Virtualizing Kali Linux with Parallels on Mac M1

When it comes to running Kali Linux on your Mac, virtualization is a great option to consider. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up Kali Linux using Parallels on your Mac M1.

To get started, open Parallels and click on the 'Plus' symbol to create a new virtual machine (VM). This will bring up the Configuration screen for the VM. We're keeping it generic in this guide by using 'Kali Linux,' which is a rolling distribution that we update regularly.

Before installation, make sure to mark the checkbox for Customize settings. This name is also used as the filename for the configuration, hard disk, and snapshot - which won't be changed from this point on.

The next screen is 'Name and Location,' where you can give your VM a name. We normally would choose Debian, but there's a bug with the Parallels Tools that doesn't occur when using Ubuntu. Once you've clicked Continue, select Ubuntu from the dropdown list.

Parallels may not recognize the OS on the ISO, so proceed anyway by clicking Continue. For more information on what image to download, we have written up a separate guide.

To begin the installation process, either drag the ISO file or choose 'Select a file...' to navigate to the downloaded ISO. Then, select 'Choose Manually' and navigate to the location of the ISO you downloaded.

On this screen, select the Kali Linux image to use for the installation. Now, choose 'Install Windows or another OS from a DVD or image file,' which will launch the Installation Assistant.

With Parallels, you can start up your VM by selecting the Plus symbol. This is a great way to use Kali Linux, as it's completely separate from your host machine and allows you to interact with other VMs and machines on your network. Additionally, you can revert to snapshots at any time.

This guide shows you how to virtualize Kali Linux inside Parallels, allowing you to have a Kali VM that you can use for various purposes.

Linux mac m1 parallels