How to Install Kali Linux on Vmware

Table of Contents

Introduction

In cyber security and information security, Labs uses many operating systems, such as Windows 7, Windows 10, Ubuntu, and Kali Linux. While the resources used are insufficient, you have a solution.

A virtualization system is a good solution. It is suitable for individuals used in testing and research on network security and information security.

Without further ado, let’s get your virtual environment up and running.

What is Vmware?

With VMware’s technology, you can run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server, maximizing hardware utilization and simplifying IT infrastructure management. This allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in deploying and managing IT resources.

System requirements

Windows 10
File iso: Kali linux

Downloading and installing Vmware

Download Vmware
- You can download file setup Vmware (version VMware-workstation-full-14.0.0-6661328) , we have Key for version above.
Install Vmware
- Click the VMware downloaded File and Install it.
- Click on VMware Software and Click on Next to the Installation wizard.
- Provide the License Key for VMware Workstation
- Click Finish to exit the wizard.

Downloading Kali linux

Official Website: Go to the official Kali Linux website: https://www.kali.org/downloads/
Choose Version: Select the appropriate version (Installer, Virtual Machines, ARM, etc.). For VMware, you can directly download the pre-built VMware image.
Download: Click on the desired version and download the image file.

Prerequisites:

VMware Workstation or VMware Player installed on your system.
Kali Linux ISO or pre-built VMware image.

Steps:

Open VMware: Launch VMware Workstation or VMware Player.
Create a New Virtual Machine:
- Click on “Create a New Virtual Machine”.
- Choose “Typical” or “Custom” (Typical is easier for beginners).
- If you downloaded the ISO, select “Installer disc image file (iso)” and browse to the Kali Linux ISO file.
- If you downloaded the pre-built VMware image, you can skip creating a new VM and directly open the .vmx file in VMware.
Configure Virtual Machine:
- Name and Location: Name your VM and choose a location to store the virtual machine files.
- Disk Capacity: Allocate sufficient disk space (at least 20 GB recommended).
- Customize Hardware: Allocate memory (at least 2 GB), processors, and other hardware settings as needed.
Install Kali Linux:
- If using the ISO, follow the installation steps after booting the VM:
  - Choose graphical or text-mode installation.
  - Select language, location, and keyboard layout.
  - Configure network settings.
  - Set up a user account and password.
  - Partition the disk (guided partitioning recommended).
  - Install the base system and additional software.
  - Set up the GRUB bootloader.
Post-Installation:
- After installation, the VM will reboot, and you should see the Kali Linux login screen.
- Log in with the user credentials you created during installation.

Performance and setup Kali Linux

VMware Tools:

Install VMware Tools to improve performance and usability.
Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop fuse

sudo reboot
Update and Upgrade:
- Keep your system up to date by running:
  
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Additional Configurations:
- Network: Ensure the network adapter is set to NAT or Bridged for internet connectivity.
- Display Settings: Adjust the display resolution to fit your screen properly.
- Shared Folders: Set up shared folders between your host and guest OS for easy file transfer.
Security and Performance:
- Disable unnecessary services to free up resources.
- Regularly update the system and installed tools for security and stability.

Conclusion

Installing Kali Linux on VMware provides a flexible and secure environment for penetration testing and security research. By following the above steps, you can effectively set up and optimize your Kali Linux VM for various tasks. Ensure you stay updated with the latest releases and security patches to maintain an efficient and secure testing environment.