacts in build and release workflows. It detects software components, can populate component license information, and generates SPDX 2.2 or SPDX 3.0 SBOMs. The tool runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it relevant to small teams as well as mid-market and enterprise organizations that want to produce SPDX output within their own environments.
Its clearest strength is the range of SBOM operations around generation. Beyond creating an SPDX document, the tool can validate SPDX SBOMs, redact file references from SPDX 2.2 SBOMs, and aggregate SBOMs. That gives teams working with SPDX several related tasks in one command-line tool. The supported input categories include source code, container images, and binaries, though those categories should not be read as guarantees for every format or artifact type. Teams that require CycloneDX output should look for another tool, since Microsoft SBOM Tool's verified output is SPDX.
For pipeline fit, Microsoft documents integrations with GitHub Actions and Azure DevOps Pipelines. These integrations suit teams that want SBOM generation in existing build workflows rather than a separate hosted service; deployment is self-hosted. The free pricing model removes a plan decision, but it also means this is a focused utility rather than a broader managed SBOM platform. Choose it when SPDX generation, validation, or aggregation in a build pipeline meets the need. Consider an alternative if CycloneDX is required, or if the team needs a hosted service instead of operating a command-line tool.
Microsoft SBOM Tool pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Generates SPDX 2.2 and SPDX 3.0 SBOMs
- Can validate, redact file references, and aggregate SPDX SBOMs
- Integrates with GitHub Actions and Azure DevOps Pipelines
- Where it doesn't
- Output is limited to SPDX rather than CycloneDX
- The command-line utility is self-hosted, not a hosted service
- Input examples do not establish exhaustive format support
Microsoft SBOM Tool fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update