Kali Linux on the New Modern WSL: A Game-Changer for Windows Users

Tirsasaki
Tirsasaki
18 Februari 2025

Kali Linux has officially joined Microsoft's new modern Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution architecture, making installation and updates more streamlined than ever. This development, in collaboration with Microsoft, simplifies the process for security professionals and penetration testers who use Kali on Windows.

Kali Linux and WSL: A Strong Partnership

Kali Linux has long supported WSL, allowing Windows users to run penetration testing tools natively without needing a virtual machine. Previously, setting up Kali Linux on WSL involved multiple steps, including manually building the root filesystem (rootfs), configuring it via Visual Studio, and submitting it to the Microsoft Store for review.

Now, with the modern WSL distribution system, this process is reduced to just two steps:

  1. Build the rootfs.
  2. Submit a merge request to Microsoft’s WSL GitHub repository to update the distribution list.

What’s New in the Modern WSL Architecture?

The new architecture introduces several improvements:

  • Faster Installation: Users can now install Kali Linux on WSL by simply running wsl.exe --install kali-linux.
  • Better Configuration: Kali now includes additional metadata files in its rootfs, defining icons, user settings, and first-boot behaviors.
  • One-Click Setup: Users with the latest WSL version can double-click on .wsl files to instantly install the distribution.
  • Direct File Distribution: Instead of relying solely on the Microsoft Store, users can download .wsl files directly from Kali’s official repository.

How to Try Kali Linux on the New WSL?

To test this new functionality, follow these steps:

  1. Download the .wsl file for your system architecture from kali.download.

Alternatively, install directly via the Windows terminal:

wsl.exe --install kali-linux

Ensure you are running the latest pre-release version of WSL by executing:

wsl --update --pre-release

Additional Tips for Kali on WSL

  • Enable GUI Support: Run GUI applications with WSLg by ensuring WSL is updated.
  • Optimize Performance: Increase available resources by configuring .wslconfig to allocate more RAM and CPU cores.
  • Use VPN and Proxy: Enhance security by routing traffic through a VPN or proxy within Kali.

This major update enhances the ease of deploying Kali Linux on Windows, empowering security experts with seamless access to their favorite tools. Stay tuned for more improvements as WSL continues to evolve!