🔍How to install Kali Linux (Windows - VMware)

Beginners guide to install Kali Linux on any Windows machine.

Who is this for

This guide is aimed at those who wish to install Kali Linux on Windows 10/11.

What do I need to get started?

• Desktop or laptop with Windows 10/11 installed with at least 2GB of RAM (The more the faster).

• At least around 20GB of spare disk space

• Internet connection to download files

Please ensure your virtualization is switched on in your BIOS settings. This is different for every model. Google your model to work out how to do this. Example Below.

How you access your BIOS to switch your virtualization on is different for every model - Lenovo, HP, Dell etc. So please use Google to figure this out and switch it on. (Sometimes it is already on).

Overview

#1.-downloading-7zip - We use this to extract the image out of a compressed state - can use other tools here) #2.-downloading-the-vmware-workstation-player #3.-downloading-kali-linux

#4.-final-configuration

#5.-logging-in.

1. Downloading 7zip

Go to Google and search for "7zip" or visit https://www.7-zip.org/.

Download 7zip - you may get a Windows warning, I would just click yes and allow 7zip to make changes. It is a safe open-source tool.

2. Downloading the VMware Workstation player

You can download this by going to https://www.vmware.com/uk/products/workstation-player/workstation-player-evaluation.html

Once the file has been downloaded open up the installation file and install it.

Please note: Leave the box ticked which says ‘Add VMware Workstation console tools into system PATH’

3. Downloading Kali Linux

Go to https://www.kali.org/get-kali/

Select Virtual Machines

Then select VMware (64bit)

Alternatively, this link will take you straight to the download page.

This Kali Linux file is over 2GB, so depending on your internet speed, this might take a while.

Once this is done you need to Extract the file, this is where 7zip comes in handy.

Right-click the Kali file, go 7-zip and then select ‘Extract Here’.

4. Final Configuration

1. Open up VMware Workstation Player

2. Click "Open a Virtual Machine' and then navigate to the file that the extracted Kali image is in.

3. Select the small file (around 4KB) and open it

You should have the Kali Linux virtual machine on your list.

1. Click on "Edit virtual machine settings"

2. Specify the amount of memory (RAM) you would like to allocate to this machine.

For optimum performance, this should be around 1/4 of your RAM available.

1. Click on Network Adapter and make sure this is set to NAT.

2. Click OK then you are ready to launch!

5. Logging in.

The default login details are as follows:

Username: kali

Password kali

(All Lowercase)

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