How to Install Kali Linux as a Virtual Machine

If you're interested in exploring the capabilities of Kali Linux without committing to a full-fledged installation, installing it as a virtual machine is an excellent option. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of setting up Kali Linux as a virtual machine on Hyper-V Server 2019.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

To begin with, launch the Hyper-V Manager on your Windows 2019 server and click on 'New' to create a new virtual machine. In the 'New Virtual Machine Wizard,' select 'Guest OS: Linux' and choose 'Kali Linux' as the operating system.

Choosing Graphical Install

On the next page, you'll be prompted to choose the installation type. For this tutorial, we're going with the graphical install option by clicking on 'Graphical Install' and pressing Enter.

Configuring Installation Options

The installation menu will now appear, giving you a range of options to configure your Kali Linux virtual machine. First, select 'Media as an Image file' and provide the path for the ISO file. Next, choose 'Install an operating system from a bootable CD/DVD-ROM.'

Customizing Virtual Hard Disk

For the virtual hard disk, create a new one by selecting 'Connect Virtual Hard Disk.' Provide the location and size of the disk you want to attach to your VM. For this example, we're allocating 140 GB of storage.

Configuring Networking

Select 'Configure Networking' and choose an existing virtual switch for network connectivity.

Assigning Memory

Allocate memory for your VM by selecting 'Assign Memory.' We recommend using at least 1024 MB (1 GB) of RAM.

Specifying Generation

Choose the generation type, which in this case is Generation 2.

Naming Your Virtual Machine

Finally, specify a name and location for your virtual machine on the server. This will help you identify your VM and organize it with other machines on your Hyper-V Server.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a new virtual machine for Kali Linux installation on your Hyper-V Server 2019. With this setup, you can explore the features of Kali Linux without affecting your host machine's performance.

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