Kali Linux ARM64 Installation Guide for UTM

This guide covers the installation of Kali Linux (ARM64) on Apple Silicon Macs using UTM.

Prerequisites

• UTM installed on your Mac (available from getutm.app)
• At least 40GB free storage
• 8GB RAM recommended
• Internet connection for downloads

Step 1: Download Kali Linux ARM64

1. Download the latest Kali Linux ARM64 ISO from the official Kali Linux Website

1. Visit the official site: Kali.org Downloads

Important: Make sure to select the “Apple Silicon (ARM64)” image when downloading.

Step 2: Create Your New Virtual Machine in UTM

1. Open UTM

1. Select Create a New Virtual Machine

   

2. Select Virtualize

1. Select Other, then select Boot ISO Image: and choose the Kali Linux ISO file you downloaded earlier.

1. Select Continue

2. When prompted for Hardware Information, leave the default settings and select Continue

3. Change the Storage Size to 25-35 GiB depending on your available storage

1. When prompted for Shared Directory Information, you may leave these settings unchanged or configure a shared folder if needed

2. At the VM Summary, rename your VM to Kali Linux and select Save

1. After naming your VM, click the VM Settings icon (highlighted in red in the image below)

Step 3: Modify VM Settings for Installation

Due to a current bug in UTM, we need to install Kali Linux in console-only mode:

1. In the VM settings, select Display under Devices and click Remove
   
2. Click + New... and select Serial device
   
3. Click Save to apply these changes
   

Step 4: Install Kali Linux

1. Start the VM by clicking the Play button
   

2. A console window should open showing the Kali Linux boot menu

3. Use the arrow keys to select “Install” and press Enter
   
4. Follow the installation prompts:
   • Set your language, location, and keyboard layout
   • Configure network (hostname, domain, etc.)
   • Create a user account and password
   • For partitioning, select Guided - use entire disk

• Click the default settings for partitioning
• When asked about software selection, ensure you select the following items for the best VM performance: – Xfce (default desktop environment, lightweight and fast) – Collection of tools: Top 10 AND default
• The software installation process may take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed.

Important: When you reach the Finish the installation step, DO NOT select Continue yet!

1. Return to UTM’s main window

2. Select your VM on the left, then scroll down to CD/DVD on the right side

3. Click Clear to remove the installation ISO (essential to boot from the installed system)

Prior to selecting continue, open up the settings window we used to install the serial device, and do the following tasks:

• Remove the Serial device
• Add a new Display device, using the virtio-gpu-pci option
• Save the settings

1. Now go back to the installation window and select Continue to complete the installation

Step 5: First Boot and Optimization

1. Start the VM and log in with your username and password

1. For better integration with your Mac, install SPICE tools from the terminal:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install spice-vdagent
   

   

Step 6: Update and Upgrade

Run the following command to ensure all packages on the Kali Linux system are up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 7: Enjoy Your Kali Linux Virtual Machine!

Your Kali Linux installation is now complete and optimized for Apple Silicon. You can proceed to install additional tools or configure the environment to your needs.

Remember that Kali Linux contains powerful security tools. Always use them ethically and legally.