How To Install Kali Linux 2024 in VirtualBox | Kali Linux 2024.1

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for installing Kali Linux 2024.1 in VirtualBox on a Windows 11 PC. Kali Linux is a powerful and popular operating system used for penetration testing and security assessments. By following these instructions, you'll set up a virtual machine to run Kali Linux without affecting your main operating system.

Step 1: Download VirtualBox and Kali Linux ISO

1. Download VirtualBox:

   • Visit the VirtualBox website.
   • Click on the download link for Windows and follow the installation instructions.

2. Download Kali Linux ISO:

   • Go to the Kali Linux website.
   • Navigate to the downloads section and select the latest Kali Linux 2024.1 ISO file.
   • Save the ISO file to a location on your PC.

Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox:

   • Launch the VirtualBox application.

2. Create a new Virtual Machine:

   • Click on the "New" button.
   • Enter a name for your VM (e.g., "Kali Linux 2024").
   • Set the Type to "Linux" and Version to "Debian (64-bit)".

3. Allocate Memory:

   • Assign at least 2GB of RAM (2048 MB) for the VM. More RAM can improve performance.

4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:

   • Choose "Create a virtual hard disk now."
   • Select "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" and click "Next."
   • Choose "Dynamically allocated" and click "Next."
   • Set a size for the hard disk (at least 20GB) and click "Create."

Step 3: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

1. Open Settings:

   • Select your newly created VM and click on "Settings."

2. Adjust System Settings:

   • Go to the "System" tab and ensure "Enable EFI (special OSes only)" is unchecked for compatibility.

3. Configure Storage:

   • Click on the "Storage" tab.
   • Under "Controller: IDE," select "Empty."
   • On the right, click the disk icon and choose "Choose a disk file."
   • Locate and select the Kali Linux ISO you downloaded.

4. Network Settings:

   • Go to the "Network" tab.
   • Ensure "Attached to" is set to "Bridged Adapter" for internet access.

Step 4: Install Kali Linux

1. Start the Virtual Machine:

   • Select your VM and click "Start."

2. Boot from ISO:

   • The VM will boot from the Kali Linux ISO. Choose "Graphical Install" from the menu.

3. Follow Installation Prompts:

   • Select your language, location, and keyboard layout.
   • Configure the network settings as prompted.
   • Set a hostname and domain name (optional).
   • Create a user account and set a password.

4. Partition Disks:

   • Choose "Guided - use entire disk" for easy partitioning.
   • Select the virtual hard disk and confirm the changes.

5. Install the System:

   • Follow the prompts to complete the installation. This may take several minutes.
   • When prompted, choose to install the GRUB bootloader.

6. Finish Installation:

   • Once the installation is complete, reboot the VM. Remove the ISO file when prompted.

Step 5: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

1. Start Kali Linux:

   • Log in to your Kali Linux virtual machine.

2. Open Terminal:

   • Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.

3. Update System:

   • Run the following commands:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

4. Install Required Packages:

   • If needed, install the Linux headers:

     sudo apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r)
     

5. Install Guest Additions:

   • If the above command fails, try:

     sudo apt install linux-headers-generic
     

   • Change to the directory containing the Guest Additions:

     cd /media/cdrom
     

   • Make the installer executable:

     sudo chmod 777 VBOXLinuxAdditions.run
     

   • Run the installer:

     sudo ./VBOXLinuxAdditions.run
     

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Kali Linux 2024.1 in VirtualBox on your Windows 11 PC. This setup allows you to explore Kali Linux for security testing and ethical hacking without impacting your main operating system. For further learning, consider exploring the various tools Kali Linux offers for penetration testing or try dual-booting alongside Windows for a more integrated experience.