How to Install Kali Linux on VirtualBox: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Kali Linux is a powerful Debian-based Linux distribution widely used for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity research. VirtualBox, a free and open-source virtualization tool developed by Oracle, enables users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox allows users to explore its functionalities without modifying their primary OS or hardware configuration.

This guide by Go4hosting walks you through each step involved in installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox, ensuring a seamless and secure virtualized experience.

1. System Requirements

Before installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox, ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

Host Machine Requirements:

• OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, or Solaris
  
  

• Processor: Intel or AMD dual-core (64-bit)
  
  

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended for optimal performance)
  
  

• Disk Space: Minimum 25 GB free
  
  

• VirtualBox Version: Latest stable release
  
  

Guest OS Requirements (Kali Linux):

• ISO File: Kali Linux 64-bit Installer (preferably latest version)
  
  

• Recommended Storage Allocation: 20 GB or more
  
  

• Recommended RAM Allocation: 2 GB or more
  
  

2. Download Kali Linux ISO Image

Visit the official Kali Linux website to download the latest ISO:

• URL: https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
  
  

Choose the Installer Images section and download the appropriate 64-bit ISO. You can also verify the SHA256 checksum for authenticity.

3. Install Oracle VM VirtualBox

To run Kali Linux, you will need VirtualBox installed on your system.

Steps:

1. Go to: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
   
   

2. Select your host OS (Windows, macOS, Linux hosting, etc.)
   
   

3. Download and install the package.
   
   

4. Optionally, download and install the VirtualBox Extension Pack for enhanced USB and display support.
   
   

4. Create a New Virtual Machine

Once VirtualBox is installed:

Steps:

1. Launch VirtualBox.
   
   

2. Click on New.
   
   

3. Enter the following details:
   
   

• Name: Kali Linux
  
  

• Type: Linux
  
  

• Version: Debian (64-bit)
  
  

4. Click Next.
   
   

5. Configure VM Settings for Kali Linux

a. Memory Allocation

• Allocate at least 2048 MB (2 GB) of RAM.
  
  

• Recommended: 4096 MB for smooth multitasking.
  
  

b. Hard Disk

• Select Create a virtual hard disk now.
  
  

• Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
  
  

• Set storage to Dynamically Allocated.
  
  

• Set disk size to 25 GB or more.
  
  

• Click Create.
  
  

c. Mount Kali Linux ISO

1. Go to Settings > Storage.
   
   

2. Under Controller: IDE, click on the Empty disk icon.
   
   

3. Click the CD icon on the right and choose Choose a disk file...
   
   

4. Select the downloaded Kali Linux ISO.
   
   

d. System Settings (optional but recommended)

• Processor Tab: Increase CPU cores to 2 (if available).
  
  

• Display Tab: Set video memory to at least 128 MB.
  
  

• Network: Use NAT or Bridged Adapter for internet access.
  
  

Click OK to save settings.

6. Install Kali Linux on the Virtual Machine

Steps:

1. Start the newly created VM.
   
   

2. From the boot menu, select Graphical Install using arrow keys and press Enter.
   
   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   
   

a. Select Language, Region, and Keyboard Layout

• Choose your preferred language and region.
  
  

• Select keyboard layout accordingly.
  
  

b. Configure Network

• Enter a hostname (e.g., kali-vm).
  
  

• Leave domain name blank or enter if required.
  
  

c. Set Up Users and Passwords

• Create a new user account.
  
  

• Set a strong password for both user and root (optional).
  
  

d. Partition Disks

• Choose Guided - Use entire disk.
  
  

• Select virtual disk available.
  
  

• Choose All files in one partition (recommended).
  
  

• Confirm and allow disk formatting.
  
  

e. Install Base System

• The installer will now copy files and install the system.
  
  

• This process can take 10 to 15 minutes.
  
  

f. Configure Package Manager

• When prompted to use a network mirror, choose Yes for updated packages.
  
  

• You can skip proxy setup unless using one.
  
  

g. Install GRUB Bootloader

• Choose Yes to install GRUB to the master boot record.
  
  

• Select the virtual disk (e.g., /dev/sda).
  
  

h. Finish Installation

• After installation, the system will reboot.
  
  

• Remove the ISO from the virtual drive if not ejected automatically.
  
  

7. Post-Installation Setup

Once Kali Linux boots up:

1. Login with the user credentials you created.
   
   

Update system packages:


sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. 
   

3. (Optional) Install VirtualBox Guest Additions for better integration:
   
   

• Go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
  
  

Open terminal:

sudo apt install -y build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)

sudo sh /media/cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

Reboot the VM to apply changes:

sudo reboo

8. Tips for Better Performance

• Enable 3D acceleration in VM settings.
  
  

• Install Guest Additions for shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, and screen resizing.
  
  

• Allocate more RAM and CPU cores if your host system allows.
  
  

• Use Snapshots in VirtualBox to save your working state before major changes.
  
  

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

a. Kali Linux Freezes on Boot

• Ensure VT-x/AMD-V is enabled in BIOS.
  
  

• Try using Safe Graphics Mode during boot.
  
  

b. Display Resolution Issues

• Install Guest Additions.
  
  

• Use xrandr to manually adjust resolution.
  
  

c. No Internet Access

• Check if the network adapter is set to NAT.
  
  

Restart the Network Manager inside Kali:

bash
CopyEdit
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

d. Mouse Integration Not Working

• Install VirtualBox Extension Pack.
  
  

• Enable Pointing Device as USB Tablet in VM settings.
  
  

10. Conclusion

Installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox provides a secure, isolated environment for cybersecurity practices, software testing, and ethical hacking without the risk of affecting your main operating system. By following this guide from Go4hosting, even beginners can set up a Kali virtual machine efficiently and start exploring its vast toolkit of security features.

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