Install Kali Linux on window OS

To install Kali Linux on a Windows system, you have two main options: using a virtual machine or setting up a dual-boot configuration. Here’s a detailed guide for both methods.

### **Method 1: Installing Kali Linux on a Virtual Machine**

**1. Download Required Software**

**a. Download Kali Linux ISO:**

   - Visit the [Kali Linux official website](https://www.kali.org/downloads/) and download the appropriate ISO file.

**b. Download VirtualBox:**

   - Go to the [VirtualBox website](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads) and download the version for Windows.

**c. Download VirtualBox Extension Pack (optional but recommended):**

   - Download the [Extension Pack](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads) for additional features like USB support.

**2. Install VirtualBox**

**a. Run the Installer:**

   - Double-click the downloaded VirtualBox installer and follow the installation prompts.

**b. Install Extension Pack (Optional):**

   - Open VirtualBox, go to "File" > "Preferences" > "Extensions", and click the “+” icon to add the Extension Pack.

**3. Create a New Virtual Machine**

**a. Open VirtualBox and Click “New”:**

   - Name your VM (e.g., “Kali Linux”), choose “Linux” as the type, and “Debian” as the version (Kali Linux is based on Debian).

**b. Configure Memory:**

   - Allocate memory (RAM). A minimum of 2 GB is recommended, but allocate more if possible.

**c. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:**

   - Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and choose the format (e.g., VDI). Allocate disk space (e.g., 20 GB or more).

**4. Configure Virtual Machine Settings**

**a. Select the VM and Click “Settings”:**

   - Go to "System" and adjust settings if needed. Ensure “Floppy” is unchecked from the boot order.

   - Go to "Storage" and click on the empty disk under “Controller: IDE”. Click the disk icon next to “Optical Drive” and select “Choose a disk file” to attach the Kali Linux ISO.

**b. Configure Network (Optional):**

   - Go to "Network" and choose “NAT” or “Bridged Adapter” depending on your network requirements.

**5. Start the Virtual Machine**

**a. Click “Start” in VirtualBox:**

   - The VM will boot from the Kali Linux ISO. Select “Graphical Install” or “Install” from the boot menu.

**b. Install Kali Linux:**

   - Follow the installation prompts, including language, location, keyboard configuration, and partitioning. Choose “Guided - use entire disk” for simplicity if this VM is dedicated to Kali Linux.

**6. Complete Installation**

**a. Finish Installation:**

   - After installation, remove the ISO from the virtual drive in VirtualBox and reboot the VM.

**b. Log In:**

   - Log in with the username and password you set during the installation process.

### **Method 2: Dual-Booting Kali Linux with Windows**

**1. Download Kali Linux ISO**

   - Go to the [Kali Linux official website](https://www.kali.org/downloads/) and download the ISO file.

**2. Create a Bootable USB Drive**

**a. Download Rufus:**

   - Download [Rufus](https://rufus.ie/) or another USB creation tool.

**b. Create Bootable USB:**

   - Insert a USB drive (8 GB or larger), open Rufus, select the Kali Linux ISO, and create the bootable USB.

**3. Partition Your Hard Drive**

**a. Open Disk Management:**

   - Press `Win + X`, select “Disk Management”, and shrink your Windows partition to make space for Kali Linux.

**b. Create a New Partition:**

   - You can create a new partition or leave the space unallocated for Kali Linux to use during installation.

**4. Boot from USB Drive**

**a. Restart Your Computer:**

   - Access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing `F2`, `F12`, `Delete`, or `Esc` during startup) and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.

**b. Boot from USB:**

   - Save changes and restart. Boot from the Kali Linux USB drive.

**5. Install Kali Linux**

**a. Select “Graphical Install”:**

   - Follow the installation prompts, including language, location, and keyboard configuration.

**b. Partitioning:**

   - When prompted for disk partitioning, choose “Manual” and select the unallocated space or new partition you created for Kali Linux.

**c. Configure Installation:**

   - Set up user accounts, select the software you want to install, and configure the GRUB bootloader. Make sure GRUB is installed on the primary drive (usually `/dev/sda`) to manage booting into Windows and Kali Linux.

**6. Finish Installation**

**a. Reboot:**

   - After installation, reboot your computer. You should see a GRUB menu allowing you to select between Windows and Kali Linux.

**b. Log In:**

   - Select Kali Linux and log in with the credentials you set during installation.

### **Conclusion**

Both methods allow you to run Kali Linux alongside Windows, each with its own advantages. Using a virtual machine is simpler and avoids altering your system’s partitions, while dual-booting provides better performance and full access to system resources. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical comfort level.