How to Effortlessly Make a USB Bootable KALI Linux flash drive with persistence using YUMI from within Windows. KALI is based on Debian Linux. It was designed to be a distribution that is focused purely on penetration testing. As a result, it comes packed with tons of useful security tools including network analyzers, password crackers, wireless tools and fuzzers.
KALI Linux Bootable USB with Persistence
Distribution Website: Kali Linux Project Page
Persistent Feature: Yes
KALI Linux is a powerful penetration testing tool that serves as the successor to Backtrack Linux, which was discontinued in March 2013. Unlike Backtrack, which was based on KNOPPIX, KALI Linux is built on Debian, but both distributions share many core features and penetration testing tools. Since its release, it has become a go to platform for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers.
This distribution includes over 600 pre-installed security tools, such as Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and John the Ripper, covering a wide range of testing scenarios from network analysis to password cracking. Users can choose between multiple desktop environments, including KDE, XFCE, and GNOME, providing flexibility based on personal preferences or system requirements. A key feature of KALI is persistence, allowing users to retain files, configurations, and data across reboots, which makes it especially useful for USB installations.
KALI follows a rolling release model, ensuring that both tools and the operating system receive continuous updates to stay relevant in the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape. As a free and open-source platform, it encourages customization and community driven development, giving users the freedom to modify and adapt the distribution to suit their needs. Whether you're an experienced security professional or just starting out in ethical hacking, this distribution offers a robust, frequently updated, and highly portable penetration testing tool solution.
What is KALI Linux USB Persistence?
KALI Linux persistence allows you to retain files, system configurations, and tool setups across multiple reboots. This feature is implemented using the Debian method. It involves creating a persistent partition or block file with an ext3 or ext4 filesystem and labeling it persistence. The partition or file must also contain a persistence.conf file with a single line of text: / union.
Fortunately, YUMI simplifies this process by automatically creating the necessary persistence file during the setup process.
KALI Linux USB Installation Essentials
- YUMI exFAT (does the Live Linux USB conversion)
- ISO file to use for conversion
- Super Fast Flash Drive
- Windows 11, 10 ,8
- Computer that supports booting from USB via UEFI or BIOS
How to Create a USB Bootable KALI Linux
The following tutorial covers creating a KALI Linux USB Installation of this popular penetration testing tool. Upon completion, you should be booting and running the Live distribution from its original ISO file a USB drive. Here we are using the exFAT version of YUMI. If you prefer, you could also use the Universal USB Installer instead, as both tools are now pretty much identical.
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- Download and Launch YUMI exFAT bootable USB Creator
- Configure YUMI:
- (1) Select your USB drive from the list of devices.
- (2) Choose "Kali (Penetration Testing)" from the list of distributions.
- (3) Browse to your KALI Linux ISO file.
- (4) Click "Create" to start the process.
- Set BIOS/UEFI to Boot from USB: Restart your computer and enter the system BIOS or boot menu. Select your USB drive as the first boot device.
- Boot into KALI Linux: If all went well, you should be presented with a YUMI Boot Menu option similar to that which is shown above. Allowing you to select and run the USB Bootable KALI Linux from your MultiBoot flash drive.
Default Username and Password for KALI Linux
When booted from the Live KALI Linux USB installation, the default username and password are as follows:
- Username: kali
- Password: kali
Conclusion
Creating a USB bootable KALI Linux with persistence becomes a simple process when paired with the YUMI exFAT multiboot USB media creation tool. This automated setup allows you to carry KALI in your pocket, providing a portable environment for penetration testing wherever you go. Whether you are a security professional or just starting your journey in ethical hacking, having a persistent KALI USB drive is a powerful addition to your portable penetration testing toolkit.
Additionally, it should be noted that YUMI can be used to create multi-boot flash drives, letting you store and run multiple operating systems, antivirus tools, and system utilities on a single device. Explore the possibilities of both in further detail from the resources below!
Further Helpful Resources: