How to Install VirtualBox on Kali Linux

How to Install VirtualBox on Kali Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

VirtualBox is a fantastic tool that lets you run different operating systems on a single machine, making it perfect for various tasks like software testing and development. If you’re using Kali Linux and want to set up VirtualBox, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can get started with virtualization in no time.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding VirtualBox
• Reasons to Install VirtualBox on Kali Linux
• System Requirements
• Installation Steps for VirtualBox
• Configuring VirtualBox
• Conclusion
• Common Questions

Understanding VirtualBox

VirtualBox is an open-source software developed by Oracle that lets you run virtual machines (VMs) on your computer. It’s great for testing different operating systems, running software in a secure environment, or just experimenting with new configurations.

Reasons to Install VirtualBox on Kali Linux

Kali Linux is widely used for penetration testing and security research. Adding VirtualBox to your Kali setup can be beneficial for:

• Testing different operating systems without affecting your main system.
• Creating isolated environments for secure testing.
• Experimenting with network configurations in a controlled setting.

System Requirements

Before you start, make sure your system meets these basic requirements:

• Processor: Compatible with x86 or x86_64 architecture.
• RAM: At least 2 GB; 4 GB or more is recommended.
• Disk Space: Minimum of 500 MB for VirtualBox plus additional space for virtual machines.
• Operating System: Kali Linux, preferably the latest version.

Installation Steps for VirtualBox

You can install VirtualBox in two ways: using Kali Linux’s built-in repositories or downloading it directly from Oracle. Here’s how to do both:

Method 1: Using Kali Linux Repositories

1. Update Your System
   Open a terminal and make sure your system is up to date with:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

2. Install VirtualBox
   Install VirtualBox by running:

   sudo apt install virtualbox

3. Check Installation
   Verify that VirtualBox is installed by typing:

   virtualbox --help

Method 2: Installing the Latest Version from Oracle

1. Add Oracle’s Repository
   First, download and add Oracle’s public key:

   wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

   Then, add the VirtualBox repository to your sources list:

   sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian kali-rolling contrib" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list'

2. Update Package List
   Refresh your package list to include the new repository:

   sudo apt update

3. Install VirtualBox
   Install the latest version of VirtualBox with:

   sudo apt install virtualbox-6.1

4. Optional: Install Extension Pack
   For additional features, download the Extension Pack from Oracle’s VirtualBox website and install it:

   wget https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/6.1.XX/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-6.1.XX.vbox-extpack
   sudo VBoxManage extpack install Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-6.1.XX.vbox-extpack

Configuring VirtualBox

Creating a New Virtual Machine

1. Launch VirtualBox
   Open VirtualBox from your application menu or type virtualbox in the terminal.
2. Start the New VM Wizard
   Click the “New” button to begin creating a new virtual machine.
3. Set Up Your VM
   
   • Name: Give your virtual machine a name.
   • Type: Select the operating system type you plan to install.
   • Version: Choose the specific version of the OS.
   • Memory: Allocate the appropriate amount of RAM.
   • Hard Disk: Create a new virtual hard disk or use an existing one.
4. Finish the Setup
   Follow the prompts to complete the VM setup.

Adjusting VirtualBox Settings

1. Open VM Settings
   Select your virtual machine and click on “Settings” to modify various options.
2. Adjust System Settings
   
   • System: Set the memory and boot order.
   • Display: Configure the video memory and graphics settings.
   • Storage: Attach ISO images or virtual hard disks as needed.
3. Configure Network
   Set up your network preferences to connect your VM to the internet or a local network.

Conclusion

Setting up VirtualBox on Kali Linux is straightforward and opens up many possibilities for running and testing different operating systems. Whether you choose to install it via Kali’s repositories or download the latest version from Oracle, VirtualBox can greatly enhance your workflow.

Common Questions

Q: Can I install VirtualBox on other Linux distributions?

A: Yes, VirtualBox is compatible with various Linux distributions. The installation steps may differ slightly.

Q: How do I remove VirtualBox if I no longer need it?

A: To uninstall VirtualBox, run sudo apt remove virtualbox for the repository version or sudo apt remove virtualbox-6.1 for the Oracle version.

Q: Where can I find more help or documentation?

A: Check out the official VirtualBox documentation or visit the Kali Linux forums for community support.

If not, watch this video