Also: The best Linux desktops for pros On the face of it, I thought it would be simple – install virtualization software onto the Mac, download a Kali Linux installer, and install it into a virtualized system on the Mac. Yeah, as it turns out, it’s not that easy. I tried a number of different virtualization platforms, and messed around with a lot of settings before I finally got it to install.
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux is an advanced penetration testing Linux distribution used for penetration testing, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and network security audits. Also: Mabox Linux: Old-school Linux with a new-school look and feel
How to install Kali Linux on M1 or M2 Macs
Here’s what you need
UTM: This is virtualization software for Macs. You can download this for free direct from UTM (it’s also available from the Apple Mac Store, where it will set you back $10 for the same thing).A Kali Linux installer: Head over to the Kali Linux website, find the installer images, and download the one for Apple Silicon. I’m using the latest 2022.4 installer.
A couple of points: From the list of operating systems, choose Other, then click Browse… and find your Kali Linux installer that you downloaded earlier. Once selected, click Continue, and I bring the Memory slider to 2048MB. You can assign more, but I find 2GB to be more than enough. As for storage, I find that 32GB is more than ample for Kali Linux. Once you get to the Summary page, give the virtual machine a name, check the box next to Open VM Settings, and click Save. Select Install and work your way through the Kali Linux install process.
You may have to manually configure the time zone (click Cancel at this point to select the correct zone).When it comes to partitioning, choose Guided – use entire disk (don’t worry, this won’t trash your macOS installation)
And you’re done!
Go into the settings for the virtual machine. Then right-click on Serial and click Remove.Next, in the left-hand pane, go down to USB Drive, click on it and then click on the Clear button next to Path. When done, click Save.
