How to install Kali Linux on a virtual machine

Introduction :

Hey guys, From the introduction to Linux article, we all know about Linux and its distributions. Here, In this article, we will be showing you how to install one of the Linux distributions, Install Kali Linux on VirtualBox.
For this article, we will be using Virtualbox as a virtual machine. Let’s get started,

Installing virtual box :

To install Virtualbox, Head to its official website virtualbox.org and choose the platform where you want to download it. We will be using windows to demonstrate this tutorial. So, we are choosing the windows hosts option.

After downloading the VirtualBox, install it as per your need.

Downloading Kali Linux ISO file :

• Head to kali.org and click on Get kali from the Nav bar.
• There will be a few options available to download. Choose the Installer image option.
• Now, choose the architecture 64-bit and click on the download arrow of the installer. Let it download. Meanwhile, we will configure the Virtualbox.
• There is also a prebuilt file specially designed for virtual machines, available. But, we prefer installer images.

Configuring VirtualBox :

• Open the Virtual box and click on new. It will ask you for the name and type of operating system.
• For type – Choose Linux and For version- choose Debian (64-bit). Name it Kali Linux and click next.

• Now, It will ask for memory size (RAM). Allocate at least a minimum of 4GB. I’m gonna allocate 8GB for this virtual machine as I have 32GB of RAM. Click next.

• Leave it as default for hard disk, HardDisk file type, and storage on physical hard disk settings.
• After clicking next, we will be asked to create a virtual hard disk. Give the file location and size of the virtual hard disk as per your need. I’m gonna give 32 GB for size and leave the file location to default.
• After giving the values, click on create.

• That’s it. The Virtual box basic configuration has been done and a new virtual machine is successfully created.
• Now, you’ll see the created virtual machine, on the left side and its details on the right side. Select Kali Linux and click on the setting icon on the top.

In the settings window, Head to the processor tab under the system section (settings -> System -> processor) and give the number of CPUs you wanted. I’m giving 4 CPUs.

Then head to the display section and set the video memory to max. That’s it. Click ok.

The next step is to install kali Linux on VirtualBox

Linking Kali Linux ISO to the virtual machine :

The virtual machine configuration has been done. Now it’s time to link the ISO file to the virtual machine.
Check whether the ISO file is downloaded or not. If not, then go break your router and change your internet provider. Just kidding!

• Navigate to VirtualBox -> kali Linux -> settings -> storage.
• Under controller IDE, select the empty and click on the small CD icon on the right. Select “Choose a disk file” From the dropdown as shown below.

• It will ask us to choose the virtual optical disk file. Select the Kali Linux ISO we’ve downloaded and click open. That’s it, Click ok and start the virtual machine.

Installing Kali Linux OS :

• I hope you got the same screen as me after starting the virtual machine.

• From the menu, Select graphical install.
• I’m leaving Language, location, and Keyboard Configuration as default but You can customize it as per your need.
• Then, For the hostname, I’m giving ‘Hackerzhome’. You can name it as you like or You can leave it as the default name ‘Kali’.

• Leave the domain name blank and click on continue.
• Now set up the username and password for your Kali Linux.
• Again, I’m leaving clock configuration and partition disk settings to default until ‘Write changes to disk’. For this, change it to yes and click continue.

• Now, The operating system gonna be installed in the virtual machine. Wait till base systems installation.
• Leave the software selection setting default, Yes for installing the GRUB boot loader to your primary drive and choose the option below to ‘Enter option manually’ as a device for boot loader installation.

• That’s all, The installation is completed. Now, reboot the system by clicking on the continue button.
• Alright, I hope you got the login screen. Enter the credentials that you have created during the installation and log in.

Hurray….! Here we are in Kali Linux. Explore the OS, Play with some tools and have fun!

Conclusion:

Congratulations on successfully installing the Kali Linux on VirtualBox. With this explore as much as you can to learn various stuff. Suppose you don’t know about Linux then check out our Linux-Introduction article. If face any difficulties installing Kali Linux then leave a comment we will try to help you. Thank you!