Running a Kali Linux 2020.4 VM in Virtualbox 🌱

  1. Download Kali Linux 2020.4 Download
  2. Launch Virtualbox
  3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

    Name: Kali Linux 2020.4
    Machine Folder: C:\VMs
    Type: Linux
    Version: Debian (64-bit)
    Memory Size: 4096 MB
    Hard disk: Create a virtual hard disk now

  4. Click Create
  5. On the Create Virtual Hard Disk dialog

    Name the virtual disk image Kali Linux 2020.4.vdi
    File size: 30 GB
    Hard disk file type: VDI
    Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically Allocated

  6. Click Create
  7. Select the VM and Click Settings
  8. Select System > Processor
  9. Give the VM at least 2 processors
  10. Select Display
  11. Slide the Video Memory to 128 MB
  12. Select Network
  13. Set the attached to dropdown to Bridged Adapter
  14. Select Storage
  15. Click on the CD-ROM drive
  16. Select the disc dropdown to the right > Choose a virtual optical disc file...
  17. Browse to and select the downloaded Kali Linux 2020.4 .iso file
  18. Click OK
  19. Make sure the Kali Linux 2020.4 VM is selected and click Start > Normal
  20. Press Ctrl+C to cancel the disk check
  21. When the install dialog displays click Install Kali Linux
  22. Select a keyboard layout > Click Continue
  23. Uncheck Download updates while installing Kali Linux > Click Continue
  24. Click Install Now
  25. Click Continue to write the changes to the disk
  26. Select a Region > Click continue
  27. Enter a name, computer name, username and password > Click Continue
  28. Wait while the OS copies files and installs
  29. When prompted to Restart Now, Select Devices > Optical Drives > Remove disk from virtual drive
  30. Click Restart Now to complete the installation, the VM will reboot
  31. Login with the username and password created earlier in the process
  32. Select Skip > Next > Select No, Don't send system info > Next > Next > Done
  33. Welcome to Kali Linux 2020.4

Optional Steps

  1. Click the Applications button > Search "terminal" > Click Terminal
  2. Run the following commands to install updates
    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get upgrade
    sudo apt-get clean
  3. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image...
  4. If the installation autoruns, select Run
  5. Open the Files application > Select the Guest Additions Disc > Right click in the white space > Open terminal here
  6. In the Terminal window run the following commands
    sudo apt-get install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
    sudo sh ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
    sudo reboot
  7. The VM will reboot
  8. Upon rebooting, you can now full screen the VM and the internal resolution will automatically change to match the window size
  9. Log back into Kali Linux