💻 Installing Kali Linux Safely on UEFI Systems (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

Want to install Kali Linux alongside Windows on a modern UEFI system? This step-by-step guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and set up a dual boot safely in 2025.

⚠️ Why UEFI Matters

UEFI replaces the old BIOS, providing faster boot times and better security. Most Windows 10/11 PCs use UEFI. Installing Kali Linux on a UEFI system requires specific steps to avoid bootloader problems.

✅ Step 1: Prepare Your System

• Backup your data: Always back up important files.
• Disable Fast Startup and Secure Boot: In Windows, search for “Power Options” → “Choose what the power buttons do” → uncheck Fast Startup. Then enter BIOS and disable Secure Boot.
• Create a Kali Linux bootable USB: Use tools like Rufus or BalenaEtcher, select “GPT partition scheme for UEFI” and format as FAT32.

✅ Step 2: Shrink Windows Partition

1. Boot into Windows
2. Open Disk Management (Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc)
3. Right-click your main partition (usually C:) → Shrink Volume → specify space for Kali (at least 20GB recommended)

✅ Step 3: Boot Kali Linux Installer in UEFI Mode

• Restart and enter the boot menu (usually F12 or Esc)
• Select your USB device with UEFI prefix (e.g., “UEFI: USB Drive”)
• Verify Kali boots in UEFI mode by checking for /sys/firmware/efi directory after boot

✅ Step 4: Install Kali Linux

1. Choose “Graphical Install”
2. When prompted for partitioning, select “Manual”
3. Create these partitions in the free space:
   • EFI System Partition: Use existing EFI partition mounted at /boot/efi (do NOT format)
   • Root (/): Ext4 partition for Kali system
   • Optional: Swap partition
4. Proceed with installation
5. When asked to install GRUB, install it on the EFI partition (usually /dev/sda)

✅ Step 5: Post-install Checks

• Reboot and check GRUB menu lists both Kali Linux and Windows Boot Manager
• If Windows isn’t showing, boot Kali and run:

  sudo os-prober
  sudo update-grub

🧠 Pro Tips

• Keep your BIOS updated for better UEFI support
• If using encrypted Windows or BitLocker, temporarily disable it before resizing partitions
• Create a Windows recovery USB before starting

💬 Final Words

Installing Kali Linux safely on a UEFI system in 2025 is straightforward if you carefully follow these steps. This ensures a smooth dual boot setup without overwriting your Windows bootloader.

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