How to Dual Boot Kali Linux with Windows

Dual booting Kali Linux with Windows can be a valuable setup for those who want to perform security testing and penetration testing while still retaining their familiar Windows operating system. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a dual boot for Kali Linux and Windows on the same machine.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you will need:

• A computer with Windows already installed
• A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage
• A copy of the Kali Linux ISO file

Important: Back up all important data before proceeding. Partitioning and installing operating systems can lead to data loss if performed incorrectly.

Step 1: Download Kali Linux

1. Go to the official Kali Linux website.
2. Download the Kali Linux ISO suitable for your system (64-bit or 32-bit).

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

1. Download and install a USB imaging tool like Etcher.
2. Insert your USB flash drive into the computer.
3. Open Etcher and select the Kali Linux ISO file you downloaded.
4. Choose the appropriate USB drive from the dropdown menu.
5. Click ‘Flash’ and wait for Etcher to create the bootable USB drive.

Step 3: Partition Your Hard Drive

1. Open Windows Disk Management by pressing Win + X and selecting ‘Disk Management’.
2. Find the drive where you want to install Kali Linux.
3. Right-click on the partition and choose ‘Shrink Volume’ to create unallocated space for Kali Linux. We recommend at least 20GB.
4. Leave this new unallocated space as is—it will be formatted during the Kali Linux installation.

Step 4: Disable Fast Startup in Windows

1. Go to Control Panel -> Power Options -> Choose what the power buttons do.
2. Click on ‘Change settings that are currently unavailable’.
3. Uncheck ‘Turn on fast startup’ and click ‘Save changes’.

Step 5: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS

1. Reboot your computer and enter the BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or F12 during startup; search up the key for your specific motherboard).
2. Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab or ‘Boot’ tab, and look for ‘Secure Boot’.
3. Disable Secure Boot.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.

Step 6: Install Kali Linux

1. Insert the bootable Kali Linux USB drive into your computer.
2. Reboot your computer and select the USB drive as the boot device (usually by pressing F12 or the appropriate key during startup).
3. Once Kali Linux’s boot menu appears, select ‘Graphical Install’.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, be sure to choose the ‘Manual’ partitioning method when you reach the disk partitioning section.
5. Locate the unallocated space you created earlier and create two new partitions here: one for the root of the Kali Linux file system (mount point /, recommended size at least 15GB) and a swap area (size depending on your system’s RAM).
6. Continue the installation process, set your time zone, create a user, and set a password.
7. When asked about the boot loader, install GRUB to the master boot record (MBR).
8. After the installation is complete, you can remove the installation media and reboot.

Step 7: Booting into Kali Linux or Windows

Now, each time you start your computer, GRUB will allow you to boot into either Windows or Kali Linux. Congratulations, you have successfully set up a dual boot with Kali Linux and Windows!

Conclusion

Dual booting Kali Linux with Windows gives you the flexibility to use the robust tools of Kali while keeping the convenient features of Windows. As with any system changes, make sure to back up your data before you begin the installation process and proceed with caution. Happy dual booting!

Note: This guide is provided as is, for educational purposes. Dual booting can result in data loss or system failure if not done correctly, so it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance if you are not comfortable with the process.