Are you interested in learning about ethical hacking and cybersecurity? If so, you may have heard of Kali Linux, a popular operating system used by security professionals and hackers alike. But what if you also need to use Windows 10 for your day-to-day tasks? The solution is to install a dual boot system, allowing you to switch between Kali Linux and Windows 10 on the same computer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to install dual boot Kali Linux and Windows 10.
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux Overview
Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. It comes with a wide range of tools and utilities for security testing, including password cracking, network scanning, and vulnerability analysis. Kali Linux is maintained and funded by Offensive Security, a leading provider of online security training and certification.
Why Use Kali Linux?
Kali Linux is a popular choice for security professionals and hackers due to its extensive collection of tools and its focus on security testing. It also has a user-friendly interface and is constantly updated with the latest security tools and techniques. By using Kali Linux, you can learn about cybersecurity and ethical hacking in a hands-on way.
What is Dual Boot?
Dual Boot Overview
Dual boot is a method of installing two operating systems on the same computer, allowing you to choose which one to use when you turn on your computer. This is useful if you need to use different operating systems for different tasks, such as using Kali Linux for security testing and Windows 10 for everyday use.
Why Use Dual Boot?
Dual booting allows you to have the best of both worlds – the powerful security tools of Kali Linux and the familiar interface of Windows 10. It also saves you the hassle of having to switch between two computers or constantly rebooting to switch between operating systems.
Preparing for Installation
Before you begin the installation process, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your computer.
Check System Requirements
First, make sure your computer meets the system requirements for both Kali Linux and Windows 10. Kali Linux requires at least 20 GB of hard drive space and 1 GB of RAM, while Windows 10 requires at least 16 GB of hard drive space and 1 GB of RAM.
Backup Your Data
Next, it’s important to back up any important data on your computer. While the installation process is generally safe, there is always a risk of data loss, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Create a Bootable USB Drive
You will need a bootable USB drive to install Kali Linux. You can create one using a tool like Rufus or Etcher. Make sure to download the Kali Linux ISO file from the official website.
Installing Kali Linux
Now that you have prepared your computer, it’s time to install Kali Linux.
Step 1: Create a Partition
The first step is to create a partition on your hard drive for Kali Linux. This will allow you to install both operating systems on the same hard drive. To do this, open the Disk Management tool in Windows 10 and shrink your C: drive by at least 20 GB.
Step 2: Disable Fast Startup
Next, you need to disable Fast Startup in Windows 10. This feature can cause issues with dual booting, so it’s important to turn it off. To do this, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable > uncheck “Turn on fast startup”.
Step 3: Boot from USB
Insert your bootable USB drive and restart your computer. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive. Once you have successfully booted from the USB drive, you will see the Kali Linux installation menu.
Step 4: Install Kali Linux
Follow the prompts to install Kali Linux. When you get to the “Partition disks” step, choose “Manual” and select the partition you created earlier. Choose “Use as” and select “Ext4 journaling file system”. Then, choose “Mount point” and select “/”. Continue with the installation process.
Step 5: Install GRUB
When prompted to install GRUB, choose “Yes”. This will install the GRUB bootloader, which allows you to choose which operating system to boot when you turn on your computer.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
Follow the remaining prompts to complete the installation process. When it’s finished, you will be prompted to reboot your computer.
Configuring Dual Boot
Now that you have installed Kali Linux, you need to configure your computer to dual boot between Kali Linux and Windows 10.
Step 1: Boot into Windows 10
Restart your computer and boot into Windows 10. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings again.
Step 2: Install EasyBCD
Download and install EasyBCD, a free tool for managing dual boot systems.
Step 3: Add Kali Linux to the Boot Menu
Open EasyBCD and click “Add New Entry”. Choose “Linux/BSD” from the dropdown menu and select “GRUB 2” as the type. Give the entry a name, such as “Kali Linux”, and click “Add Entry”.
Step 4: Configure Boot Menu
Click “Edit Boot Menu” and make sure “Skip the boot menu” is unchecked. Then, click “Save Settings”.
Step 5: Test Dual Boot
Restart your computer and you should now see a boot menu with the option to boot into either Kali Linux or Windows 10. Test both options to make sure they work correctly.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you have successfully installed dual boot Kali Linux and Windows 10! You can now switch between the two operating systems on the same computer, allowing you to use Kali Linux for security testing and Windows 10 for everyday tasks. Remember to always back up your data and be careful when making changes to your computer’s operating system. Happy hacking!
