Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. It comes preinstalled with hundreds of tools used for hacking, security research, and testing.
Installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox allows you to use Kali in a virtual machine on your existing operating system. This keeps your host system protected while giving you access to all the powerful Kali tools.
Whether you are installing VirtualBox on Mac (Intel) or Windows, the process or steps of installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox are the same.
Table of ContentsInstall Kali Linux on VirtualBox using ISOHere is a step-by-step guide on how to install Kali Linux on VirtualBox:
Step 1: Download Kali Linux and VirtualBoxFirst, you need to download the Kali Linux ISO image and Oracle VM VirtualBox.
Go to https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-installer-images and download the latest Kali Linux ISO.Go to https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads and download VirtualBox for your host OS.Step 2: Install VirtualBoxInstall VirtualBox on your host operating system (Mac or Windows).
The installation process is straightforward on all platforms, so not going to be covered in this tutorial but if you have any issues please let us know.
Step 3: Create a Virtual MachineOpen VirtualBox and click “New” to create a new virtual machine. You can also press “CTRL+N“.
Set the machine name as “Kali Linux”Select the folder where you want to install itChoose the location of the ISO image. You can also add an ISO image laterAllocate at least 2048 MB of RAM. More RAM leads to better performance.Create a new virtual hard disk of at least 25 GB for the Kali install.Step 4: Configure the Virtual MachineGo to the Settings of the VM and configure the following:
In the System, enable PAE/NX supportIn Audio, enable audio supportIn the Network, configure a bridged adapter for network accessIf you want to share a folder from the host machine, go to “Shared Folders” and add the source folderStep 5: Install Kali LinuxWith the VM settings configured, go to the Kali VM and start it. This will boot the VM from the Kali ISO.
Select “Graphical Install“, accept the default options and follow the on-screen optionsCreate a user account with a passwordOnce the installation is finished, eject the ISO and reboot the VMYou now have a fully functional Kali Linux virtual machine that you can use for testing or hacking needs! VirtualBox makes it easy to try out multiple VMs and tools.
Run Kali Linux on VirtualBox using Virtual ImageDownloading Kali Linux Virtual image and directly running it is the easiest way to install Kali Linux on VirtualBox.
Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Download Kali Linux Virtual Machine fileGo to https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-virtual-machines and download the zip file for VirtualBoxStep 2: Extract the filesNow extract the downloaded tar file. It should contain two files: VirtualBox Machine definition and Virtual Disk Image.
Step 3: Run Kali LinuxOnce you have extracted the files, you can run Kali Linux by opening the VirtualBox machine definition file. Just double click and your Kali Linux Virtual machine is ready.
Everything is pre-configured, but if you want to make any modifications, just go the settings and change the desired options or values.
By default, the username and password for this machine is kali/kali which can also be found in the description of the VM
ConclusionThis is how easily you can install Kali Linux on VirtualBox using ISO or Virtual machine files and start doing your testing or just explore Kali Linux.
If you have any questions, please let us know through comments.