Introduction:
Kali Linux is a powerful Debian-based distribution designed for ethical hackers, penetration testers, and cybersecurity professionals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing Kali Linux from scratch — whether you’re dual-booting, using a virtual machine, or installing on bare metal.

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What You’ll Need:

• A computer (minimum 2GB RAM, 20GB storage)
• A USB drive (8GB+), or virtual machine software (like VirtualBox or VMware)
• Kali Linux ISO: https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
• (Optional) Balena Etcher or Rufus for creating bootable USB

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Option 1: Install Kali Linux Using a Bootable USB

Step 1: Download Kali Linux ISO

• Visit https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
• Choose the version (Installer, Live, or NetInstaller)
• Download the ISO file (64-bit is most common)

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB

• Use Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (Mac/Linux)
• Select your USB device
• Choose the Kali ISO you downloaded
• Start the process and wait until it’s done

Step 3: Boot From USB

• Plug the USB into the target machine
• Restart and enter BIOS/boot menu (F2, F12, ESC, or DEL depending on your system)
• Choose your USB device as the boot source

Step 4: Begin the Installation

• Select Graphical Install (or “Install” if you prefer a lightweight setup)
• Choose your language, location, and keyboard layout

Step 5: Configure User and Host Info

• Set hostname (e.g., kali)
• Set domain (can be left blank)
• Create a user account and set password

Step 6: Partition the Disk

• Select Guided – use entire disk (or manual if you want more control)
• Choose whether to use LVM (Logical Volume Management)
• Confirm changes — WARNING: This will erase existing data if not dual-booting

Step 7: Install the System

• Let Kali install — this may take 10–30 minutes
• When prompted, install the GRUB bootloader
• Choose the correct drive (usually /dev/sda)

Step 8: Reboot

• Remove your USB when prompted
• Your system should now boot into Kali Linux 🎉

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Option 2: Install Kali Linux in a Virtual Machine (VirtualBox)

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

• Download from https://www.virtualbox.org

Step 2: Create New VM

• Name: Kali Linux
• Type: Linux
• Version: Debian (64-bit)

Step 3: Allocate Resources

• RAM: Minimum 2GB (recommended 4GB+)
• Storage: 20GB virtual disk

Step 4: Attach the ISO

• In Settings > Storage, attach the Kali ISO as a virtual optical disk

Step 5: Start the VM

• Begin installation and follow the same steps as the physical install above

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Conclusion:
Kali Linux is now installed and ready to use! Whether you’re learning cybersecurity or running penetration tests, Kali gives you access to hundreds of tools pre-installed. Make sure to run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to keep your system up to date.