If you’re looking to install the latest version of Kali Linux (2025.1) on your laptop or desktop, you’ve come to the right place. This article walks you through the complete process step by step — from downloading the ISO to completing the installation via bootable USB. Whether you’re a cybersecurity enthusiast or just exploring Linux, this guide will help you get Kali Linux up and running in no time.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer Before You Begin
Performing a clean installation will erase all existing data on the selected drive. Make sure you backup all your important files before proceeding.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the process, here’s what you’ll need:
- A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space.
- Access to a working computer with internet.
- The latest Kali Linux ISO file.
- A tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
🛠 Step 1: Download Kali Linux ISO
Let’s start with downloading the official Kali Linux ISO.
- Open your browser and go to the Kali Linux Download Page.
- Scroll down to the Installer Images section.
- Select the 64-bit version (recommended for most users).
- Click the Download button and wait for the file (around 4GB) to finish.
📝 Tip: Make sure the downloaded file is named something like kali-linux-2025.1-installer-amd64.iso.
💾 Step 2: Download Rufus (Bootable USB Tool)
To make your USB bootable:
- Visit the Rufus official site.
- Download the standard version (latest release).
- Once downloaded, run the
Rufus.exefile (no installation needed).
💡 Step 3: Create a Bootable Kali Linux USB
Alright, time to burn that ISO onto the pen drive. Plug your USB drive into the system and follow these steps:
- Launch Rufus.
- Select your USB drive from the Device dropdown.
- Under Boot selection, click Select, and choose the Kali Linux ISO you downloaded earlier.
- Leave other options as default (Partition Scheme: GPT, File System: FAT32/NTFS).
- Click Start, then click OK to confirm data wipe.
- Rufus will now create the bootable drive. Wait until it shows READY.
Once done, eject the USB safely.
⚙️ Step 4: Boot Into Kali Linux Installer
Now we’re ready to install Kali Linux on your machine. Insert the USB into your target laptop/PC and restart it.
Access the Boot Menu:
- For Dell: Press
F12 - For HP: Press
EscthenF9 - For Lenovo: Press
F12 - For Acer: Press
F12
From the boot menu, select your USB drive (e.g., SanDisk, Kingston), and press Enter.
🧭 Step 5: Begin Kali Linux Installation
You’ll now see the Kali Linux boot screen.
- Select Graphical Install and press Enter.
- Choose your Language, then Region (e.g., India), then Keyboard layout.
- Let the system detect hardware and network drivers.
📶 Step 6: Connect to Wi-Fi and Set Up Basics
- Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
- Set a hostname (e.g., kali).
- Leave Domain blank (optional).
- Create a Username and set a strong Password.
💿 Step 7: Disk Partitioning (Clean Install)
⚠️ Be careful — this will wipe your entire drive.
- Select Guided – use entire disk.
- Choose your disk (e.g., 240GB SSD).
- Select All files in one partition (recommended for new users).
- Finish partitioning and write changes to disk — choose Yes.
Kali will now:
- Format the drive
- Install the base system
- Copy files and install components
Wait for the process to complete.
✅ Final Setup and Completion
- After installation, it may ask to install the GRUB boot loader — select Yes.
- Select your boot disk (usually
/dev/sda). - Wait for the installer to finish and select Continue to reboot.
When your system restarts, Kali Linux should now boot into the new installation.
🔁 Optional: Install Proprietary Drivers
Once booted:
- Run a full update:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y - Install any missing Wi-Fi or graphics drivers based on your hardware.
🧠 FAQ – Common Questions
Q. Can I dual-boot Kali Linux with Windows?
Yes, but this guide focuses on a clean install. For dual-booting, create a separate partition and configure GRUB carefully.
Q. Will I lose all my data?
Yes, this guide involves a clean install that erases your disk. Always backup first!
Q. Can I install Kali on a virtual machine instead?
Yes, Kali provides official VM images for platforms like VirtualBox and VMware. You can check them on the Kali Virtual Images page.
📌 Tags and Hashtags
Tags: kali linux, linux installation, clean install kali, kali usb boot, rufus, linux beginner, kali 2025 iso, linux boot guide
Hashtags:
#KaliLinux #LinuxInstallation #BootableUSB #CyberSecurity #LinuxGuide #Rufus #OpenSource #PenetrationTesting #Linux2025
If you’ve followed all the steps carefully, you should now be running a fresh and fully functional installation of Kali Linux. Great job making it this far! 🐉
If you need more tutorials or face any issues, feel free to drop your questions in the comment section of this article.
Happy hacking (ethically)!
