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How to Run and Install Kali Linux on a Chromebook

Running Kali Linux on a Chromebook combines the lightweight, portable nature of Chromebooks with the powerful penetration testing tools of Kali Linux. This guide will walk you through the steps to install and run Kali Linux on your Chromebook.


Prerequisites

  • A Chromebook with an Intel or ARM processor
  • Developer Mode enabled on your Chromebook
  • An internet connection
  • Some basic knowledge of the command line

Enabling Developer Mode

To install Kali Linux, you need to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook. Be aware that enabling Developer Mode will erase all local data on your Chromebook.

Steps to Enable Developer Mode

  1. Press Esc + Refresh + Power to reboot into Recovery Mode.
  2. Press Ctrl + D to enable Developer Mode.
  3. Press Enter to confirm. Your Chromebook will reboot and transition into Developer Mode. This may take a few minutes.

Installing Crouton

Crouton is a script that allows you to run Linux distributions like Kali Linux alongside Chrome OS. Follow these steps to install Crouton:

Step 1: Download Crouton

Open a Chrome browser and download the Crouton script:

cd ~/Downloads

curl -O https://goo.gl/fd3zc

Step 2: Install Kali Linux

Use the following command to start the installation process:

sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -r kali-rolling -t core,xiwi,extension

This command will install the core components of Kali Linux and the necessary tools to integrate with Chrome OS.

Setting Up Kali Linux

Once the installation is complete, you can start Kali Linux using the following command:

sudo startxiwi -n kali

This will open Kali Linux in a new window within Chrome OS.

Creating a Chroot Shortcut

To simplify starting Kali Linux, you can create a shortcut:

sudo edit-chroot -a kali

After running this command, you can start Kali Linux with:

sudo startkali

Updating and Upgrading Kali Linux

Keep your Kali Linux installation up to date with the following commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

Using Kali Linux

With Kali Linux installed, you have access to a vast array of security and penetration testing tools. Some common tools include:

  • nmap: Network scanner
  • metasploit: Penetration testing framework
  • aircrack-ng: Wireless security tools

Switching Between Chrome OS and Kali Linux

You can switch between Chrome OS and Kali Linux at any time. Use the following key combination to switch back to Chrome OS:

Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Back

To switch back to Kali Linux, use:

Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Forward

Conclusion

Running Kali Linux on a Chromebook offers a flexible and powerful environment for penetration testing and security research. By following this guide, you can install and run Kali Linux alongside Chrome OS, leveraging the strengths of both systems.