How to Install Kali Linux with Persistence on USB Drive?

Kali Linux is a strong and adaptable penetration system testing platform. If users are persistent, they can install it on a USB drive directly and carry a fully functional and customizable environment in their pocket to use. This persistent USB configuration is a really useful tool, whether to investigate Kali Linux or perform security audits in the system.

In this article, we'll explore some easy steps to Install Kali Linux with Persistence on USB Drive.

Initial Requirements

Before moving forward, users need to follow some system requirements or prerequisites to install kali Linux with persistence on USB Drive.

• The experimental USB device should have a minimum capacity of 8GB.
• An operating system-running computer with operating systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS.
• The recently used ISO image of Kali Linux can be downloaded from the official Kali Linux download page.
• Maintain a bootable USB drive creator program as required, like Etcher (for Linux and macOS) or Rufus (for Windows).

How to Install Kali Linux with Persistence on a USB Drive?

The below-mentioned steps can be used to install Kali Linux persistently on a USB drive, which also allows the users to keep the installed applications, files, and preferences even after reboots.

Step 1: Download the Official Kali Linux

Users need to download the appropriate version of Kali Linux from the official website, depending on the system specifications (32-bit or 64-bit). The downloadable file size is approximately 3.88 GB as per the system configuration.

• Go to the official website of Kali Linux by using kali.org > Click on Download for the latest Kali Linux ISO image
• Scroll down to the Live section > Download the appropriate version

Step 2: Download Official Rufus

• Go to Rufus' Official website > Download it to create a bootable USB drive

Step 3: Configure a system Bootable USB

• First, Insert a USB drive to backup all the required files to process during the operation > Open Rufus
• Select USB Driver or "Device" section > Select Kali Linux ISO image under the "Boot Selection" system
• Then, Click on the "Start" button to process.

Step 4: Booting the USB Drive system

• Restart the system after configuring the bootable USB > Go to the system's Boot option
• Open Boot options or Press the F10 or F12 button as per the system configuration > Choose USB Drive to Boot function.

Step 5: Run Kali Linux from the configured USB Drive

• Choose the "Live System with USB persistence" option > Tap on Enter > Enter Password and Connect.

Also Read

• Creating an Encrypted Persistent Live Kali USB
• How to Create Ubuntu Persistence using mkusb
• How to Install Damn Small Linux On a USB?

Conclusion

Configuring a bootable USB drive and processing persistence is necessary for installing Kali Linux with persistence on a USB device to implement all the possible operations. Because of how portable this setup is, users may access the system terminals of a fully functional Kali Linux environment and customizations from anywhere at any time figure. Between reboots and configuration, persistence enables the USB device to store the required and modified data, including downloads, system settings, and new applications throughout the process.