How to Install Kali Linux 2024 on VMware Workstation 17 Pro

As online dangers keep changing, we need good ways to keep our networks safe. That’s why we have to look at the weaknesses in both our system and our network. We usually use Kali Linux to test how easy it is for someone to break in rather than find security problems.

In this article, we’ll install Kali Linux 2024 using VMware Workstation 17 Pro on a Windows 11 or 10 computer that uses 64-bit. VMware Workstation is the most popular VTx software, and it’s faster than other options. Plus, it’s easy to use, even if you’re starting. With this tool, you can work with virtual machines quickly.

Installing Kali Linux on VMware Workstation

How to Run Kali Linux on a Virtual Machine in Windows 10 using VMware Workstation 17 Pro

The folks who made Kali Linux, which originates from Debian, are a company called Offensive Security. This practical OS has lots of free tools that are super useful. Specifically, we use it to find out if PC networks or systems have any weak spots.

I said this OS has lots of free tools to keep systems and networks safe. That’s why it’s solid, and we often use it for tests. You can use it from a USB stick without putting it on your computer. Additionally, you can use it portablely.

You can download Kali’s ISO file from the official website or other sources. Plus, you can then install it on your PC with CD/DVD or USB installation media. However, since the purpose of this guide is to use a virtual machine, we will use the ISO directly.

But before you put Kali on your computer’s disk, it’s good to practice. I suggest trying it out on a virtual machine first. You can do this with VMware Workstation Pro or Player, which many people use for virtualization.

How to Create a New Virtual Machine for Kali Linux

Let’s say you installed VMware Workstation on your Windows 11 & 10 computer. Immediately afterward, you created a new virtual machine. After this stage, you must determine the operating system you want to install.

For example, you planned to run Kali Linux on a VMware virtual machine. So we don’t need to reboot your host system to use it. Additionally, you do not need to install this system on your PC using the dual-boot method.

Now, let’s create a new virtual machine for this OS from start to Finish. Let’s start!

Step 1

I assume you have installed VMware Workstation 17 Pro. Now, start this virtualization software. On the first screen, click Create a New Virtual Machine. When you do this, you will open the virtual machine wizard.

Let’s prepare a more advanced system for this OS using the virtual machine wizard. In fact, if you proceed directly with Typical, you do not need to select extra things. However, I will set it in more detail with Custom (Advanced).

Creating a New Virtual Machine for Kali Linux

Step 2

Choosing the correct HDW version for your VM is very important. For this reason, this setting will improve performance. So, choose the newest version of VMware Workstation and click Next.

Setting VMware Hardware Compatibility to Latest Version

Step 3

First, let’s set up the virtual hardware. Later, we’ll add the ISO file to the virtual machine. Just pick the “I will install the operating system later” option and keep going.

Choosing to Install the Guest OS Later

Step 4

First, select the operating system platform you will install with Workstation. Then select Debian 12.x 64-bit version for Kali Linux.

NOTE: You may not see Kali Linux here; don’t worry! On such platforms, you usually see Debian because they developed this OS on this system.

Linux / Debian 10 64-Bit

Step 5

Since you’re making a Kali virtual machine, pick a name for it. Then, decide where you want to put it on your computer’s disk.

Configuring the Virtual Machine Name and Installation Location

Step 6

Now, let’s tune the performance of VM. For this, you need to choose the number of virtual processors and the number of virtual cores. But keep in mind that this depends on the performance of your host PC’s processor hardware.

For this reason, 1 processor and 8 cores are sufficient for the guest machine. In short, configure the processor settings as shown in the image below and continue.

Configuring the Number of Virtual Processor Cores

Step 7

Likewise, determine the RAM size according to your host computer. If your PC is one of the 2024 models, select maximum. The VMware Workstation program will adjust the virtual memory size for maximum efficiency.

Proceed by clicking on the blue icon for the maximum value, as shown in the image below.

Increasing Virtual Memory Size

Step 8

You can select the IP block you want to use on the virtual computer from the Network Type settings.

When you choose a bridged network, you assign an IP address to your VM from the DHCP server on your physical network. However, if you select the NAT adapter type, you will assign addresses from a different IP block. In this case, you will not receive an IP address from your physical network.

Choosing the Network Address Translation (NAT) Adapter

Step 9

Please stick with the default option, LSI Logic, for reliable disk access. In short, default settings are usually best unless you have special needs.

Selecting LSI Logic Controller Type

Step 10

We all want our virtual machines to run faster and better. That’s why we picked NVMe, the newest and fastest technology for virtual disks.

Selecting the NVMe Disk Type

Step 11

Since you will install Kali Linux from scratch, you must create a new virtual disk. If you have previously installed Linux on a virtual disk, you can use the existing disk. To do this, you can select Use an existing virtual disk.

However, a new disc is always good. Therefore, choose “Create a new virtual disk” suitable for your Linux system.

Creating a New Virtual Disk

Step 12

There are operations you can perform or software you can install on your Kali virtual machine. Therefore, change the size of the virtual disk to something other than the recommended size.

You can also store the virtual disk file as a single file type on your host PC. To do this, select storage as below and continue.

Setting a Virtual Disk and Backup as a Single File

Step 13

Specify the name and location of the disk file in the Specify Disk File window. Or continue by choosing the default set by the VMware Workstation.

Configuring the Name and Location of the Virtual Disk File

Step 14

Let’s further adjust the hardware features of the Kali virtual computer we have prepared. To do this, click Customize Hardware.

Customizing the Hardware

Step 15

Click on “Processors” in the virtual machine’s hardware settings. Then, check out the Virtualization Engine properties. Make sure to turn on all the settings in the section below.

  • Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI
  • Virtualize CPU Performance Counters
  • Virtualize IOMMU (IO Memory Management Unit)

Enabling Virtualization Features

Step 16

We must add the Kali Linux ISO file to the virtual machine. To do this, enable Use ISO Image File from the settings of the CD/DVD device.

Finally, select and add the ISO image file you downloaded from this link with Browse.

Adding Kali Linux ISO File to Virtual Machine

Step 17

We should be able to use your USB 3.0/3.1 devices on your Kali guest machine. Therefore, open the USB Controller device settings. At this point, select USB 3.1 from the Compatibility options.

Setting USB Controller Type to 3.1

Step 18

For a smoother graphics experience on your virtual machine, go to Display settings. Turn on the “Accelerate 3D Graphics” option. Also, adjust the graphics memory based on your PC’s graphics card.

Enabling 3D Graphics Acceleration and Increasing Graphics Memory

Step 19

You have prepared your Kali Linux system. Now close the wizard by checking the settings one last time.

Analyzing Summary Information of Virtual Computer

Step 20

Run your Kali Linux 2024 guest machine.

Running the Kali Virtual Machine

How to Install Kali Linux on a New Virtual Machine

You have made all the settings for Kali using VMware Workstation virtualization software. Now, you should boot the ISO image you added to your VM. When you start your virtual PC, you will see the boot screen.

Step 1

You booted your system with the Kali ISO image. Meanwhile, you will see the Kali Linux Installer Menu (BIOS Mode) as below.

On this screen, choose to perform the system setup using the graphical interface. So, press Enter using the Graphical Install option.

Choosing Graphical Installation

Step 2

Pick the language you want for your Kali system from the Language options.

Selecting the System Language

Step 3

To make sure your system has the right time, set your location correctly. Your PC will set the correct time zone and save daylight by itself.

Choosing the Location

Step 4

It is crucial to choose the keyboard layout of the virtual PC. Therefore, you should select whatever keyboard type your host has. On this screen, configure the keymap location for Kali.

Choosing the Keyboard Layout

Step 5

You can configure the name under which your Kali system will appear on the network from the hostname section.

The installation wizard assigns the name “Kali” by default. However, you can change this name according to your network environment.

Configuring the Hostname

Step 6

Let’s say you have an Active Directory server in your structure. In this case, you can make your virtual system a member of the domain. If not, continue by leaving the domain name blank.

Skip Typing Domain Name

Step 7

Type the name of the user account that you will use for non-administrative operations.

Type a Full Username

Step 8

Type the user account name you created in lowercase letters.

Typing the Username in Lowercase

Step 9

Create a solid and hard-to-guess password for your user account.

Creating a Strong Password for User Account

Step 10

Select your time zone to configure your system clock correctly according to the location you live in.

Selecting the Region for the System Clock

Step 11

Since you will install a clean Kali system, you should use the entire virtual disk you created. In this case, continue with the Guided – Use Entire Disk option.

Guided - Use Entire Disk

Step 12

Please choose the specific virtual disk that you wish to divide into multiple partitions.

Selecting the Virtual Disk to Partition

Step 13

You can partition your system’s disk using different disk schema structures. However, you may not be sure about the action you will take. Then, select the first choice, All Files In One Partition.

Selecting a Single Section

Step 14

Check the changes to be made to your NVMe virtual disk on the disk partitioning screen. Afterward, continue with the Finish Partitioning and Write Changes to Disk options.

Confirming to Write Changes to Disk

Step 15

You have examined the partitions to be formatted. Now select Yes to confirm writing the changes to disk.

Writing Changes to Disk

Step 16

You can choose the desktop environment you like to use on your Kali Linux guest operating system. In this screen, the default desktop environment is XFCE. However, you can also choose GNOME or KDE based on your personal preference.

Choosing the Kali Linux Desktop Environment

Step 17

Select Yes to install GRUB Boot Loader on the primary partition and click Continue.

Installing GRUB Boot Loader on Primary Drive

Step 18

Select your NVMe virtual disk to choose to install the GRUB menu on a bootable device and continue.

Installing GRUB Boot Loader to NVMe Disk

Step 19

You have completed the setup of Kali Linux on the VM. Now remove your media, that is, the ISO, and restart the virtual PC.

System Reboot After Installation

Step 20

When Kali guests restart your machine, you will see the screen below. You can directly select Kali GNU/Linux in this boot menu. Plus, you can also wait for the countdown value in the GUI.

Kali GNU/Linux

Step 21

After typing your user account name and password, click the login button.

Login to Kali

How to Install VMware Tools for Kali Linux VM

You have completed all the steps to install Kali Linux with VMware Workstation. But there is a problem!

You need to install the drivers for the guest system. So you should be able to use full-screen resolution, Shared Folder, or USB devices. That’s why you need to install VMware Tools on your virtual system.

Let’s say you have Internet on your host while installing the Kali operating system. At this point, the wizard will automatically install VMware Tools. However, if you do not have Internet access, you can do this through Workstation Pro.

Suppose you get an error or can’t connect your VM to the Internet. After this step, you can add the needed plugins with one command.

Steps:

Step 1

To install VM tools on Kali Linux, open the terminal. Then type in the ‘sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop’ and hit Enter. Then it asks you a question, so type Y and hit Enter to confirm and install the necessary packages.

sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop

Installing VMware Tools on Kali Linux

Step 2

After installing VMware Tools, restart your Kali VM. To test, try a file transfer. To do this, drag and drop a text document from the desktop of your host system to your guest system.

Drag and Drop a File from Host to VM

Step 3

Once the file transfer check is OK, try using your virtual PC in full-screen mode to make sure everything works.

Testing the Guest System's Full Screen Resolution

How to Configure Shared Folders in Kali Linux

You are using your Kali machine on the operating system of your host PC. However, you need to transfer larger files quickly. This is where the Shared Folder feature comes into play.

Step 1

With your Kali VM running, click VM / Settings from the tool menu.

Opening the Virtual System's Settings

Step 2

After opening the virtual machine settings, click the Options tab. Then, select Shared Folders from the settings listed on the left panel.

Set Folder Sharing to Always Enabled. Finally, click the Add button to specify the location of a folder from your host system.

Enable Shared Folder

Step 3

In the Name the Shared Folder window, click Browse in the Host Path section. Then, in the window that opens, create a new folder in the desktop location of your host OS.

Creating a Public Folder on Host

Step 4

You must share the folder you created. To do this, select the Enable This Share option.

Enable This Sharing

Step 5

We need to check the Shared Folder between the host and the VM. Check that you can see the contents of the folder from both systems. Additionally, you can access the shared folder from /mnt/hgfs/FolderName.

Checking the Shared Folder

Step 6

To create a shortcut for the shared folder on your VM’s desktop location, open the terminal and execute the command below.

sudo ls -s /mnt/hgfs/KaliSharedFolder ~/Desktop

Creating a Desktop Shortcut for Shared Folder

Step 7

When you restart your Linux VM, the shortcut you created in the desktop location may disappear. If you find that it is not working, you need to enable it again. Thus, it would be best if you mounted it automatically every time you restart your system.

Let’s use the terminal to re-enable the public folder on your Linux system. Edit /etc/fstab for automatic mounting by following the command below.

sudo mount -f fuse.vmhgfs-fuse .host:/ /mnt/hgfs -o allow_other
sudo nano /etc/fstab

Automatically Mount Shared Folder at Startup

Step 8

Let’s automatically re-enable Shared Folder when you reboot the system. To do this, add the following command to /etc/fstab. Then, press CTRL + X / Y / Enter to save the file.

.host:/KaliSharedFolder /mnt/hgfs/KaliSharedFolder fuse.vmhgfs-fuse allow_other

Editing /etc/fstab

How to Use USB Flash Memory

When you change the USB controller compatibility to 3.1 while preparing the virtual machine, you can use your USB 3.0/3.1 storage devices or flash memories in your virtual system.

Step 1

Insert a USB flash memory into the USB 3.0/3.1 port of your host computer and create a folder named Backup in it.

Creating a Folder Called Backup on a USB Flash Drive

Step 2

To connect your USB to your virtual machine, click on VM, then select Removable Devices. At this point, choose the name of your USB and click Connect from the tool menu.

If you see the Connect option grayed out or inactive, as in the image below, turn off your virtual computer and proceed to the next step.

Installing Flash Memory in Virtual Machine

Step 3

Open the Kali Linux 2022.VMX file and change (usb.restrictions.defaultAllow = “FALSE”) to “TRUE” and save the file.

Editing the Kali.vmx File

Step 4

Restart your virtual computer, and you can connect your USB disk to your VM.

Connecting USB to VM

Step 5

When you check the contents of your USB stick in your VM, you can see that the folder you created called Backup exists.

Checking the Contents of the USB Disk

Video

Installing Old Versions

Installing Older Versions of Kali OS with VMware
Kali / VM VersionYouTube VideoSlide
2019 / 15 ProWatch
2020 / 15.5 ProWatchView
2022 / 16 ProWatchView
2022.3 / 16 ProWatchView
2022.3 / 17 Pro (NEW)Watch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About VMware Kali Linux

  1. What are the system requirements for using Kali Linux on a VM?
The primary way to run Kali with Workstation is if your CPU has VTx capability. If the virtualization feature is turned on and enabled, you should have some system requirements. Basically, you should have at least a dual-core CPU and at least 2GB of RAM. As for disk space, at least 20 GB of free space and a 3D-compatible graphics card will be sufficient. Additionally, I recommend you download the ISO file from the official website.
  1. Can I use Kali Linux on VMware Workstation?
Yes, you can use Kali OS with VMware Pro or Player. Actually, VMware is the most popular. Therefore, it supports virtual hardware such as CPU, RAM, hard disk, and network interface cards. In short, you can run a VM by emulating an entire computer system. You can use it as an independent system without compromising performance.
  1. Is it better to run Kali Linux in VMware?
Running Kali or any system in VM is good in some cases. For example, if you are new to the Linux world, use VM. This is because you can fix any mistake we make immediately. For example, you can take a complete backup with Snapshot or Clone. This way, if your system crashes during a small test run, you can quickly roll back to the previous state.
Let me give another example: It offers you an extra layer of security or penetration tests. So, it makes sense to use Kali in VM. This means you work wholly isolated on your central system. After all, your primary OS is free of potential risks.

Conclusion

In summary, you can run Kali Linux on your Windows 11 or 10 PC with VMware Workstation. Using this system, you can start discovering vulnerabilities in both your network and your system. Also, you can use this OS on a virtual machine without damaging your actual system. So, you can practice using it without any risks.

You can use your Kali VM most efficiently using all the steps I have explained in this article. For example, you can import a file from your USB disk or use a shared folder. Plus, you can try various projects to stay ahead of online dangers.

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