Dual boot Kali Linux with Windows 10 using two easy methods. You can dual boot Kali with Windows, doesn’t matter what’s your PC specifications. Follow complete guide to know more.
Kali Linux is widely used by ethical hackers from all around the world. It’s the main attraction of people who’re interested in ethical hacking. But, the problem is that most people own a laptop/PC with Windows installed. That’s because Windows is easy to use and friendly to most users. However, smart users know to dual boot Kali Linux with Windows 10 or other builds of Windows.
I’ve been using Kali for over 5+ years on my PC which has Windows installed. There are many ways to do it, e.g., by using the dual boot method or simply installing Kali on USB. It gives me the ultimate power as I can use Windows 10 and Kali in one computer machine.
If you ask me what do I prefer, using it via USB or on HDD, I would say that it matters on user requirements. Both the methods are straightforward, and steps are hassle-free. I’ve shown two easy ways to dual boot Kali with Windows.
How To Dual Boot Kali Linux With Windows 10
Now let’s talk about the methods you should prefer to use Kali with Windows OS. There are multiple ways, but I’ve sorted and listed only two of them. Easy to follow, require fewer efforts and 100% success rate.
Method 1. Dual Boot Kali With Windows 10 By Installing It On HDD
Install Kali on Hard Disk and directly boot to it. Your system will ask you every time whether you want to use Windows 10 or Kali Linux. This method is suitable for those who want to use Kali on a regular basis. All the data will be saved on HDD.
Required Things:
- USB Pendrive Stick (4GB Minimum)
- Kali Linux ISO
- Computer Machine (Laptop/PC)
- Win32 Disk Imager
- Free 25GB Space in HDD (25GB Recommended)
Step 1: Download the latest the Kali Linux ISO from here.
Step 2: We need Win32 Disk Imager, it’s a free and reliable tool, Download it from here.
Step 3: Plug in your USB stick into the USB port.
Step 4: Install Win32 Disk Imager.
Step 5: Launch it and choose your external USB stick, click on the Folder icon and browse the Kali ISO file.
Step 6: Click on the Write button, accept the warning and wait until the process is complete.
Step 7: We need a new dedicated partition on Hard Disk where Kali Linux will be installed.
Step 8: Right click on My Computer and choose Manage. (Admin privileges required)
Step 9: Choose the Disk Management option. All partitions on HDD will be visible, select the Partition whose free space will be used to create a new partition.
Step 10: Right-Click on that partition and select Shrink Volume. We need at least 25 GB of open space to run Kali properly.
Step 11: For 25GB, put 25600MB as 25GB=25600MB and click Shrink. A new Green free space will be visible on the screen.
Step 12: Restart your computer machine where Kali OS will be installed.
Step 13: Enter into the boot device selection menu and choose the USB.
Step 14: Once the computer is booted to Kali OS choose Graphical Install option.
Step 15: You’ll see graphical installation Window dialogue.
Step 16: Select your Language and Country and click Continue.
Step 17: In the network configuration wizard, choose eth0 for LAN connection and wlan0 for WiFi.
Step 18: Choose your WiFi network e.g. hotspot. If you don’t have the WiFi router, use your mobile hotspot.
Step 19: If you’ve enabled password on your WiFi network, then choose WPA/WPA2 PSK option.
Step 20: Enter the password of your hotspot and click Continue.
Step 21: Wait till network connection is configured correctly.
Step 22: Enter the hostname, leave the domain name option because we don’t need it.
Step 23: Enter your default password.
Step 24: Kali will now look for all the disk partitions in HDD, choose the Manual option here.
Step 25: You can see that 25GB free disk space is visible here. Click on it and continue.
Step 26: Then choose to Create a New Partition option.
Step 27: Set new partition size to 22GB and rest of will go to swap area.
Step 28: Set: New partition type: Logical, Location of new partition: Begining.
Step 29: Click on the Bootable Flag and turn it On.
Step 30: Select Done setting up the partition and click Continue.
Step 31: Now, select pri/log free space which was left and continue.
Step 32: Create New Partition>Logical>Use As> Swap Area>Done Setting Up Partition>Continue.
Step 33: Then select Finish partitioning and write disk changes to disk.
Step 34: Select Yes option and then wait until the Kali Linux system is installed into that partition.
Step 35: Set use Network Mirror: No.
Step 36: Install GRUB Loader: Yes.
Step 37: Select /dev/sda option and Continue.
Step 38: Finish the installation by following the on-screen guide.
Step 39: The system will reboot and while booting again, you” get two option, either to run Kali or Windows, choose Kali Linux.
Step 40: Enter the default username: root, and default password: toor.
You’ve successfully installed Kali Linux on Hard Disk. When your PC boots, select Kali option when you want to use Kali and Windows option when you want to use Windows OS. Steps are straightforward, and I’ve attached screenshots of all the steps.
It’s time to start using all those Kali penetration tools. Don’t forget to check Kali Linux Commands if you’re a beginner. There are many errors which users might face after following the guide. Most common mistakes are listed down below with a solution.
Problem: Username Or Password Incorrect (Authentication Problem):
It’s the most common problem faced by many users. Only a few users know that Kali Linux has its default username and password.
Default Username: root
Default Password: toor
Whenever you want to login to Kali, enter these credentials, and there’ll be no authentication problem. Those who’re interested in changing the password should visit the user settings in Control Panel of Kali. Or enter passwd command in the terminal.
Problem: Missing Grub In Kali Linux:
Another most common problem faced by people. I don’t have any in-depth information regarding the main reason behind this issue. But, a lot of people are posting its solution on forums, etc. I’ve also faced this issue for the very first time but easily fixed it using the following fix:
Open the Terminal in Kali and type these commands one by one:
os-prober update grub
Method 2. Using Unetbootin To Dual Boot Kali Linux With Windows 10
This method will be beneficial for some users. There’s no need to install Kali on HDD. Instead, all the OS files will be written to the C drive, where Windows is installed. There’s no risk of using this method and user can delete all the Kali installation files whenever they want.
After that, we’ll be using EasyBCD to create a new Boot Entry for Kali OS. In short, it’s a method to Live Boot kali without using an external USB device. Keep this in mind that this isn’t suitable for the people who want to save the user data. It’s only ideal for Live Boot.
Required Things:
- Kali Linux ISO Image file.
- Unetbootin Software
- At least 5 GB free space in your C drive where Windows is installed.
- Download Kali Linux ISO.
- Then download UNetBootin from here.
- Launch the UnetBootin (Admin privileges required)
- Select the ISO option.
- Click on browse and select your ISO image file.
- Set type to Hard Disk, and select C drive.
- Now, click OK and wait till the process is completed.
- After this, we need EasyBCD to enter a new boot entry. Download EasyBCD from here.
- Launch the EasyBCD utility now.
- Then click on Add New Entry button.
- Choose Linux/BSD tab and set Type: GRUB2.
- Then enter the name as per your needs, e.g., Kali Linux Live.
- Set Drive: Auto and click Add Entry.
- Restart your Computer machine.
- You’ll get two options after Windows is booted.
- Select Kali Linux.
- The computer will restart again, but this time it’ll boot to Kali.
- Select Live option and enjoy Kali Linux with Windows.
Conclusion
The beauty of all Linux distros is that they’re flexible to use and install. We can use them on almost any device with maximum capability and flexibility. That’s how it’s possible to dual boot Kali with Windows OS.
There are many tools available online for free which makes the installation process even much better and easier to follow. I’ve shown two ways in this article which are efficient in all directions.
Drop your problems/suggestions in the comment section and I’ll try to resolve them ASAP. Share the article if you found it useful.
