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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