Kali Linux Live Boot from USB (How-to)

There are a few ways to put Kali Linux on a Windows machine. I covered using Windows Subsystem for Linux in another blog post. The other ways include:

1)      Set up a virtual machine.

2)      Partition the hard drive.

3)      Create a live boot USB (with persistence).

 

Option #1:

I was originally hoping to set up a separate lab environment on an old laptop by running Kali Linux on a virtual machine.

However, the laptop could not enable virtualization technology.

 


Laptop Incapable of Virtualization

When I first purchased my Lenovo laptop years ago I did not think I would need or want to put a virtual machine on it, so I opted to get one that did not have virtualization capability to save money. Now I regret it.

However, upon looking up the Intel Celeron chip specs, it turns out it could have virtualization.

I could reflash the BIOS with custom firmware from Bios Mods to enable virtualization, however, I would risk bricking my CPU if it did not work.

I wasn’t willing to take that risk.

Option #2:

Dual Harddrive O/S

The other option was to set up a dual operating system on my laptop. However, if I incorrectly partition my hard drive, there could be data loss, drive errors, and other potential complications.

 

Option #3:

Live Boot from USB

As an alternative, I set up a Kali Linux USB Live Boot with persistence. Persistence means that changes that I make while using Kali Linux will be saved.

I followed the instructions in this video: Kali Linux USB Live Boot with Persistence

A quick overview of the steps:

1.      Download the ‘Live Boot’ image from Kali.org.

2.      Download Rufus (a program that creates bootable USB drives).

3.      Run Rufus.

 

Step 1: Download the ‘Live Boot’ image from Kali.org.



Step 1a: Yes, I ran a checksum on the download just to be sure.

This is how I did the checksum:



a.      After downloading the .iso file, click ‘sum’ and copy the SHA256 value (I pasted it into Excel)

b.      Windows key > type cmd

c.      In the command window, I navigated to the ‘Downloads’ folder where the file was located.

d.     I ran the command certutil -hashfile kali-linux-2025.2-live-amd64.iso SHA256

e.     I copied and pasted the SHA256 result into Excel.

f.       In Excel, I used the formula =EXACT(text1,text2) where text 1 is the sum value from Kali.org and text 2 was the value I got from the command prompt return. This formula compares text1 and text2 and if they are exactly the same, it returns the result 'True'. If any value is off, the result is 'False'. The result was ‘True’ so I proceeded to the next step.

 


Step 2: Go to rufus.ie > downloaded the latest rufus file for my system

(Step 2a: I scanned the file for viruses to make sure it was safe. Yes, I am paranoid much.)

Step 3: Run the rufus exe file.

Step 3a: Pop-up window > Under Drive Properties > Device > made sure my USB drive was selected

Step 3b: Under Boot selection > dropdown menu > choose ‘SELECT’ (selected the kali iso file from my ‘Downloads’ folder)

Step 3c: IMPORTANT! Under Persistent partition size > I made it 9GB.

Tip: Recommended persistent partition size is 4GB (minimum). Since I plan to make more extensive use of Kali Linux, I opted for 9GB.

Step 3d: I left everything else the default values and clicked ‘START’.

 


The installation will take some time (around 20 minutes).

 

Possible issues you might face:

Missing Syslinux files??

Rufus gives an error similar to the screenshot below:



Solution:

If Rufus fails in creating the live boot USB you may need to get these files manually.

Find the files ldlinux.sys and ldlinux.bss (usually on Github) and download them into the folder C:\Users\...AppData\Local\Rufus\syslinux

 

First test of booting up Live Boot gives a black screen

Don’t worry! It may take a few minutes the first time.

If after a few minutes you’re still facing a black screen …

 

Possible solutions:

Go to BIOS and

1)     Turn off Safe Boot

2)     Make sure the boot order has the USB drive first

 

This still doesn’t work?

Try hitting Alt+F2 or CTRL+ALT+F2 followed by enter.

This might get you a command line or login prompt and you can troubleshoot from there.

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