How to Install Kali Linux in Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Step 1: Enable WSL in Windows 10

To enable WSL in Windows 10, open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:

dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

Step 2: Install WSL

To install WSL, open a new PowerShell window as an administrator and run the following command:

wsl --install

Step 3: Set WSL 2 as Default

To set WSL 2 as the default version of WSL, open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:

wsl --set-default-version 2

Step 4: Install Kali Linux

To install Kali Linux, run the following command in a PowerShell window:

wsl --install -d kali-linux

Step 5: Install Kali Linux Desktop Environment (Optional)

To install the Kali Linux desktop environment (XFCE), run the following command:

sudo apt install kali-win-kex -y

Step 6: Start Kali Linux Desktop Environment (Optional)

To start the Kali Linux desktop environment (XFCE), run the following command:

kex --win -s

Step 7: Install Zsh Shell (Optional)

To install the Zsh shell, run the following command:

sudo apt install zsh*

Step 8: Set Zsh as the Default Shell (Optional)

To set Zsh as the default shell, run the following command:

chsh -s $(which zsh)

Step 8: If you have the space, why not install “Kali with the lot”? (Optional)

Here, run the following command:

sudo apt install -y kali-linux-large

That's it! You should now have Kali Linux installed in WSL with optional GUI and Zsh shell support. Your computer has now become a lethal weapon! 💣🚀💥