Install and Configure Kali Linux on the WSL service
Step 1: Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux:
- Press Windows + S and then Type "Turn Windows Features on or off".
- Turn on Windows Subsystem for Linux and also enable Virtualisation.
Click OK and then restart the PC.
Step 2: Check requirements for running WSL 2
You must be running Windows 10 version 2004 and higher (Build 19041 and higher) or Windows 11.
Note:
To check your Windows version and build number, select Windows logo key + R, type winver, select OK. You can update to the latest Windows version by selecting Start > Settings > **Windows Update **> Check for updates.
If you're running an older build, or just prefer not to use the install command and would like step-by-step directions, see WSL manual installation steps for older versions.
Step 3: Status of Windows Subsystem for Linux:
Run Power Shell as an administrator and check whether WSL is installed or not.
Microsoft Windows[Version 10.0.19044.1288]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All right reserved.
C:\Users\mrdeveloper>wsl --help
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Usage: wsl.exe [Argument] [Options...] [CommandLine]
Arguments for running Linux binaries:
If no command line is provided, wsl.exe launches the default shell.
--exec, -e <CommandLine>
Execute the specified command without using the default Linux shell.
--
Pass the remaining command line as is.
Options:
--distribution, -d <Distro>
Run the specified distribution.
--user, -u <UserName>
Run as the specified user.
Arguments for managing Windows Subsystem for Linux:
--help
Display usage information.
--install [Options]
Install additional Windows Subsystem for Linux distribution. For a list of valid distributions, use 'wsl --list --online'.
Options:
--distribution, -d [Argument]
Downloads and installs a distribution by name.
Arguments:
A valid distribution name (not case sensitive).
Examples:
wsl --install -d Ubuntu
wsl --install --distribution Debian
--set-default-version <Version>
Changes the default install version for new distributions.
--shutdown
Immediately terminates all running distributions and the WSL lightweight utility virtual machine.
--status
Show the status of Windows Subsystem for Linux.
--update [Options]
If no options are specified, the WSL 2 kernel will be updated to the latest version.
Options: --rollback Revert to the previous version of the WSL 2 kernel.
Arguments for managing distributions in Windows Subsystem for Linux:
--export <Distro> <FileName>
Exports the distribution to a tar file. The filename can be - for standard output.
--import <Distro> <InstallLocation> <FileName> [Options]
Imports the specified tar file as a new distribution. The filename can be - for standard input.
Options:
--version <Version>
Specifies the version to use for the new distribution.
--list, -l [Options]
Lists distributions.
Options:
--all
List all distributions, including distributions that are currently being installed or uninstalled.
--running
List only distributions that are currently running.
--quiet, -q
Only show distribution names.
--verbose, -v
Show detailed information about all distributions.
--online, -o
Displays a list of available distributions for install with 'wsl --install'.
--set-default, -s <Distro>
Sets the distribution as the default.
--set-version <Distro> <Version>
Changes the version of the specified distribution.
--terminate, -t <Distro>
Terminates the specified distribution.
--unregister <Distro>
Unregisters the distribution and deletes the root filesystem.
C:\Users\mrdeveloper>
Step 4: Download the Linux Kernel Update Package
Download the latest package: WSL2 Linux kernel update package for x64 machines
Step 5: Set WSL 2 as your default version
Open PowerShell and run this command to set WSL 2 as the default version when installing a new Linux distribution:
C:\users\mrdeveloper> wsl --set-default-version 2
Step 6: Download and Install the Linux distribution
Download and install Linux Distribution using the below methods:
Method 1: From Microsoft store by searching distribution name:
Method 2: Check the available distribution by using this command:
Microsoft Windows[Version 10.0.19044.1288]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All right reserved.
C:\Users\mrdeveloper> wsl --list --online
The following is a list of valid distributions that can be installed.
Install using 'wsl --install -d <Distro>'.
NAME FRIENDLY NAME
Ubuntu Ubuntu
Debian Debian GNU/Linux
kali-linux Kali Linux Rolling
openSUSE-42 openSUSE Leap 42
SLES-12 SUSE Linux Enterprise Server v12
Ubuntu-16.04 Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
Ubuntu-18.04 Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Ubuntu-20.04 Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
C:\Users\mrdeveloper>
For Example: If you want to install Kali-Linux:
C:\users\mrdeveloper> wsl --install -d kali-linux
Step 7: Launch Kali Linux
Now we are ready to launch Kali Linux:
