Introduction

Kali Linux, the preferred OS of ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals, is known for its powerful suite of penetration testing tools. Whether you’re a beginner in ethical hacking or a seasoned expert, setting up Kali Linux properly is the first step toward mastering the environment.

In this comprehensive 2025 installation guide, you'll learn how to install Kali Linux on your PC, laptop, or virtual machine. We will cover:

  • System requirements

  • Downloading the right ISO

  • Creating bootable media

  • Installation steps

  • Post-installation configurations

  • Dual boot, virtual machine, and USB live boot options

Let’s get started!

1. System Requirements

Before installation, ensure your device meets the minimum or recommended specifications for Kali Linux.

Minimum System Requirements:

  • CPU: 1 GHz (32-bit or 64-bit)

  • RAM: 2 GB

  • Storage: 20 GB

  • Display: 1024x768 resolution

  • Boot: BIOS or UEFI

Recommended Specs:

  • CPU: Dual-core 2 GHz+

  • RAM: 4 GB (8 GB for VMs or advanced use)

  • Storage: 40+ GB SSD

  • USB: 8 GB or larger (for live boot)

  • GPU: Optional (for tools like Hashcat)

2. Download Kali Linux ISO (2025)

The latest version of Kali Linux can be downloaded from the official website.

Choose the Right Version:

  • Installer ISO: Full-featured, ideal for permanent installations

  • Live ISO: Bootable environment, great for testing or portable use

  • Net Installer ISO: Smaller download, pulls packages during install

  • VMware/VirtualBox Images: Pre-configured images for VMs

  • ARM Images: For Raspberry Pi, Pine64, etc.

✅ Recommended: Use the "Kali Linux 64-bit Installer" ISO for most modern systems.

3. Create Bootable Installation Media

Once you’ve downloaded the ISO, create a bootable USB drive using one of the following tools:

For Windows:

For Linux/macOS:

  • dd command:

    bash
    sudo dd if=kali-linux-2025.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

⚠️ Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB device. Be careful — this will erase the drive.

4. BIOS/UEFI Boot Configuration

Before booting into Kali:

  • Insert the USB drive

  • Restart your system

  • Press the appropriate key to enter BIOS/UEFI (e.g., F2, F10, DEL, ESC)

  • Set USB as the first boot device

  • Enable or disable UEFI/Legacy Boot as needed

Save and exit the BIOS. Your system will now boot from the Kali USB.

5. Start Kali Linux Installation

Upon boot, the Kali boot menu will appear.

Choose Installation Mode:

  • Graphical Install – User-friendly interface

  • Text Install – Terminal-based installer (for older systems)

  • Live (amd64) – Runs without installing

  • Live (forensics mode) – Doesn’t touch internal drives

✅ For most users, Graphical Install is ideal.

6. Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1: Select Language and Location

Choose:

  • Your preferred language

  • Your country

  • Keyboard layout

Step 2: Configure Network

Enter:

  • Hostname: e.g., kali

  • Domain Name (optional): Leave blank or use your own domain

Step 3: Set Up User Account

  • Full Name: Enter your name

  • Username: For example, user or pentester

  • Password: Choose a strong password

🔐 Use a secure password — Kali tools often require root or sudo access.

Step 4: Set Time Zone

Select your region and time zone based on your earlier location input.

Step 5: Disk Partitioning

You’ll see several options:

Use entire disk (recommended for beginners):

  • Erases all data

  • Installs Kali automatically

Manual partitioning (advanced):

  • Choose if dual booting or using custom partitions

Guided – Use entire disk and set up LVM (with or without encryption):

  • For secure setups with optional encryption

Step 6: Confirm and Format Disk

Once you finalize partitions, you'll be asked to confirm formatting. Select Yes.

Step 7: Install Base System

Kali will now install the base system. This may take 5–10 minutes depending on your hardware.

Step 8: Configure Package Manager

If connected to the internet:

  • Choose to use a network mirror (recommended)

If not connected:

  • Installation will proceed without package updates

Step 9: Select Desktop Environment

Choose your preferred GUI:

  • XFCE (Default, lightweight)

  • GNOME (Modern, heavier)

  • KDE Plasma

  • Others: i3, LXDE, MATE

💡 XFCE is best for performance; GNOME offers richer visuals.

Step 10: Install GRUB Boot Loader

  • Choose Yes to install GRUB

  • Select the target disk (usually /dev/sda)

  • Kali will now configure the boot loader

7. First Boot

After the installation:

  • Remove the USB drive

  • Reboot your system

  • Log in with the username and password you created

Congratulations — you now have Kali Linux installed!

8. Post-Installation Tasks

After booting into Kali:

Update the System:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Install Additional Tools:

Kali includes metapackages for tool installation:

bash
sudo apt install kali-linux-default
sudo apt install kali-linux-wireless
sudo apt install kali-tools-top10

Set Up Root Account (Optional):

bash
sudo passwd root

❗ Kali moved to non-root by default for security. Only enable root if necessary.

Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (if using VM):

bash
sudo apt install virtualbox-guest-x11

9. Dual Boot Kali Linux with Windows

Want to run both Windows and Kali on the same system?

Steps:

  1. Backup Data

  2. Shrink Windows partition from Disk Management

  3. Boot Kali via USB

  4. Select “Manual Partitioning”

  5. Install Kali on unallocated space

  6. Install GRUB to the primary drive

On reboot, you’ll see a boot menu to choose between Windows and Kali.

10. Installing Kali Linux on a Virtual Machine (VM)

Using VMware or VirtualBox:

  1. Download pre-built Kali VM image from kali.org

  2. Import into VMware or VirtualBox

  3. Assign 2–4 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores

  4. Boot and update system

💡 VMs are ideal for safe testing and development without affecting your host OS.

11. USB Live Boot with Persistence

Want a portable Kali system with saved data?

Steps:

  1. Use Kali Live ISO

  2. Create bootable USB with tools like Rufus

  3. Partition USB for persistence

  4. Boot with persistence option

  5. Save files, configs, and tools between reboots

🔐 Ideal for on-the-go hacking or forensic analysis

12. Common Installation Issues

Black Screen After Install:

  • Try booting in nomodeset mode

  • Update graphics drivers

GRUB Not Installed Properly:

  • Reboot into live USB

  • Use Boot Repair or manually install GRUB via chroot

No Internet During Install:

  • Use offline ISO

  • Add packages manually post-install

Conclusion

Installing Kali Linux in 2025 is easier than ever thanks to a user-friendly installer and broad hardware support. Whether you’re installing on bare metal, dual-booting, or using a virtual machine, this guide gives you everything you need to get up and running.

Kali is a powerful OS — handle it responsibly, keep your system updated, and dive into the world of cybersecurity with confidence.