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How To Install Kali Linux On VMWare Workstation 12

Published: July 9, 2017 (Updated: Jul 9, 2017)
#Kali Linux #VMWare #Virtualization

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Get Started with Ethical Hacking: How to Install Kali Linux on VMWare Workstation

Introduction: Why Kali Linux Belongs in Your Virtual Lab

Welcome back to Darren’s Tech Tutorials! We often talk about securing systems, but to truly understand security, you need to understand how vulnerabilities are found and exploited. That’s where Kali Linux comes in.

Kali Linux is the industry-standard distribution for penetration testing and security auditing, packed with hundreds of specialized tools. But installing a powerful OS like Kali directly onto your main machine isn’t ideal.

That’s why we’re using VMWare Workstation! Installing Kali inside a virtual machine (VM) provides a safe, sandboxed environment where you can practice your skills without ever risking your host operating system. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. Let’s get our virtual pen-testing environment set up!

What You Need Before You Begin

Before we dive into the installation process, make sure you have these prerequisites downloaded and ready to go:

  1. VMWare Workstation Pro or VMWare Player: Ensure you have VMWare software installed on your host machine (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. The Kali Linux ISO File: We need the installation image for the operating system.

You can download the latest version of the Kali Linux ISO directly from the official source. Use the dedicated installation image (not the pre-built VM image) for this tutorial:

🔗 Kali Linux Downloads Link: https://www.kali.org/Downloads/

Step 1: Creating the Virtual Machine in VMWare

The first step is setting up the container for our new operating system within VMWare.

A. Start the New Virtual Machine Wizard

  1. Open VMWare Workstation/Player.
  2. Click Create a New Virtual Machine.
  3. Select the Typical (recommended) configuration.

B. Load the Kali ISO

  1. The wizard will ask for the installer disc image. Choose the option: Installer disc image file (iso).
  2. Click Browse and locate the Kali Linux ISO file you downloaded earlier.
  3. VMWare may detect this as Debian 64-bit, which is correct since Kali is based on Debian. Click Next.

C. Configure VM Details

  1. Name the Virtual Machine: Give your VM a recognizable name, such as “Kali-2023-PenTest-VM.”
  2. Location: Choose where you want the VM files to be stored on your host machine.
  3. Specify Disk Capacity: The default setting is usually 20 GB. While Kali can run on less, we recommend increasing this to 40 GB to allow ample space for tools, updates, and any files you might create during testing. Select Split virtual disk into multiple files (this is easier for moving the VM later).
  4. Click Next.

D. Customize Hardware Settings

Before clicking Finish, select Customize Hardware. This is crucial for performance.

  1. Memory (RAM): Kali works best with at least 2 GB of RAM. If your host machine has 8GB or more, allocate 4096 MB (4 GB) for optimal performance.
  2. Processors: Increase the number of processor cores to 2.
  3. Network Adapter: Ensure the selection is NAT (Network Address Translation). This allows the VM to access the internet using your host machine’s IP address and is the safest setting for beginners.
  4. Click Close to save your hardware settings, and then click Finish to create the VM.

Step 2: Running the Kali Installation

Now that the VM is set up, it’s time to install the operating system itself.

  1. Select your new “Kali-2023-PenTest-VM” from the VMWare library.
  2. Click Power on this virtual machine.
  3. The Kali boot menu will appear. Use the arrow keys and select Graphical install and press Enter.

A. Basic Configuration Settings

Follow the prompts for basic configuration:

  • Select a Language: Choose your preferred language (e.g., English).
  • Select Your Location: This helps set the time zone.
  • Configure the Keyboard: Select your keyboard layout.

B. Network and Host Configuration

The installer will now attempt to automatically configure your network settings using DHCP (thanks to the VMWare setup!).

  • Host Name: You can leave this as the default kali or choose a custom name.
  • Domain Name: This can be left blank for a standalone testing machine.

C. Create User Accounts

Kali Linux strongly encourages the use of a standard, non-root user account for daily use.

  • Full name for the new user: Enter your name (e.g., “Darren”).
  • Username: Choose a username (e.g., darren).
  • Password: Create a strong password for this user and confirm it. Remember this password!

D. Disk Partitioning

This is where the OS installs itself onto the virtual hard drive you created.

  1. Select Guided - Use the entire disk. Since this is a virtual disk, there is no risk of impacting your host OS.
  2. Select the virtual disk presented (it will usually be the only option).
  3. Choose All files in one partition (recommended for new users).
  4. Select Finish partitioning and write changes to disk.
  5. Confirm your choices by selecting Yes and pressing Enter.

E. Software Selection and Installation

The installer will now copy files and install the base system. This may take several minutes.

  • Desktop Environment: The default selections are usually fine (KDE, GNOME, etc., depending on the version). Leave the defaults checked unless you have a specific preference.

F. Install the GRUB Bootloader

This step ensures the operating system boots correctly every time.

  1. Select Yes when prompted to install the GRUB bootloader to the primary drive.
  2. Select the virtual drive (e.g., /dev/sda). Do not select the /dev/sda partition; select the root drive itself.

Step 3: Finalizing and Logging In

Once the installation is complete, the system will prompt you to reboot.

  1. Click Continue to reboot the virtual machine.
  2. VMWare may ask you to disconnect the ISO file; if so, confirm.
  3. The Kali Linux boot menu will appear. Select the top option and press Enter.
  4. You will be presented with the Kali login screen. Log in using the username and password you created in Step 2.

Congratulations! Kali Linux is now fully installed and running inside VMWare Workstation.

Conclusion: The Real Fun Begins!

You’ve successfully navigated the installation process and now have a powerful, industry-leading penetration testing distribution ready to go!

Having Kali installed in a stable VM environment is the critical first step to mastering ethical hacking, network analysis, and security auditing. Now you can safely explore all those fantastic tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Metasploit without worrying about impacting your host machine.

What are you waiting for? Power up that new VM and start exploring!

If this guide helped you get Kali Linux running, please Like this post, Subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more detailed guides, and let me know in the comments below what the first hacking tool you plan to try out is! Happy hacking!