Downloading and Installing Kali Linux for VMWare Workstation Pro on Windows (2025)

ByVMware Cloud Hosting

This video demonstrates how to download the default VMWare preconfigured Kali Linux Virtual Machine and install it into VMWare Workstation Pro on a Windows machine.

Here is a comprehensive guide to downloading and installing Kali Linux on VMware Workstation Pro for Windows. Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution designed for advanced penetration testing and security auditing, and using it on a virtual machine like VMware allows for a safe and efficient environment to experiment with hacking tools and techniques.

1. Why Use Kali Linux on VMware Workstation Pro?

Running Kali Linux on VMware offers several advantages:

  • Isolated environment for testing and ethical hacking

  • No risk to host operating system

  • Snapshot capability for safe experimentation

  • Easy portability and backups

  • Seamless integration between Windows host and Linux guest

2. Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • VMware Workstation Pro installed on your Windows system

  • At least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)

  • 64-bit processor with virtualisation enabled in BIOS

  • Internet access to download Kali Linux VM

3. Download Kali Linux VMware Image

Kali Linux provides ready-to-use virtual machine images, so you don’t need to install it manually.

Steps to Download:

  1. Go to the official Kali Linux download page:
    Visit: https://www.kali.org/get-kali/

  2. Scroll down to “Virtual Machines”.

  3. Choose the VMware version (not VirtualBox).

  4. You will be redirected to the Offensive Security Download Page:

    • File format: .7z archive

    • Size: Approximately 4–5 GB

  5. Download the latest 64-bit VMware image.

  6. Optional: Use a download manager like Internet Download Manager for faster downloads and resuming capability.

4. Install 7-Zip and Extract the VM

The downloaded file is in .7z format.

  1. Install 7-Zip on your Windows machine.

  2. Right-click the downloaded file → Select 7-Zip > Extract Here or Extract to Folder.

  3. You will get a folder with multiple VMware-related files like .vmx, .vmdk, etc.

5. Open Kali VM in VMware Workstation Pro

  1. Launch VMware Workstation Pro.

  2. Click File > Open, then browse to the extracted folder.

  3. Select the .vmx file (Kali-Linux-xxx.vmx) and open it.

  4. VMware will load the Kali Linux virtual machine.

6. Configure Virtual Machine Settings (Optional)

You can adjust the following settings before starting the VM:

  • Memory (RAM): Increase to 4–8 GB

  • Processors: Set to 2+ cores

  • Network Adapter: Use NAT or Bridged depending on your use case

  • Display: Enable 3D acceleration for better UI performance

7. Start Kali Linux Virtual Machine

  1. Click Power on this virtual machine.

  2. Wait for the OS to boot. Default credentials are:

    • Username: kali

    • Password: kali

  3. After login, you’re inside a full-featured penetration testing OS.

8. Update the System (Recommended)

Open a terminal and run:

sql
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

This ensures you have the latest tools and security patches.

9. Install VMware Tools (Optional but Recommended)

VMware Tools enhances performance and integration:

  1. In VMware menu: VM > Install VMware Tools

  2. Mounts a virtual CD inside Kali

  3. Extract and install:

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sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop -y
sudo reboot

10. Taking Snapshots and Creating Clones

Once everything is set up and updated:

  • Create a snapshot for a clean restore point

  • Clone the VM if you want separate environments

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Black Screen or Boot Issues: Check if virtualization is enabled in BIOS

  • Slow Performance: Allocate more RAM or CPU, enable hardware acceleration

  • Network Issues: Switch between NAT and Bridged adapters in VM settings

Conclusion

Installing Kali Linux on VMware Workstation Pro is an excellent way to safely run a powerful pentesting OS within your Windows environment. The prebuilt VMware image significantly reduces setup time, allowing you to focus on learning and testing.

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