Kali Linux running on an Apple Silicon M1 MacBook Pro and macOS Ventura

I've had messages from a number of people asking me for information on how to install Kali Linux on Macs running the M1 and M2 Apple Silicon chips.

Also: The best Linux desktops for pros

See also

• How to install Ubuntu Linux (It's easy!)
• How to run a Windows app on Linux with Wine
• How to get started with Git on Linux
• How to kill a process in Linux

On the face of it, I thought it would be simple -- install virtualization software onto the Mac, download a Kali Linux installer, and install it into a virtualized system on the Mac.

Yeah, as it turns out, it's not that easy.

I tried a number of different virtualization platforms, and messed around with a lot of settings before I finally got it to install.

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is an advanced penetration testing Linux distribution used for penetration testing, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and network security audits.

Also: Mabox Linux: Old-school Linux with a new-school look and feel

How to install Kali Linux on M1 or M2 Macs  

Here's what you need

• UTM: This is virtualization software for Macs. You can download this for free direct from UTM (it's also availablefrom the Apple Mac Store , where it will set you back$10 for the same thing).
• A Kali Linux installer: Head over to the Kali Linux website, find the installer images, and download the one for Apple Silicon. I'm using the latest 2022.4 installer.

Step 1: Install UTM

This is the easy bit. Install it using all the default settings.

Step 2: Fire up UTM and create a new virtual machine

You do this by clicking on Create a New Virtual Machine, and then select Virtualize. 

From the list of operating systems, choose Other, then click Browse