Kali Linux is a powerful Linux distribution used for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity analysis. One of the safest and most efficient ways to use Kali Linux is by installing it in VirtualBox. This virtual environment allows you to explore the features of Kali Linux without affecting your primary system. This Article provides a details informaton How to install Kali Linux in VirtualBox.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle. It allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on their computers, making it an ideal tool for testing and learning about new operating systems.
Why use VirtualBox for Kali Linux?
Safe testing environment: It doesn’t affect your primary system.
Easy rollback: Snapshots allow you to revert to a previous state.
No partitioning required: No need to partition your hard drive for dual booting.
Prerequisites
Before installing Kali Linux in a Virtual Box machine, make sure you have the following:
- A Computer with Virtualization Enabled: Ensure that virtualization is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- VirtualBox Installed: Download and install VirtualBox from the official website.
- Kali Linux ISO File: Download the latest Kali Linux ISO image from the Kali Linux official website.
- Sufficient Resources: At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for better performance). At least 20 GB of free storage space.
Download VirtualBox
- Go to the VirtualBox official website.
- Click on “Download VirtualBox” and choose the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Install VirtualBox by following the setup wizard instructions.
Download the Kali Linux ISO File
- Visit the Kali Linux official website.
- Go to the Downloads section and select the Kali Linux ISO file for your desired architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).
- Download the ISO file.
Configuration Of Virtual Box
- Firstly, Open The Virtual Box.
- Secondly, Click on the new option.
Create a New Virtual Machine
- Open VirtualBox software and click on the “New” button andEnter a name for the virtual machine, such as “Kali Linux.”
- Select the location of your virtual machine Folder .
- Choose Linux as the Type.
- Select Debian (64-bit) or Debian (32-bit) as the Version.
- Click Next.
Allocate Memory (RAM)
- Select the amount of RAM from your computer system to allocate to the virtual machine.
- Recommended: 2 GB (2048 MB) or more for smooth performance.
- Click Next.
- Create Virtual Hard Disk: Now select Create a virtual hard disk and click Create to proceed.
- Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) as the hard disk file type.
- Select Dynamically allocated for storage allocation.
- Set the size of the virtual hard disk (e.g., 20 GB or more) and click Create.
- Configure the Virtual Machine: Select the created VM and click on Settings.
- Go to the System tab, Under Processor, allocate 2 or more CPU cores if available.
- Go to the Display tab, Set the Video Memory to 128 MB for better performance.
- Navigate to the Storage tab: Click on the Empty disk under Controller: IDE.
- Click on the small disk icon next to Optical Drive, choose Add, and select the downloaded Kali Linux ISO file.
- Now click on the Choose disk file option.
- Now browse the folder and select the Kali Linux ISO file from the system and click on Open.
- After the machine creation and settings for Kali Linux in Virtualbox are completed , click on “OK”
How to install Kali Linux: First click on virtualbox icon to open Virtual box app and Select the Kali Linux VM and click Start. The machine will boot from the ISO file.
- You will see a Kali Linux boot menu. Choose Graphical Install.
Install Kali Linux
- Select Language : Choose your preferred language. Here we have chosen English language, you can choose English or any other language as per your choice .Then click on Continue.
- Select Location :Select your location and click Continue.
- Configure Keyboard: Now click on the keyboard configuration you like. If you don’t know any, keep it as default. Choose the keyboard layout and click Continue.
- Next it will load the installing components. This will take some time.
- Now it will ask for the Host name. Give it any name. Then click on Continue.
- Network Configuration: Enter a hostname for your system (e.g., “simitech.in”).Optionally, provide a domain name or leave it blank. Then click on Continue.
- Set Up User Account: Create a user account by providing a full name.Set a username for the account. Then click on Continue.
- Set a strong Password and then again enter it in the next one. Click on Continue option to proceed the OS installation process.
- Configure the clock: Next, it is time to select the time zone. Select as per your choice. Click on Continue option to proceed the OS installation process.
- Partition Disks: Select Guided – use entire disk and click Continue. Select the virtual disk created earlier.
- Most probably there would be only one partition select it. Click on Continue option to proceed the OS installation process.
- Choose All files in one partition and Click on Continue option to proceed the OS installation process.
- Confirm the partitioning by selecting Finish partitioning and write changes to disk.
- Click on Yes to Confirm. Then click on Continue.
- Software Selection: Here you can select the software as per your requirement. Click on Continue option to proceed the OS installation process.
- Install the Base System: The installation process will begin. This step may take some time.
- Install GRUB Bootloader: Once done Select Yes to choose the GRUB boot loader. Then click on Continue.
- When prompted, choose to install the GRUB bootloader.Select the virtual hard disk (e.g., /dev/sda) for GRUB installation. Click on Continue option to proceed the OS installation process.
- Complete the Installation: Once the installation is complete, the system will prompt you to restart.Click Continue, and the virtual machine will reboot into Kali Linux.
- First Boot and Login: After rebooting, the system will display the Kali Linux login screen.Log in using the username and password you created during installation.You are now ready to use Kali Linux in VirtualBox.
Post-Installation Steps
- Update Kali Linux: Open a terminal and run the following command:bashCopy code
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Installing Kali Linux in VirtualBox is a great way to explore its capabilities without putting your main system at risk. By following How to install Kali Linux article, you can set up a safe and efficient virtual environment for penetration testing and learning cybersecurity. Be happy!
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