🧑‍💻 How to Install Kali Linux on Windows and Mac (2026 VM Guide)

Updated for 2026 — A beginner-friendly guide for Windows PCs, Intel Macs, and Apple Silicon Macs.

Kali Linux is a security-focused Linux distribution used by cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, and learners.

However, installing Kali directly on your computer is not the best starting point for most beginners. A virtual machine lets you run Kali inside Windows or macOS without replacing your operating system or changing your disk partitions.

In this guide, you will learn how to:

  • Choose the correct Kali Linux image for your computer
  • Install Kali on Windows using VirtualBox
  • Install Kali on an Intel Mac
  • Install Kali on an Apple Silicon Mac
  • Configure your first safe virtual environment
  • Fix the most common installation problems

Important: Only download Kali Linux from the official Kali website. Never use an unofficial image from a file-sharing site, video description, or unknown repository.

Quick Answer

Choose the Right Kali Installation

The correct method depends on your computer’s processor. Check your device before downloading a Kali image.

Windows PC

Intel or AMD

Pre-built VirtualBox AMD64 image

VirtualBox

Intel-Based Mac

Intel processor

Pre-built VirtualBox AMD64 image

VirtualBox

Apple Silicon Mac

M1, M2, M3, M4, M5+

ARM64 installer ISO

VMware Fusion or UTM
Apple Silicon users: do not download the AMD64 image. Macs using an Apple chip require the ARM64 version of Kali Linux.

How to identify your Mac

Open the Apple menu and select About This Mac.

  • If you see Intel, follow the Intel Mac instructions.
  • If you see Apple M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, or a later Apple chip, follow the Apple Silicon instructions.

An AMD64 or x86-64 Kali image cannot run as a native ARM virtual machine on Apple Silicon. You must select the Apple Silicon (ARM64) image.

Why Install Kali Linux in a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine, or VM, is a computer created inside your existing computer.

Your Windows or macOS system remains the host, while Kali Linux runs as the guest.

This approach gives beginners several advantages:

  • No dual boot: You do not need to repartition your disk.
  • Lower risk: Mistakes inside the VM are less likely to affect your main system.
  • Easy recovery: You can create snapshots and return to a previous working state.
  • Better flexibility: Windows or macOS and Kali can run at the same time.
  • Controlled practice: You can connect Kali to other authorized lab machines.

A VM does not create complete security isolation, but it is generally the most practical way for a beginner to start learning Kali Linux.

Before You Begin

What You Need Before Starting

Check your computer’s available resources before creating your Kali Linux virtual machine.

Host system

Your Computer

  • Modern 64-bit processor Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon
  • At least 8 GB of total RAM 16 GB is preferable for multiple virtual machines
  • At least 40 GB of free storage 60–80 GB is ideal for tools, updates, and projects
  • Active internet connection Required for downloads, updates, and packages
  • Hardware virtualization enabled Intel VT-x, AMD-V, SVM, or Apple virtualization
Recommended starting point

Your Kali VM

4 GB Virtual RAM
2 Virtual Processors
40 GB+ Virtual Storage
NAT Network Mode
Keep enough resources for your host system. Do not assign all your computer’s memory or processors to Kali. Windows or macOS must continue running alongside the virtual machine.
Windows Installation

Install Kali Linux on Windows with VirtualBox

For most Windows beginners, the fastest method is to use Kali’s official pre-built VirtualBox image.

The operating system is already installed inside the image, so you do not need to complete the full Kali installation manually.
System check

Check Whether Virtualization Is Enabled

On Windows:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Select Performance.
  3. Select CPU.
  4. Look for Virtualization.

If it shows Enabled, continue to the next step.

If it shows Disabled, enable Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, AMD-V, or SVM Mode in your BIOS or UEFI. The exact setting depends on your computer manufacturer.
Virtualization software

Install VirtualBox

Download VirtualBox for Windows hosts from the official website. Open the installer and follow the installation instructions.

Download VirtualBox

Windows may temporarily interrupt your network connection while VirtualBox installs its network components. This is normal.

The VirtualBox Extension Pack is optional for this basic installation. You do not need it simply to start Kali Linux.
Official download

Download the Kali VirtualBox Image

Open the official Kali Linux download page. Find Pre-built Virtual Machines and download the VirtualBox 64-bit image.

Get Kali Linux

The filename will look similar to:

kali-linux-2026.x-virtualbox-amd64.7z

The version number changes because Kali Linux is a rolling distribution.

Kali publishes a SHA256 checksum beside its official downloads. Comparing the checksum helps confirm that the file was downloaded correctly and was not modified.
Prepare the image

Extract the Downloaded File

The Kali virtual machine is distributed as a .7z archive. Install 7-Zip if you do not already have a compatible extraction tool.

Download 7-Zip
  1. Right-click the downloaded Kali archive.
  2. Select 7-Zip.
  3. Select Extract Here or Extract to folder.
  4. Wait for the extraction to finish.
Do not try to run the virtual machine directly from inside the compressed archive. Extract the complete folder first.
Import and configure

Add Kali to VirtualBox

Open VirtualBox and select Add. Navigate to the extracted Kali folder and select the file ending in:

.vbox

Kali will appear in the VirtualBox machine list. Before starting it, open Settings and verify:

  • Memory: 4096 MB
  • Processors: 2
  • Network: NAT
  • Display memory: 128 MB, if available
If your computer has only 8 GB of total RAM, avoid assigning more than 4 GB to Kali. Windows still needs enough memory to run normally.
First boot

Start Kali Linux

Select the Kali virtual machine and click Start.

The official pre-built image normally uses these default credentials:

Username: kali Password: kali

After signing in, immediately open a terminal and change the default password:

passwd

Enter the current password, then choose a new secure password that you do not use for another account.

Your Kali Linux virtual machine is ready. Kali now runs inside Windows without replacing your main operating system or changing its disk partitions.
Intel Mac Installation

Install Kali Linux on an Intel Mac

Intel-based Macs use the same AMD64 architecture used by most Windows computers. The simplest method is generally Kali’s official pre-built VirtualBox image.

Correct image: VirtualBox AMD64. Do not choose the Apple Silicon ARM64 image for an Intel Mac.
Virtualization software

Install VirtualBox for Intel Mac

Visit the official VirtualBox download page and select the macOS package designed for Intel hosts.

Download VirtualBox

Install VirtualBox and approve any macOS security prompts required to load its components.

Download and import

Get the Kali VirtualBox Image

Open the official Kali download page and select the VirtualBox AMD64 pre-built virtual machine.

Get Kali Linux
  1. Extract the downloaded .7z archive.
  2. Open VirtualBox and select Add.
  3. Choose the extracted .vbox file.
Configure and launch

Configure and Start the VM

4 GB Virtual RAM
2 Virtual Processors
NAT Network Mode
40 GB+ Free Host Storage

Start Kali and sign in using the default kali / kali credentials.

Change the default password immediately:

passwd
Compatibility varies by macOS version. If VirtualBox does not support your Intel Mac configuration, VMware Fusion is an alternative virtualization option.
Your Kali Linux environment is ready. Kali now runs inside a virtual machine without replacing macOS or changing your Mac’s disk partitions.
Apple Silicon Installation

Install Kali Linux on an Apple Silicon Mac

Apple Silicon Macs use the ARM64 architecture. This includes Macs with M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and later Apple processors.

Kali ARM64 Installer Apple Silicon image
VMware Fusion or UTM ARM-compatible virtualization
Do not download the AMD64 VirtualBox image used in the Windows and Intel Mac sections. Apple Silicon requires the ARM64 version of Kali Linux.
Recommended method

Install with VMware Fusion

Recommended
Virtualization software

Install VMware Fusion

Download and install a current version of VMware Fusion that supports Apple Silicon.

Visit VMware Fusion

Open VMware Fusion and choose to create a new virtual machine.

Correct architecture

Download the Kali ARM64 Installer

Open the official Kali Linux download page. Under Installer Images, select:

Apple Silicon (ARM64)
Download Kali ARM64

Download the ARM64 installer ISO. The filename should include:

arm64
If the filename says amd64, you downloaded the wrong architecture.
VM configuration

Create the Virtual Machine

In VMware Fusion:

  1. Select Create a New Virtual Machine.
  2. Choose Install from disc or image.
  3. Select the Kali ARM64 ISO.
  4. Choose a 64-bit ARM Debian or Linux configuration when requested.
  5. Assign at least 4 GB of RAM.
  6. Assign 2 processor cores.
  7. Create a virtual disk of at least 40 GB.

Save the configuration and start the virtual machine.

Kali setup

Complete the Kali Installer

Select Graphical Install if it is available. Configure:

  • Language and location
  • Keyboard layout and time zone
  • Hostname
  • Username and password
  • Disk partitioning

For a beginner installation, choose:

  • Guided partitioning
  • All files in one partition
  • A network mirror when offered
  • The default Kali desktop environment
  • The GRUB bootloader
Selecting Guided — use entire disk affects only the VM’s virtual disk. It does not erase your Mac’s physical drive.

When installation finishes, restart the virtual machine. If the installer opens again, disconnect or eject the Kali ISO from the virtual CD/DVD drive.

Alternative method

Install Kali with UTM

UTM is another virtualization option for Apple Silicon. You can use the same Kali ARM64 installer ISO.

Download UTM
Download UTM from its official website.
Create a new virtual machine.
Select Virtualize, not Emulate.
Select Other as the operating system.
Attach the Kali ARM64 installer ISO.
Assign 4 GB RAM, 2+ CPU cores, and 40 GB storage.
Start the VM and complete the Kali installer.
Remove the installer ISO after installation.
Choose Virtualize rather than Emulate. Virtualization uses your Mac’s ARM processor directly and normally performs better than emulating an x86-64 computer.
Post-Installation Checklist

First Steps After Installing Kali Linux

Do not begin installing additional tools immediately. First, create a clean, updated baseline that you can safely return to later.

Recommended order: update Kali, secure the account, create a snapshot, and confirm the correct network mode.
Update the system

Update Kali

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Restart Kali after a major update:

sudo reboot
Use Kali’s official repositories. Avoid copying repository configurations from old or unknown tutorials.
Secure the account

Change the Default Password

If you used a pre-built image, change the password for the kali account:

passwd

Enter the current password, then create a new secure password.

Choose a password that you do not use for any other account or service.
Create a recovery point

Create a Clean Snapshot

After updating Kali and confirming that it works, create a snapshot in VirtualBox, VMware Fusion, or UTM.

Use a clear name, such as:

Clean Kali Installation

You can return to this state if a future configuration change or experiment breaks the VM.

Snapshots are useful recovery points, but they are not a replacement for backups.
Step 04 · Network configuration

Choose the Right Network Mode

Start with NAT

Most beginners should start with NAT. Change the network mode only when your lab has a specific reason to require another configuration.

NAT

Kali accesses the internet through your host computer without appearing directly as another device on your physical network.

Beginner default

Host-Only

Kali communicates with selected virtual machines and the host, but normally cannot access the internet.

Isolated labs

Bridged

Kali appears as a separate device on your physical network and may expose its running services to other local devices.

Advanced use
Use bridged networking only when necessary. Confirm that your lab is authorized and understand which Kali services may become visible to devices on the same network.

🎓 Your Kali Virtual Machine Is Only the Beginning

Installing Kali gives you access to cybersecurity tools. It does not automatically explain how Linux works, why commands behave as they do, or how professional security testing is structured.

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