Create a Kali Linux Bootable USB Drive in Minutes

A Kali Linux bootable USB drive is an essential tool for penetration testing and security auditing. Our guide shows you how to create one in just minutes.

By Irene / Published on December 17, 2024

By Irene / Updated on June 3, 2024

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Need to make a Kali Bootable USB

How to make a bootable Kali Linux 2.0 USB with persistence. Persistence means that all the data changes that take place while you are using the system, they will be saved on the usb / pendrive that you Linux is in.

Reasons for using Live USB with Persistence are:

· You use all of your system resources eg. CPU, RAM, GPU, etc

·You take no space of your Hard Drive for it.

· You can take your OS to any PC you use.

1. You Need To Use The Universal USB Installer To Put Kali On The USB.

2. You Need To Partition The USB, to create the partition for the data storage.

Pick this options: · Create as: Primary · File System: Ext4 · Partition Label: persistence.

Related: Easily Format Ext4 on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7|Free Download

3. You Need To Boot Into Kali Linux and execute these commands in the terminal

Commands

1. fdisk -l -To List Your Drives

2. mkdir -p /mnt/UUI -Make a directory on the filesystem to mount your USB

3. mount /dev/sdb2 /mnt/UUI -Mount the partition on the directory you made

4. echo "/ union"> /mnt/UUI/persistence.conf - Adds a configuration file to enable persistence.

5. umount /dev/sdb2 && reboot Unmount the partition and reboot.

Create a Windows bootable USB

To install or reinstall Windows on your computer, you need to create a running USB drive for Windows 10 or Windows 11, transferring installation files to a USB drive using a tool that you can install Windows on a Windows-compatible computer.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a renowned disk partition management software that can be compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7. In addition to Windows 11, it can also create a bootable USB for other Windows OS, and the operation methods are the same. More importantly, it also supports to resize the size of your partition, Wipe hard drive, etc. If you want to know more practical functions, you can directly go to this part.

Please note: Windows 11 only supports UEFI boot mode. If you want to install Windows 11 directly on your computer, please make sure your system disk is GPT disk, otherwise please convert MBR to GPT without data loss.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Windows bootable USB using :

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Requirements:

  • A USB flash drive: At least 13GB in size, and 16GB or larger is recommended to ensure enough space for future updates.
  • Windows OS ISO file: This is a disk image file that contains the entire contents of the Windows 10 installation media. You can download the Windows 10 ISO file directly from Microsoft's website.
  • A software tool to create the bootable drive: Microsoft's Media Creation Tool is the most straightforward option for downloading the ISO and creating a bootable USB on Windows systems. For users on other operating systems or preferring an alternative, AOMEI Partition Assistant is a popular choice.
  • Download the Media Creation Tool From the Official Microsoft Website.
  • Follow the instructions to burn the installation media into the USB.

Steps to Create a Bootable USB

  1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant: Start the program on your computer.
  2. Insert Your USB Drive: Make sure it’s empty or backed up, as it will be formatted.
  3. Launch 'Windows To Go Creator': Find this option in the main interface and click it.
  4. Select 'Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO': Click “Next.”
  5. Choose Your ISO File: Click “Browse” to locate and select your Windows 10 ISO file and choose the right drive from the list.
  6. Start the Process and Wait the Completion: Click “Proceed” and confirm that you understand all data on the USB will be erased. Then wait patiently.

Using the Bootable USB

  • Insert the USB into the PC where you want to install Windows.
  • Restart the PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc at startup).
  • Set the USB as the primary boot device, save the settings, and exit.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.

More functions of AOMEI Partition Assistant

Apart from creating Windows bootable USB, AOMEI Partition Assistant also has these benefits for you to better management.

• Drive Management: Offers easy disk management tools for separating, merging, formatting, splitting, extending, and merging partitions

• Data Protection: The software allows you to copy the entire disk for easy disk upgrading or do partition recovery to restore any lost important data.

• Disk Conversion: Convert between different partition styles, such as convert MBR to GPT or vice versa without data loss or formatting.

• Data Migration: It supports migrating the operating systems from one SSD to another with all system-related files between different storage devices, including SSDs and HDDs.

• System Optimization: It helps increase system performance and speed by running 4K Alignment, organizing partitions,or providing practical functions to extend C drive space without formatting, which can considerable enhance overall computer using experience.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable USB for Kali Linux with the ability to install robust and efficient Windows operating systems significantly enhances the computing experience and provides flexibility and performance with tools such as Kali Universal USB Installer and AOMEI Windows Partition Assistant. This process makes it easier. These bootable drives not only allow you to use your favorite operating system on different computers, but also allow data to be safely stored and easily accessed. You can effectively build powerful portable systems following the specified steps.

FAQs

  • What is a bootable USB with persistence?

    • A bootable USB with persistence allows you to save data and changes made while using the operating system on the USB. This means your settings, files, and installed programs will remain even after rebooting.
  • Why should I use a Live USB with persistence for Kali Linux?

    • Using a Live USB with persistence for Kali Linux allows you to utilize all your system resources without taking up space on your hard drive. Additionally, it provides the flexibility to use your operating system on any compatible PC.
  • What are the essential tools needed to create a Kali Linux bootable USB with persistence?

    • You need the Universal USB Installer to put Kali on the USB, a tool to partition the USB (creating a primary Ext4 partition labeled "persistence"), and the terminal commands to configure persistence.
  • How can I create a bootable USB for Windows installation?

    • To create a bootable USB for Windows installation, you need a USB drive (at least 13GB), a Windows OS ISO file, and a software tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant or Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. Follow the tool’s instructions to burn the ISO to the USB drive.
  • What additional features does AOMEI Partition Assistant offer?

    • AOMEI Partition Assistant provides various features including drive management (partitioning, formatting, extending), data protection (disk copying, partition recovery), disk conversion (MBR to GPT and vice versa), data migration (moving OS between drives), and system optimization (improving performance and extending C drive space without formatting).

 

Irene · Staff Editor
Irene is an Editor of AOMEI Technology. She devotes herself in giving insightful thoughts on common computer problems with simple and clear guidance. Irene loves to help people solve problems and explore more solutions on relevant issues. She loves reading, singing and travelling.