Dual Boot Kali Linux with Windows (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 15 Jun, 2026

Installing Kali Linux alongside Windows allows users to use both operating systems on the same computer. This setup is known as dual booting. Before starting the installation, it is recommended to back up important data to avoid any data loss.

Prerequisites

• Minimum 20 GB free disk space
• USB drive for creating a bootable Kali Linux installer
• Kali Linux ISO file

Steps to Install Kali Linux Alongside Windows

Step 1: Create Free Disk Space

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box and enter the following command:

compmgmt.msc

• Open Disk Management and either delete an unused partition or shrink an existing partition to create at least 20 GB of unallocated free space.

• Shrink or delete a partition to create at least 20 GB of unallocated free space.

Step 2: Download Kali Linux

• Visit the official Kali Linux website.
• Download the latest Kali Linux ISO file.

Step 3: Create Bootable USB Drive

• Insert the USB drive into the system.
• Use tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher to burn the ISO file to the USB drive.

Step 4: Boot from USB

• Restart the computer.
• Open BIOS or Boot Menu settings.
• Set the USB drive as the boot device.

Step 5: Start Kali Linux Installation

• Select the Graphical Install option from the boot menu.

Step 6: Configure Basic Settings

• Select your language.

• Select your country.

• Choose the keyboard layout.

• Enter hostname.

• Enter domain name

• Enter password.

Step 7: Select Time Zone

• Choose the preferred time zone for the system.

Step 8: Partition the Disk

• Select the Manual Partitioning option.

• Choose the unallocated free space.

• Create a new logical partition.

• Now enter the partition size to be created.

Step 9: Save Disk Changes

• Click Done setting up the partition

• Click Finish partitioning and write changes to disk.

• Select "no" option in order to continue.

• Now in order to write changes to the disk select the "yes" option and then click on continue.

• Now, wait for a few minutes for the Kali system to be installed alongside the other Operating System.

Step 10: Install GRUB Boot Loader

• Select "Yes" to install the GRUB boot loader.

• Choose your respective hard disk to boot into, from the list of devices.

Step 11: Restart the System

• Reboot the computer after installation finishes.
• Select either Windows or Kali Linux from the GRUB menu during startup.