How to Install "Kali Linux Step-by-Step" for Beginners (2025 Guide)
Kali Linux is a powerful operating system designed for ethical hacking and penetration testing. If you are a beginner, installing Kali Linux may seem complicated. In this guide, you will learn how to "install Kali Linux step-by-step" without any confusion. We will also cover how to "dual boot Kali Linux with Windows 10/11 without data loss" and fix "UEFI Secure Boot" problems during installation.
🔨Requirements Before Installing Kali Linux
- A USB drive with at least 8GB storage
- Official Kali Linux ISO file (Download here)
- Backup important data from your computer
- Rufus tool for creating a bootable USB
- Basic knowledge of BIOS/UEFI settings
👉Kali Linux Partition Calculator👈
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Be very careful! Do not format your Windows partition. Only use unallocated space for Kali Linux.
Step 1: Download Kali Linux ISO File 💿
First, you need to "download Kali Linux latest version" from the official Kali website. Always choose the version that matches your system architecture (64-bit or ARM).
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Use the Rufus tool to create a "Kali Linux bootable USB". Open Rufus, select your USB device, choose the downloaded ISO file, and click Start. Make sure to select the correct Partition Scheme (MBR or GPT) according to your computer.
Step 3: Change BIOS/UEFI Settings
Before installing Kali Linux, you need to configure your BIOS or UEFI settings:
- Disable Secure Boot
- Enable USB Boot
- Set USB as the first boot device
If you are facing any issues, refer to our "Kali Linux UEFI Installation Guide | Secure Boot Issues Fixed" section below.
Step 4: Boot from USB and Start Installation
Insert the bootable USB and restart your computer. Press the boot menu key (usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del) and select your USB drive.
Once Kali Linux installer loads:
- Choose "Graphical Install".
- Select your language and location.
- Configure network settings (optional).
- Set up your user account and password.
Step 5: Partitioning for Dual Boot (Without Data Loss)
To "dual boot Kali Linux with Windows 10/11 without data loss", choose manual partitioning:
Basic Method (Safe Way)
Basic Auto Partition Method (Older Kali Linux Versions)
If you're using an older version of Kali Linux (like 2020 or before), the installer may offer a simpler "Guided Partitioning" method. This is helpful for beginners who don't want to manually set up partitions.
Steps for Auto Partition:
- Select Guided - use the largest continuous free space.
- The installer will automatically create root and swap partitions.
- Review the changes, and if everything looks fine, choose Finish partitioning and write changes to disk.
Warning: Auto-partitioning will use all unallocated space. If you accidentally select a partition with data (like Windows), it will be deleted. Always double-check!
This method was useful in older Kali Linux versions where simplicity was prioritized over flexibility. Newer versions still offer this, but it's recommended to use manual partitioning for dual boot setups in 2025.
Advance Method (Technical way)
Manual Partitioning Guide for Kali Linux (2025 - UEFI + GPT)
Manual partitioning gives you full control over your disk setup. It's the best method for dual booting Kali Linux with Windows 10 or Windows 11 on a UEFI + GPT system without losing existing data.
Remember Again:
Before You Begin:
- Backup your important data.
- Disable Fast Boot and Secure Boot from BIOS/UEFI.
- Make sure Windows is installed in UEFI mode.
- Free up at least 30 GB of unallocated space from Windows Disk Management.
Let's Go
Step-by-Step Manual Partitioning:
- Boot Kali Linux installer via USB in UEFI mode.
- Choose Graphical Install and follow initial steps like language, timezone, etc.
- At the partitioning step, choose Manual.
- Create Root ( / ) Partition:
- Select the FREE SPACE you created in Windows.
- Create a new partition (minimum 25 GB).
- Mount point:
/(root), Filesystem:ext4.
- Create Swap Partition:
- Size: Same as your RAM (e.g., 4 GB RAM = 4 GB swap).
- Use as: swap area.
- Optional – Create /home Partition (for user data):
- Mount point:
/home, Filesystem: ext4. - This keeps your personal files separate from the system.
- Mount point:
- Keep the EFI System Partition (ESP):
- Don’t delete or format existing EFI partition (~100–500 MB, FAT32).
- Kali installer will detect it and use it to place bootloader.
- After creating partitions, choose Finish partitioning and write changes to disk.
Bootloader Installation:
When asked where to install GRUB bootloader, select the same disk (usually /dev/sda or /dev/nvme0n1) — NOT a specific partition. Let it use the EFI partition already present.
After Installation:
- Kali Linux will reboot with GRUB boot menu.
- You can choose between Windows and Kali at boot.
- If Windows doesn’t appear, run:
sudo update-grubin Kali terminal.
My Experience:
I’ve used this method on multiple machines (Dell, HP, Lenovo) and it works flawlessly if done carefully. UEFI systems need attention to the EFI partition and bootloader setup. Always double-check which drive and partition you’re selecting — a small mistake can erase Windows!
Tips:
- Always use UEFI-compatible USB for installation (created using tools like Rufus).
- Use a GPT-partitioned disk (check in Windows > Disk Management).
- During BIOS setup, set SATA mode to AHCI for smoother Linux compatibility.
👉Kali Linux Partition Calculator👈
👆
Be very careful! Do not format your Windows partition. Only use unallocated space for Kali Linux.
Step 6: Install Grub Bootloader
During installation, the installer will ask to install the GRUB bootloader. Select YES and choose the main hard drive (not a USB drive) to install GRUB. This will allow you to choose between Windows and Kali Linux at boot time.
Step 7: First Boot and Update System
After installation, remove the USB and reboot your system. You will see a menu to choose Kali Linux or Windows.
After logging into Kali Linux, open the terminal and update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeFixing "Kali Linux UEFI Secure Boot" Problems
If you are installing Kali Linux on a modern UEFI system, you might face Secure Boot issues. To fix this:
- Enter BIOS settings.
- Disable Secure Boot.
- Save changes and restart.
This will allow Kali Linux to boot properly on UEFI systems.
🔍My Experience Installing Kali Linux
When I first tried to "install Kali Linux on dual boot with Windows 11", I faced a black screen problem after installation. I found that the issue was with Secure Boot enabled. After disabling Secure Boot in BIOS and reinstalling Kali Linux, everything worked perfectly.
Also, during partitioning, I mistakenly selected the wrong drive once and lost my Windows data. From my experience, I strongly advise you to double-check partitions before formatting anything.
Today, I am successfully using Kali Linux and Windows 11 together without any issues. The installation process becomes easy if you follow each step carefully.
🌟FAQs
1️⃣Can I install Kali Linux without losing Windows 10/11?
Yes, you can "dual boot Kali Linux with Windows 10/11 without data loss" by creating new partitions and not touching existing Windows partitions.
2️⃣How to fix Kali Linux not booting after installation?
Usually, disabling Secure Boot in BIOS solves the problem.
3️⃣Is it necessary to install GRUB Bootloader?
Yes, GRUB allows you to choose which operating system to boot (Windows or Kali Linux).
Conclusion
Installing Kali Linux step-by-step is not difficult if you prepare well. Always backup your important data, carefully partition your hard drive, and follow each step. I hope this "Kali Linux installation guide" helped you. If you face any issues, feel free to comment below! Happy hacking!
Disclaimer
This guide is intended for educational purposes only. Kali Linux is a tool used for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security research. Please use Kali Linux responsibly and ensure you have permission to test any network or device. Unauthorized access or illegal hacking is punishable by law. The author and publisher are not responsible for any misuse or damage caused by the information provided in this article.
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