SoFunction
Updated on 2025-05-20

Kali Linux desktop environment installation and configuration tutorial

1. Why choose Kali Linux?

Maintained by Offensive Security, Kali Linux integrates hundreds of security testing tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite, making it ideal for security research.

However, it should be noted that Kali runs as root by default and is designed for professional purposes and is not recommended as a daily operating system.

If you want to experience the power of Kali on a virtual or physical machine, correctly installing and configuring your desktop environment is the first step.

2. Preparation

Before starting the installation, make sure to prepare the following:

Hardware requirements：

  • Minimum: 512 MB RAM, 2 GB disk space (light installation).
  • Recommended: 4 GB RAM, 20 GB disk space (default Xfce desktop).
  • High performance: 8 GB+ RAM, suitable for running resource-intensive tools.

Download the mirror：

  • accessKali official download page, select the latest version (such as Kali Linux 2025.1a).
  • Recommended useInstaller Mirror(standard installation) orLive Mirror(Temporary operation).
  • Verify mirror integrity using SHA256 checksum.

Installation media：

  • USB drive: Use Rufus or Etcher to create a bootable USB drive.
  • Virtual Machine: Load ISO using VirtualBox or VMware.

Backup data：

  • The installation formats the target disk and must backup important files.

3. Install Kali Linux

The following is the standard installation process, suitable for bare metal or virtual machines:

Start the installation media：

  • Insert the USB drive or load the ISO, and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to start the device.
  • Select in Kali Start MenuGraphical install(Graphic installation, suitable for beginners).

Configuration Basic Settings：

  • language: Select Chinese (or English), set the time zone and keyboard layout.
  • network: Automatically obtain DHCP or manually configure IP.
  • user: Create a non-root user (recommended) or use the default root (password: toor).

Disk partition：

  • Automatic partitioning: Select "Use Whole Disk", suitable for single system.
  • Manual partitioning: Reserve 20 GB+ space for dual systems and create/(root partition) andswap(Swap partition).
  • LVM or full disk encryption can be enabled for enhanced security.

Select software and desktop environment：

Desktop environment：

  • Default: Xfce (lightweight, fast).
  • Optional: GNOME (modern), KDE Plasma (customizable).

Toolset：

  • recommendkali-linux-default(Includes common penetration tools).
  • Advanced users can choose to minimize installation and save space.

Complete the installation：

  • Install the GRUB boot program and write to the system file (approximately 10-30 minutes).
  • Log in after restarting and enter the Xfce desktop (or other selected environment).

hint: The installation process requires networking to obtain the latest software packages. If the network is unstable, you can choose to install offline, but it needs to be manually updated later.

4. Configure the desktop environment

Kali uses Xfce desktop by default, but you can switch to GNOME, KDE, or MATE.

Here are the configuration steps:

4.1. Install the GNOME desktop

GNOME provides a modern interface, but has a high resource occupancy and is suitable for high-end equipment.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y kali-desktop-gnome

4.2. Switch desktop environment

After installing the new desktop, update the session manager:

sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager

choosegnome-session(ormate-session、plasma-desktop), and restart.

On the login interface, click the session menu and select GNOME.

4.3. Configure Chinese input method

Configure IBUS input method for Chinese users:

sudo apt install -y ibus ibus-pinyin
ibus-setup

Add pinyin input method in IBUS settings and useCtrl+SpaceSwitch.

4.4. Set up the Chinese interface

Switch the system language to Chinese:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure locales

choosezh_CN.UTF-8As the default language, it takes effect after restart.

5. Optimize the system

After installation is complete, optimize the system to improve performance and security:

Update the system：

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Fix key issues(If you encounter APT signature error):

sudo wget / -O /usr/share/keyrings/

Install common software：

sudo apt install -y firefox-esr libreoffice

Enhanced security：

  • Change the root password:
passwd
  • Enable the firewall:
sudo apt install -y ufw
sudo ufw enable

6. FAQs

Is Kali suitable for daily use?

  • Not recommended.
  • Kali is designed for security testing and has loose security configurations (such as the default root).
  • Recommended daily use Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

How to run on low-end devices?

  • Use Xfce desktop, disable unnecessary services, or choose a minimal installation without desktop (accessed via SSH).

What to do if GNOME installation fails?

  • Check network connections and make sure/etc/apt/Includes official sources:
deb /kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware

Rerunapt updateandapt install kali-desktop-gnome。

Summarize

Kali Linux is a powerful security testing platform. With reasonable installation and configuration, you can obtain a desktop environment that is both powerful and easy to use.

Xfce is suitable for lightweight needs, while GNOME and KDE provide a more modern experience. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you can quickly get started with Kali Linux by following the steps in this article.

Reference resources：

  • Kali Linux official documentation
  • Desktop Environment Switch Guide

The above is personal experience. I hope you can give you a reference and I hope you can support me more.