How to Create a Bootable USB for Kali Linux on Windows 10

Requirements for Creating a Bootable USB

Before proceeding with the methods, ensure you have the following:

Windows operating system: The methods covered in this article are specific to Windows.
Kali Linux ISO: Download the Kali Linux ISO file from the official website (https://www.kali.org/downloads/) .
USB drive: Use a USB drive with sufficient storage capacity (at least 8GB) to accommodate the Kali Linux ISO and create a bootable environment.

Method 1: Using Rufus

Rufus is a popular and user-friendly tool for creating bootable USB drives. Here’s how you can use Rufus to create a bootable USB for Kali Linux:

1. Download and install Rufus from the official website.
2. Insert your USB drive into the computer.
3. Launch Rufus and select your USB drive from the “Device” dropdown menu.
4. Under the “Boot selection” section, click on the “Select” button and browse to the location where you saved the Kali Linux ISO file.
5. Ensure that the partition scheme is set to “MBR” and the file system is set to “FAT32.”
6. Click the “Start” button to initiate the process. Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Kali Linux ISO contents onto it.
7. Once the process is complete, you will have a bootable USB drive for Kali Linux.

Method 2: Using Etcher

Etcher is another straightforward tool for creating bootable USB drives. Follow these steps to use Etcher:

1. Download and install Etcher from the official website.
2. Insert your USB drive into the computer.
3. Launch Etcher and click on the “Select image” button.
4. Browse to the location where you saved the Kali Linux ISO file, select it, and click “Open.”
5. Etcher will automatically detect your USB drive. If it doesn’t, click on the “Change” button and select your USB drive.
6. Click on the “Flash!” button to start the process. Etcher will format the USB drive and write the Kali Linux ISO contents onto it. Once the process is complete, you will have a bootable USB drive for Kali Linux. Read More