Step By Step How To Make A Kali Linux Live Usb Flash Boot Drive

Ed Bradley

3 min read

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09-12-2024

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Creating a bootable Kali Linux USB drive allows you to run the operating system directly from the USB drive without installing it on your computer's hard drive. This is useful for penetration testing, security auditing, or simply trying out Kali Linux without affecting your main operating system. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process. Remember to back up any important data on your USB drive before proceeding, as the process will erase all existing data.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you'll need the following:

• A Kali Linux ISO image: Download the latest version from the official Kali Linux website. Verify the integrity of the downloaded file using checksums to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.
• A USB flash drive: Ensure the drive has sufficient storage capacity (at least 8GB is recommended, but a larger drive is preferable). All data on the USB drive will be erased.
• A computer: This computer needs to be able to boot from a USB drive, and ideally have access to the internet for downloading the ISO image if you haven't already.
• Rufus (Recommended) or Etcher: These are free and open-source tools that simplify the process of creating bootable USB drives. While other tools exist, Rufus and Etcher are known for their reliability and ease of use.

Method 1: Using Rufus (Windows)

Rufus is a popular and powerful tool for creating bootable USB drives on Windows.

1. Download and Install Rufus: Download Rufus from the official website and install it.
2. Insert USB Drive: Plug your USB flash drive into your computer.
3. Open Rufus: Launch the Rufus application.
4. Select Device: In the "Device" dropdown menu, select your USB flash drive. Double-check that you have selected the correct drive to avoid data loss.
5. Select Boot Selection: Click the "SELECT" button next to the "BOOT SELECTION" option and browse to the Kali Linux ISO image file you downloaded.
6. Select Partition Scheme and Target System: Choose the appropriate partition scheme (GPT or MBR) and target system (BIOS or UEFI) for your computer. If you're unsure, consult your computer's documentation. Generally, GPT is preferred for newer systems.
7. Optional Settings: You can leave the other settings at their defaults unless you have specific needs.
8. Start: Click the "START" button to begin creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time depending on the size of the ISO image and the speed of your computer.
9. Verification: Once the process is complete, Rufus will indicate success. You can safely eject the USB drive.

Method 2: Using Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Etcher is a cross-platform tool available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It's known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface.

1. Download and Install Etcher: Download Etcher from the official website and install it for your operating system.
2. Select Image: Launch Etcher and click "Select image" to browse and select your Kali Linux ISO image file.
3. Select Drive: Click "Select drive" and choose your USB flash drive. Double-check that you have selected the correct drive to avoid data loss.
4. Flash!: Click the "Flash!" button to begin creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time depending on the size of the ISO image and the speed of your computer.
5. Verification: Once the process is complete, Etcher will indicate success. You can safely eject the USB drive.

Booting from the USB Drive

Once you have created the bootable USB drive, you can boot your computer from it. The exact steps vary depending on your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings, but generally, you need to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing a key like Del, F2, F10, F12, or Esc – consult your computer's documentation) and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

After saving the changes in the BIOS/UEFI settings, restart your computer. It should now boot from the Kali Linux USB drive. Remember that you are running Kali Linux from the USB drive; any changes you make will not be persistent unless you specifically choose to install it on your hard drive.