How to Set Up a Virtual Machine on Windows with Kali Linux (Using Either VirtualBox or VMware)

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Kali Linux

Setting up a virtual machine on your Windows computer is a great way to test new operating systems, like Kali Linux, without affecting your primary OS. This guide will show you, step-by-step, how to set up Kali Linux using both VirtualBox and VMware, all for free.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Virtual Machines
  2. Prerequisites
  3. Setting Up Kali Linux with VirtualBox
    • Downloading VirtualBox
    • Downloading the Kali Linux ISO
    • Installing VirtualBox
    • Creating a New Virtual Machine
    • Configuring the Virtual Machine
    • Installing Kali Linux
  4. Setting Up Kali Linux with VMware
    • Downloading VMware Workstation Player
    • Downloading the Kali Linux ISO
    • Installing VMware Workstation Player
    • Creating a New Virtual Machine
    • Configuring the Virtual Machine
    • Installing Kali Linux
  5. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Virtual Machines

A virtual machine (VM) allows you to run an operating system within your current operating system. This avoids the need for dual boot or additional hardware. Software like VirtualBox and VMware makes it simple to create and manage VMs on your Windows machine.

2. Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A Windows operating system.
  • A stable internet connection.
  • At least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended).
  • Enough storage space (at least 20GB for the VM).

3. Setting Up Kali Linux with VirtualBox

Skip to Step 4 if you are using VMware. If you don’t know which to choose, install VirtualBox.

Downloading VirtualBox

  1. Visit the VirtualBox download page.
  2. Select “Windows hosts” to download the installer.

Downloading the Kali Linux ISO

  1. Visit the Kali Linux downloads page.
  2. Download the ISO image for the latest version of Kali Linux.

Installing VirtualBox

  1. Locate the downloaded VirtualBox installer and double-click it.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Creating a New Virtual Machine

  1. Open VirtualBox.
  2. Click on the “New” button in the toolbar.
  3. Enter the name for your VM (e.g., Kali Linux), select the type (Linux), and the version (Debian (64-bit)).
  4. Click “Next”.

Configuring the Virtual Machine

  1. Memory Size: Allocate at least 2048 MB (2 GB) of RAM. Click “Next”.
  2. Hard Disk: Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create”.
  3. Hard Disk File Type: Select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” and click “Next”.
  4. Storage on Physical Hard Disk: Choose “Dynamically allocated” and click “Next”.
  5. File Location and Size: Allocate at least 20GB of storage space. Click “Create”.

Installing Kali Linux

  1. Select your newly created VM and click “Start”.
  2. When prompted for a start-up disk, click the folder icon and browse to the downloaded Kali Linux ISO.
  3. Click “Start”.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Kali Linux within the VM. This includes:
    • Selecting installation language.
    • Configuring the keyboard.
    • Setting up the user and password.
    • Partitioning the disk.
  5. Once the installation is complete, Kali Linux will reboot, and you’ll be able to use it within VirtualBox.

4. Setting Up Kali Linux with VMware

Skip this step if you installed VirtualBox. You won’t need to do this (unless you also want VMware).

Downloading VMware Workstation Player

  1. Visit the VMware Workstation Player download page.
  2. Select “Download Now” for the free version.

Downloading the Kali Linux ISO

  1. As mentioned before, visit the Kali Linux downloads page.
  2. Download the ISO image for the latest version of Kali Linux.

Installing VMware Workstation Player

  1. Locate the downloaded VMware Workstation Player installer and double-click it.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Creating a New Virtual Machine

  1. Open VMware Workstation Player.
  2. Click on “Create a New Virtual Machine”.
  3. Select “Installer disc image file (iso)”.
  4. Browse to the Kali Linux ISO file and click “Next”.

Configuring the Virtual Machine

  1. Guest Operating System: Select “Linux” and choose “Debian 10.x 64-bit”.
  2. Virtual Machine Name: Enter a name (e.g., Kali Linux) and choose a location.
  3. Disk Capacity: Allocate at least 20GB and select “Store virtual disk as a single file”. Click “Next”.
  4. Customize Hardware: Allocate at least 2048 MB (2 GB) of RAM. (You can also adjust the number of processors if needed).
  5. Click “Close”, then “Finish”.

Installing Kali Linux

  1. Select your newly created VM and click “Play virtual machine”.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Kali Linux. This includes:
    • Selecting installation language.
    • Configuring the keyboard.
    • Setting up the user and password.
    • Partitioning the disk.
  3. Once the installation is complete, Kali Linux will reboot, and you’ll be able to use it within VMware Workstation Player.

5. Conclusion

Setting up a virtual machine running Kali Linux on Windows using VirtualBox or VMware is a straightforward process. Both platforms provide powerful tools to create, configure, and manage VMs. By following these detailed steps, you can experiment with Kali Linux securely and efficiently.

We hope this guide has been helpful. Enjoy your new Kali Linux virtual machine!

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