How to Install Kali Linux on Windows — Dual Boot & Virtual Machine (Beginner Friendly)

How to Install Kali Linux on Your Windows PC — Dual Boot & Virtual Machine (Beginner Friendly)

Linux Series • Published: October 20, 2025 • Labels: Linux, Kali Linux, Virtual Machine, Beginner Guide

If you’re curious about Linux but feel it’s too technical — you’re not alone. In this post I’ll show you two easy ways to run Kali Linux on a Windows PC: Dual Boot (runs alongside Windows) and Virtual Machine (runs inside Windows like a regular app). No confusing commands — just clear steps anyone can follow.

What you’ll need

• A Windows computer (laptop or desktop)
• Stable internet connection
• USB pen drive (8GB or larger) — only for Dual Boot
• Kali Linux ISO file (download from the official site)
• Rufus (to create a bootable USB) — for Dual Boot
• Oracle VM VirtualBox — for Virtual Machine method
• Backup of your important files (always do this first)

Quick tip: If you are completely new, I suggest starting with the Virtual Machine method. It’s safer and doesn’t change your Windows setup.

Step 1 — Download Kali Linux ISO

1. Open your browser and go to the official Kali Linux download page: kali.org.
2. Choose the suitable image (most people choose the 64-bit installer).
3. Download the ISO file and save it to the Desktop or Downloads folder.

Note: The ISO is several gigabytes, so the download may take some time on slow connections.

Method A — Dual Boot (Windows + Kali on the same PC)

This method lets you choose Windows or Kali when the computer starts. Dual boot gives full performance to Kali (good for heavier tools), but it modifies your disk — so follow the steps carefully.

Step A1 — Create a bootable USB with Rufus

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie and open it (Rufus runs without installation).
2. Plug in the USB drive (make sure you backed up its contents).
3. In Rufus: select your USB device → click Select and choose the Kali ISO → click Start.
4. Wait until Rufus finishes. Your drive is now a bootable Kali installer.

Screenshot: Rufus creating bootable USB

Step A2 — Boot from the USB and install

1. Restart your PC and press the boot key (often F12, F2, ESC or DEL — depends on brand).
2. Choose the USB drive from the boot menu.
3. Pick Graphical Install when Kali menu appears.
4. Follow the installer: choose language, region, create username and password.
5. When asked about partitioning, choose Install alongside Windows (this keeps Windows). If you’re unsure, stop and make a backup before proceeding.
6. Wait for the installer to copy files and finish. Remove the USB when it asks and reboot.

After reboot you’ll see a menu called GRUB where you can pick Windows or Kali.

Method B — Virtual Machine (Kali inside Windows)

If you don’t want to touch your Windows installation, run Kali in a virtual machine. This is perfect for learning and testing because it’s reversible and safe.

Step B1 — Install VirtualBox

1. Download Oracle VM VirtualBox from virtualbox.org and install it on Windows.
2. Open VirtualBox and click New to create a new virtual machine.

Step B2 — Create a Kali VM

1. Name the VM: Kali Linux. Type: Linux. Version: Debian (64-bit).
2. Assign RAM: at least 2048 MB (2 GB). If your machine has 8 GB or more, give 4096 MB for better performance.
3. Create a virtual hard disk: choose 20 GB or larger.
4. In Settings > Storage, attach the Kali ISO to the virtual optical drive (click the empty disk → choose ISO).
5. Start the VM and follow the same install steps as for dual boot (language, username, password, etc.).

Screenshot: VirtualBox new VM screen

When installation finishes, Kali runs in a window on your Windows desktop. You can take snapshots in VirtualBox — these save the VM state and let you return if something breaks.

Which method should you choose?

• Dual Boot: If you want full performance and plan to use Kali a lot.
• Virtual Machine: If you’re learning, testing, or want a safe environment that won’t change Windows.

My personal experience: I started with VirtualBox to learn basics without risk. After a few weeks, I moved to dual boot for faster performance when needed.

Beginner tips & final notes

• Always back up important data before changing partitions.
• Start slowly — explore the graphical interface, then learn a few terminal commands.
• Keep your system updated (in Kali, use sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade periodically).
• Use snapshots in VirtualBox — they are lifesavers when you try new things.

Installing Kali Linux is easier than most people think. Take your time, read each screen carefully, and don’t rush. If you want, I can also provide a step-by-step image pack (screenshots) that you can include in this post.

Next in the Linux Series: Getting familiar with the Kali Linux interface — simple commands and customization tips for beginners.

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