How to Install WSL on Windows 11 and Set Up Kali Linux – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Install WSL on Windows 11 and Set Up Kali Linux


If you want to run Kali Linux on your Windows 11 system using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), this detailed guide will help you set up everything from start to finish. WSL allows you to run a full Linux environment directly on Windows without needing a virtual machine or dual boot. In this post, we will walk you through enabling the necessary Windows features, installing WSL, downloading Kali Linux, setting up your user account, and updating the system for the best performance.

Whether you're a cybersecurity enthusiast, developer, or Linux user looking for a simple way to use Kali Linux on Windows, this guide covers everything you need to know. Follow the steps carefully, and by the end, you’ll have Kali Linux fully installed and running on your Windows 11 machine.


Step 1: Enable WSL and Virtual Machine Platform

Before installing WSL and Kali Linux, we need to enable two key Windows features:

  1. Virtual Machine Platform

  2. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one by one:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart  

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Once executed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 2: Using "Turn Windows Features On or Off" (GUI Method)

  1. Click on the Search Bar and type "Turn Windows features on or off" and open it.

  2. Scroll down and check the boxes for:
    ✅ Virtual Machine Platform
    ✅ Windows Subsystem for Linux

  3. Click OK and restart your PC when prompted.


Step 2: Update WSL and Check Its Version

After enabling WSL, it's important to update it to the latest version. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:

wsl --update  

wsl --version  

wsl

This ensures you’re running the latest WSL version with the best features and performance.


Step 3: Check Available Linux Distributions

To see which Linux distributions are available for installation, use the following command:

wsl --list --online

You should see Kali Linux in the list, along with other distributions like Ubuntu and Debian.


Step 4: Install Kali Linux on WSL

To install Kali Linux, simply run the following command in PowerShell or Command Prompt:

wsl --install -d kali-linux

This will automatically download and install Kali Linux on your Windows system.


Step 5: Set Up a New Username and Password

Once the installation is complete, you’ll be asked to create a new Linux username and password.

  • Choose a username (this will be your default user in Kali Linux).

  • Set a password (this is required for administrative tasks in Linux).


Step 6: Update and Upgrade Kali Linux

After installation, it’s important to update the system to ensure you have the latest security patches and software. Open Kali Linux and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This command will update all system packages and install the latest tools.




Final Thoughts

Now you have successfully installed Kali Linux on Windows 11 using WSL! With this setup, you can run Linux commands, install hacking tools, and use a full Linux environment directly on Windows without needing a separate machine or virtual machine.

For more tutorials on WSL, Linux, and cybersecurity, stay tuned! 🚀




#WSL #Windows11 #KaliLinux #InstallWSL #LinuxOnWindows #WSL2 #KaliOnWSL #CyberSecurity #EthicalHacking #TechTutorial

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