How to Install Kali Linux on Windows PC Using VirtualBox

Kali Linux is a popular distribution for penetration testing and security auditing. However, it's not typically installed as the primary operating system on a computer due to its nature. Instead, it's often run in a virtual machine for testing purposes. In this guide, we'll walk through the process of installing Kali Linux on a Windows PC using VirtualBox.

 Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

- A Windows PC with enough resources (RAM and storage) to run Kali Linux.

- Oracle's VirtualBox installed on your Windows PC. If you haven't installed it yet, you can download it from the [official VirtualBox website](https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads).

- A stable internet connection to download Kali Linux.

 Step 1: Download Kali Linux

First, visit the [official Kali Linux website](https://www.kali.org/downloads/) and download the ISO image for Kali Linux. There are multiple versions available, so choose the one that suits your needs. For this guide, we'll assume you're downloading the 64-bit version.

 Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

After downloading the ISO image, open VirtualBox and create a new virtual machine:

1. Click on "New" to create a new virtual machine.

2. Name your virtual machine (e.g., "Kali Linux").

3. Set the type to "Linux".

4. Set the version to "Debian (64-bit)" because Kali Linux is based on Debian.

5. Allocate memory (RAM) to the virtual machine. A minimum of 2GB is recommended.

6. Create a virtual hard disk now. Set the virtual disk file location and size (at least 20GB is recommended).

7. Set the hard disk file type to "VDI" (VirtualBox Disk Image).

8. Set the storage on the physical hard disk to "Dynamically allocated".

9. Click "Create" to finish creating the new virtual machine.

 Step 3: Configure the Virtual Machine

Next, configure the virtual machine:

1. Select the newly created virtual machine and click on "Settings".

2. Go to the "Storage" tab. Under the "Controller: IDE", click on the empty disk icon under "Optical Drive". Then, click on the CD icon next to it and select "Choose Disk File...".

3. Browse to the location where you saved the Kali Linux ISO image and select it.

4. Go to the "System" section and ensure that the base memory is set to at least 2GB.

5. Click "OK" to save the settings.

 Step 4: Install Kali Linux

Now, you're ready to install Kali Linux:

1. Start the virtual machine by clicking on "Start".

2. The Kali Linux installer should start. Follow the prompts to install Kali Linux. You'll be asked to select your language, location, keyboard layout, and network configuration.

3. When prompted, choose the installation destination (usually the entire disk).

4. Set up a user account for your Kali Linux installation. Remember the username and password you set, as you'll need them to log in later.

5. Once the installation is complete, restart the virtual machine.

Step 5: Log in to Kali Linux

After the restart, you should see the Kali Linux login screen. Enter the username and password you set during the installation to log in.

That's it! You've successfully installed Kali Linux on a Windows PC using VirtualBox. You can now use Kali Linux within the virtual machine for your security testing needs.

Please remember that Kali Linux is a powerful tool designed for professionals, and improper use can lead to illegal activities. Always use it responsibly and ethically.