How to Install Kali Linux in VirtualBox on Your Windows PC

Use it to test and secure any network

Kali Linux is apopular Linux distribution designed for penetration testingand ethical hacking by security professionals. Installing Kali Linux on a VirtualBoxvirtual machineallows you to run it on your Windows PC, providing an isolated environment for testing and learning without compromising your existing Windows installation.

Setting up Kali Linux in a virtual machine involves downloading the ISO image, creating a new virtual machine in VirtualBox, and configuring the system settings. This method allows you to interact with other virtual machines as well as the host machine, without affecting your existing Windows operating system.

To install Kali Linux on Windows 11 using VirtualBox, follow the steps below.

Enabling Virtualization on Your Windows PC

Before installing Kali Linux in VirtualBox, ensure that virtualization is enabled on your Windows PC in yourBIOS/UEFI settings. This feature allows the operating system to run other operating systems as virtual machines, improving performance and compatibility.

To enable virtualization in your BIOS/UEFI settings, follow these steps.

After enabling virtualization, you can begin installing VirtualBox (and Kali Linux).

How to Download and Install VirtualBox

There are several options for running Linux virtual machines on a Windows PC. One of the best options isVirtualBox, a free and open-source tool for virtualization. As an alternative you coulduse VMware, another well-known virtualization tool, although this requires a paid-for license.

First, you’ll need to open theVirtualBox official websitein your web browser. Choose the appropriate version to install—VirtualBox forWindows hostsin this case. The download should begin automatically.

Once the download is complete, locate the installer file on your computer and double-click on it to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions during the installation, making sure to allow necessary permissions and installing any additional components.

For instance, VirtualBox will typically install a virtualized network component to allow your virtual machine to access your local network without impacting your Windows network configuration.

Once VirtualBox is installed, you’re ready to set up a new Kali Linux virtual machine.

How to Create and Configure a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Once VirtualBox is installed, you’re ready to begin setting up your new Kali Linux virtual machine. Before you proceed, however, you’ll need to download the Kali Linux image file.

To do this,download the latest Kali Linux image filefrom the Kali Linux website. Once you’ve done that, you can set up your virtual machine by following these steps.

How to Install and Set Up Kali Linux in VirtualBox

At this point, you’ve successfully created and configured your new virtual machine in VirtualBox. You’ll now need to complete the installation process using these steps.

Kali Linux is now ready to use in VirtualBox. You can boot it up and begin using it immediately using the username and password you used to sign in.

Security Testing on Linux With VirtualBox

By using the steps above to install Kali Linux in VirtualBox on your Windows PC, you can take advantage of the full power that it has to test and secure any network. If you decide you want touninstall VirtualBoxat any point, you can do so from the Windows Settings menu.

Want to try a different method for testing new software? You can useWindows Sandboxto create a use-once Windows environment to test files or applications without putting your main windows installation at risk.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

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