Kali Linux 2026.2
Available downloads
Choose the image that matches your architecture and use case.
KALI LINUX™ is a trademark of OffSec. · Source and usage information
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Description
Kali Linux is a Debian-based rolling platform for authorized penetration testing, security research, forensics and training. It supplies installer, live, virtual-machine, ARM, cloud and container images with curated security tooling and extensive official documentation.
Who is Kali Linux for?
Kali Linux is primarily suited to daily desktop use, study, web browsing and productivity; authorized security testing, forensics and technical training; experienced Linux users who want detailed control over the system. Its rolling-release model delivers changes continuously, so regular updates and attention to project announcements are part of normal maintenance. This distribution is based on debian, which influences package formats, repositories and much of the available documentation. The listed desktop environment is Xfce, GNOME and KDE Plasma; confirm its memory, graphics and accessibility requirements on the official project site. The best choice depends on hardware support, preferred software, update policy and the amount of system administration the user wants to perform.
Before installing
Read the release notes and installation guide before downloading. Select an image that matches the processor architecture and intended use: desktop, server, live media, virtual machine or another published edition. Test Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, storage and suspend from live media when that option is available. Back up important files before repartitioning, encryption changes or dual-boot installation. Security distributions should only be used against systems and networks you own or are explicitly authorized to assess. Download from an official project page or mirror, compare the published SHA-256 checksum, and verify a signed checksum when the project provides one. After installation, apply updates before adding third-party repositories or drivers.
Advantages
- Provides specialist tooling for authorized security, forensics or defensive work.
- Continuously updated repositories provide newer software without periodic full-version migrations.
- Benefits from the package ecosystem and documentation associated with its debian lineage.
Limitations
- Frequent updates require regular maintenance and attention to project announcements.
- Installation or administration may require more Linux knowledge than beginner-focused systems.
- Specialist security images are not always the best choice for an ordinary daily-use desktop.
Distribution details
- System type
- linux_distribution
- Based on
- debian
- Desktop
- Xfce, GNOME and KDE Plasma
- Updates
- Rolling release
- Categories
- desktop, security, advanced, rolling
Installation requirements
- Architectures
- amd64arm64armhf
- Memory
- 2 GB recommended
- Storage
- 20 GB recommended
- Firmware
- Supports UEFI and legacy BIOS; Secure Boot must be disabled for the documented amd64 installation.
Figures target the default Xfce desktop and kali-linux-default. Intensive tools may need 8 GB RAM or more.
Safe download
The download button first records an anonymous aggregated download counter and then redirects to the official source.
After installing Kali Linux
A project-specific post-installation checklist. Commands are displayed for your own equipment; the website never runs them. Use an authorized administrator account when required.
Define authorized scope
Use security tools only on systems you own or have explicit permission to assess.
Before you continue: Record the approved targets and boundaries before testing.
Read project documentation: Define authorized scopeStart in an isolated lab
Use a supported virtual machine for learning and choose networking that does not expose lab targets unintentionally.
Before you continue: Review shared folders, clipboard and network access.
Read project documentation: Start in an isolated labKeep a recoverable baseline
Save lab configuration and important results separately before upgrades. A VM snapshot alone is not an external backup.
Before you continue: Protect any sensitive assessment data.
Read project documentation: Keep a recoverable baselineVerify Kali package sources
Compare configured sources with the current Kali documentation. Keep the installed branch consistent.
Before you continue: Do not add Ubuntu PPAs or mix unrelated distributions.
Read project documentation: Verify Kali package sourcesapt-cache policyUpdate between engagements
Refresh metadata and review a full upgrade while no assessment depends on the current tool versions.
Before you continue: Save work, review removals, and allow time to retest tools. Restart if needed.
Read project documentation: Update between engagementssudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgradeLeave unnecessary services disabled
Kali disables many network services by default. Enable a service only for an identified need.
Before you continue: Do not expose a lab service to the public network.
Read project documentation: Leave unnecessary services disabledTest the tools you actually use
Check expected operation against your own lab before the next engagement.
Before you continue: Do not validate tool changes against an unauthorized target.
Read project documentation: Test the tools you actually useSeparate lab and everyday use
Keep personal browsing and production credentials outside the assessment environment where possible.
Before you continue: Kali is a specialist platform, not a general-purpose beginner desktop.
Read project documentation: Separate lab and everyday use