This article shows how to set up and configure Kali Linux 2022.3 on a new virtual machine using VMware Workstation 17 Pro on a Windows 10 PC.
Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution designed for various security issues in network analysis, wireless attacks, forensic analysis, and computing. This Linux distribution includes tools to perform all these security tests and examinations.
Kali Linux is among the most widely used Linux security distributions for personal and professional use, providing users with tool packages like Foremost, Wireshark, and Maltigo as-Aircrack-ng.
Before installing the Kali distribution on your computer, you can run it on virtual machines using virtualization software such as VMware Workstation.
You can follow this video tutorial or the steps below to install the Kali system on a VMware Workstation virtual machine.
Step 1: Open VMware Workstation Pro and click Create a New Virtual Machine to open the wizard. Then select Custom and proceed.
Step 2: Change the hardware compatibility to 17.x.
Step 3: In the Install From the window, select I will install the operating system later.
Step 4: In the Guest Operating System window, select Linux as the platform and Debian 10.x 64-bit as the version.
Step 5: Type Kali Linux in the virtual machine’s name and leave the installation path at default.
Step 6: In the Processor Configuration window, increase the number of virtual cores according to the processor type of your physical computer.
Step 7: In the Memory for Virtual Machine window, set the maximum memory size according to the total RAM size of your computer.
Step 8: Select Network Address Translation (NAT) in the Network Type window.
Step 9: Leave the I/O Controller Type setting as LSI Logic.
Step 10: In the Disk Type window, select the newer technology NVMe.
Step 11: In the Select a Disk window, choose Create a New Virtual Disk because you will install a clean system.
Step 12: Increase the Disk Capacity setting to the recommended disk size and store the virtual disk as a single file.
Step 13: Do not change the virtual disk name and location in the Specify Disk File window.
Step 14: Click Customize Hardware to edit virtual hardware.
Step 15: Enable virtualization features in Processor settings.
Step 16: Open the CD/DVD hardware settings, activate the Use ISO Image File option, and add the Kali Linux ISO file.
Step 17: Change the compatibility setting to 3.1 in the USB Controller settings.
Step 18: After enabling 3D acceleration in Display settings, configure the graphics memory as a size that your computer will support.
Step 19: After making the settings of the Kali virtual computer, close the wizard and run the VM.
Step 20: When the Kali Linux GRUB menu opens, continue with the Graphical Install option and install the Linux distribution on the VM.
Step 21: After installing the Kali system on the virtual PC, you can use it as an additional operating system.