Kali Linux on VirtualBox

by - Akshay

February 25, 2026

How to Install Kali Linux on VirtualBox: A Complete 2026 Guide

Kali Linux is the industry-standard operating system for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and network security assessments. For beginners and professionals alike, running Kali Linux inside a virtual machine (VM) like VirtualBox is the safest and most efficient way to learn without affecting your primary operating system.

In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of setting up Kali Linux on VirtualBox, from downloading the necessary files to the final configuration.

Kali Linux Logo

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

  • RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB+ recommended).
  • Disk Space: At least 20GB of free space.
  • CPU: Virtualization (VT-x or AMD-V) enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
  • Internet Connection: To download the required software.

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free and open-source hypervisor that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine.

  1. Go to the VirtualBox Official Website.
  2. Download the Windows hosts version (if you are on Windows).
  3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. It is recommended to keep the default settings.

VirtualBox Setup

Step 2: Download Kali Linux Image

Kali Linux offers two main ways to run on VirtualBox: an ISO image (manual installation) or a Pre-built Virtual Machine image (quicker setup). For this guide, we recommend the pre-built image as it is optimized for VirtualBox.

  1. Visit the Kali Linux Download Page.
  2. Select the VirtualBox platform.
  3. Download the .vbox file (it will be a ZIP or 7z file).
  4. Extract the downloaded file to a folder of your choice.

Step 3: Importing Kali Linux into VirtualBox

Once you have extracted the pre-built image:

  1. Open Oracle VM VirtualBox.
  2. Click on Machine > Add (or simply double-click the .vbox file in your extracted folder).
  3. VirtualBox will automatically import the configuration for Kali Linux.

If you are using the ISO method:

  1. Click New in VirtualBox and name it "Kali Linux".
  2. Assign at least 2GB RAM and 2 CPU cores.
  3. Create a virtual hard disk (VDI) with at least 20GB space.
  4. In Settings > Storage, mount the downloaded Kali ISO file.

Step 4: Configuring Virtual Machine Settings

To ensure the best performance, adjust these settings before starting:

  • System > Processor: Increase the number of cores (at least 2).
  • Display > Video Memory: Set to 128MB and enable 3D acceleration.
  • Network: Ensure it is set to "NAT" for internet access or "Bridged Adapter" if you want it to appear as a separate device on your network.

Step 5: Starting and Finalizing Installation

  1. Select your Kali Linux VM and click Start.
  2. (ISO Method) Follow the graphical installation steps:
    • Select your language, location, and keyboard layout.
    • Set a hostname (default is kali).
    • Create a user account (e.g., username kali and password kali).
    • Select "Guided - use entire disk" for partitioning.
    • Install the GRUB boot loader.
  3. Wait for the installation to complete and the system to reboot.

Kali Linux Desktop

Here are the links used and mentioned in the guide, along with additional resources from the video:

Watch the Full Video Tutorial

For a detailed visual guide, you can watch the full video by WsCube Tech below:

Conclusion

Installing Kali Linux on VirtualBox is the first step toward becoming a cybersecurity professional. It provides a safe environment to practice tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Aircrack-ng without risks.

Stay ethical and keep learning! 🚀

About the Author

Akki

Akki (Akshay)

"Learning should be a continuous journey."

Akki is a passionate ethical hacker and tech enthusiast. He created this blog to share experiences, tips, and tutorials on various hacking tools and technologies, helping others navigate their path to mastering the cybersecurity world.

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