How to Install Kali Linux on MAC Using UTM (Apple Silicon): Beginner’s Guide

Installing Kali Linux on a Mac can be an excellent way to explore penetration testing and cybersecurity tools without affecting your main system. With UTM, a virtual machine app tailored for macOS, this process becomes straightforward — even on Apple Silicon Macs like M1 or M2. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to set up Kali Linux on your Mac safely and efficiently.

We also have a guide if you prefer using Virtualbox: How to Install Kali Linux 2025 on VirtualBox (macOS) – Beginner’s Guide

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✅ What You’ll Need:

• A Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.)
• UTM for macOS
• Kali Linux ARM64 installer ISO (Download from Kali’s official site)

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🪜 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Download and Install UTM for macOS

1. Open your browser and search for “UTM for Mac”.
2. Visit the official UTM website (mac.getutm.app) and download the UTM app.
3. Once downloaded, open the .dmg file and drag UTM into your Applications folder to install it.

✅ Note: If UTM is already installed, you can skip this step.

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2. Download Kali Linux Installer for ARM64

1. Go to the Kali Linux download page.
2. Scroll down to find the Apple Silicon (arm64) section.
3. Click to download the Installer Image (.iso) and save it to your Mac.

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3. Create a New Virtual Machine in UTM

1. Launch UTM from your Launchpad.

2. Click “Create a New Virtual Machine.”

3. Select Virtualize (not Emulate), then click “Other.”

4. Under “Boot ISO Image,” click Browse, locate the Kali Linux ISO you downloaded, and select it.

5. Click Continue through all the hardware configuration steps (default settings are fine).

6. On the Summary screen, click Save to create your virtual machine.

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4. Update System Preferences for the VM

1. Select your VM and click the Settings (gear icon).

2. Go to the System tab.
3. Click “New”, choose Serial, then click Save.

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5. Start Kali Linux Installation

1. Click the Play button to start the VM.

2. A small window will appear (Ignore the larger windows) — click on it and press Enter to begin installation.

3. Select:
   • Language (e.g., English)
   • Location (e.g., India)
   • Keyboard layout (default is fine)

4. Continue through these prompts:
   • Hostname: Leave default, press Enter
   • Domain name: Leave blank, press Enter
   • Full name for user: Type your name
   • Username: Choose a username
   • Password: Enter and confirm your password

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6. Disk Partitioning

1. When prompted for the partitioning method, choose:
   • Guided – use entire disk
2. Press Enter and confirm:
   • All files in one partition
3. Choose Finish partitioning and write changes to disk, then:
   • Select Yes and press Enter

⏳ Installation will take approximately 15–20 minutes.

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7. Reboot and Post-Installation Setup

1. After installation, press Enter to reboot the VM.
2. On the Virtual Machine page, scroll down below, click on CD/DVD, and then select Clear.

3. Close the VM window, return to UTM Settings, and:
   • Right-click on Serial → click Remove
   • Click Save to update the config.

This step prevents UTM from booting into the installer again.

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8. Boot into Kali Linux

1. Click Play on your VM again.

2. Once booted, enter your username and password, then click Login.

Welcome to Kali Linux on your Mac!

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9. Install SPICE Tools for Enhanced Integration

To enable features like full-screen mode, clipboard sharing, and better display performance:

1. Open Terminal in Kali Linux.
2. Run the following command: sudo apt install spice-vdagent spice-webdavd
3. Enter your password, type Y when prompted, and press Enter.

4. Once done, restart your VM.

You should now be able to:

• Copy/paste between macOS and Kali
• Use full-screen mode via the green button in UTM

🛠 If full-screen still doesn’t work properly, go to your Mac’s Display Settings and adjust the resolution for best results.

We also have a guide if you prefer using Virtualbox: How to Install Kali Linux 2025 on VirtualBox (macOS) – Beginner’s Guide

Complete Video Tutorial:

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🎉 Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Kali Linux on your Mac using UTM. With SPICE tools enabled, you can enjoy seamless integration between macOS and Kali — perfect for ethical hacking, cybersecurity research, and advanced Linux learning.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and bookmark it for future use. Happy hacking! 🐱‍💻