If you’re eager to switch over to Kali Linux, using a live bootable USB is a great way to get started. This guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to make Kali Linux bootable USB. By the end of this article, you’ll have a fully functional bootable USB stick that can be used to run or install Kali Linux on any computer.
Why Use a Bootable USB for Kali Linux?
A bootable USB drive provides a portable environment for your Kali Linux installation, making it easy to carry your operating system with you wherever you go. This is particularly useful for penetration testing, ethical hacking, or simply for those who prefer working with a secure and flexible Linux environment.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the steps on how to make Kali Linux bootable USB, ensure you have the following:
A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage
A computer with an internet connection
The latest Kali Linux ISO file, downloadable from the official Kali Linux website
Software to create the bootable USB (Rufus for Windows, Etcher for macOS, or the dd command for Linux)
Steps to Create a Bootable USB Drive
1. Download the Kali Linux ISO
The first step in how to make Kali Linux bootable USB is to get the Kali Linux ISO file. Visit the official Kali Linux Downloads page and choose the appropriate version for your architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
2. Choose the Right Software
Depending on your operating system, you’ll need different tools to create the bootable USB:
Select your USB drive under the “Device” dropdown menu.
Click on “SELECT” to choose the Kali Linux ISO file you downloaded earlier.
Ensure the “Partition scheme” is set to MBR if you’re booting on a legacy BIOS system, or GPT for UEFI systems.
Click “Start” and let Rufus create the bootable USB drive.
4. Creating the Bootable USB using Etcher (macOS)
Plug in your USB drive and open Etcher.
Click on “Flash from file” and select your Kali Linux ISO.
Select your USB drive as the target.
Click “Flash” to write the ISO to your USB drive.
5. Creating the Bootable USB using dd Command (Linux)
Plug in your USB drive.
Open a terminal window.
Run the command sudo fdisk -l to identify your USB drive.
Use the following command to create the bootable USB: sudo dd if=/path/to/kali-linux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M (replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive identifier).
Wait for the process to complete. This can take several minutes.
Booting from Your Kali Linux USB Drive
After you’ve learned how to make Kali Linux bootable USB, it’s time to boot your computer from the newly created USB stick:
Restart the computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, ESC, or DEL during startup).
Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
Your computer should now boot from the Kali Linux USB drive.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully followed the steps on how to make Kali Linux bootable USB. Now you’re ready to explore the powerful features of Kali Linux from your bootable USB.
