Install a Kali Linux into a USB thumbdrive

📗 Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
👤 Author: Mr.Elliot
📅 Date: November 5, 2024

Sometimes we just want to have or bring along a Kali Linux in our pocket. It is possible using a USB thumbrive or pendrive. Follow these steps and you will have your Kali Linux in a pocket.Here’s a step-by-step guide on installing Kali Linux onto a USB drive to create a portable, bootable version of Kali:

Requirements

  1. Kali Linux ISO – Download the latest version from the official Kali Linux website.
  2. USB Drive – At least 8GB (16GB or more is recommended).
  3. Rufus (for Windows) – A free tool to create bootable USB drives.
  4. Etcher (for Mac and Linux users) – Another tool for creating bootable drives.

Steps for Windows

  1. Download and Open Rufus:
    • Connect your USB drive.
    • Open Rufus and ensure it detects your USB drive.
  2. Select the Kali ISO:
    • Under Boot selection, click Select and navigate to the Kali Linux ISO you downloaded.
  3. Configure the Drive Settings:
    • Partition Scheme: Choose MBR (for BIOS/UEFI compatibility).
    • File System: Select FAT32.
    • Leave other settings at their default.
  4. Create the Bootable Drive:
    • Click Start.
    • Rufus will prompt to write the ISO in ISO or DD mode. Choose ISO.
    • Click OK on the warning that all data on the USB will be erased.
  5. Wait for Rufus to Finish:
    • The process will take a few minutes. When it’s done, your USB drive will contain a bootable Kali Linux installation.

Steps for Mac/Linux

  1. Open Etcher:
    • Connect your USB drive.
    • Open Etcher.
  2. Select the Kali ISO:
    • Click Flash from file and select your Kali Linux ISO.
  3. Choose the Target:
    • Select your USB drive as the target.
  4. Flash:
    • Click Flash! and Etcher will write the ISO to the USB drive.
    • When it’s complete, you’ll have a bootable Kali Linux USB.

Boot from USB

  1. Restart Your Computer:
    • Enter the boot menu (usually by pressing Esc, F2, F10, or F12 during startup).
  2. Select the USB Drive:
    • Choose your USB drive from the boot options.
  3. Boot into Kali Linux:
    • You’ll see the Kali Linux boot menu with options to start the live version, persistent live, or install.

Optional: Set Up Persistence (for Saving Data)

To create persistence (so you can save data across sessions):

  1. Partition the USB:
    • Boot into Kali live.
    • Use a tool like GParted to resize the main partition on your USB and create a new ext4 partition labeled persistence.
  2. Configure Persistence:
    • Mount the new partition and create a configuration file:
      bash
      mkdir -p /mnt/my_usb
      mount /dev/sdXY /mnt/my_usb # Replace "sdXY" with your partition name
      echo "/ union" > /mnt/my_usb/persistence.conf
      umount /mnt/my_usb
  3. Boot into Persistent Mode:
    • Reboot, and select the Live USB Persistence option to start Kali Linux with persistence.

You now have a portable, bootable Kali Linux USB drive with optional persistence.

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