ix Kali Linux Not Detecting Partitions During Installation (2025 Guide)

🛠️ Fix Kali Linux Not Detecting Partitions During Installation (2025 Guide)

Trying to install Kali Linux, but it shows only your entire disk as “free space”? Can’t see Windows or existing partitions? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Here's the 2025 solution that works without losing your data.

⚠️ Problem Summary

During Kali installation, under the partition step, it shows one big disk with no partitions. This means:

• Kali doesn't recognize your disk layout (GPT/MBR)
• Or the installer is missing drivers for your storage controller
• Or Windows is hibernated (Fast Startup)

🧪 Solutions That Work in 2025

🔹 1. Disable Fast Startup in Windows

Boot into Windows, and:

1. Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what power buttons do
2. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”
3. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup”

🔹 2. Fully Shut Down Windows

Fast Startup can lock the drive even if disabled. To fully shut down:

shutdown /s /f /t 0

🔹 3. Use Latest Kali ISO (2025 Rolling)

Older ISOs don’t handle modern NVMe/RAID setups. Download the 2025 Kali Rolling from: kali.org/downloads

🔹 4. Load Missing Drivers Manually

On some laptops (especially Dell/HP with Intel RST), the installer misses storage drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. During install, switch to terminal with Ctrl + Alt + F2
2. Type:

   lsblk

   If you don’t see your disk/partitions:
3. Try loading drivers:

   modprobe nvme
   modprobe vmd
   modprobe ahci

4. Then press Ctrl + Alt + F1 to go back to the GUI
5. Re-enter partitioning step → Partitions should now show

🔹 5. Turn Off Intel RST (AHCI Mode Required)

In BIOS:

• Go to “Storage Configuration”
• Change from Intel RST or “RAID” to AHCI
• Save & exit

Important: Windows may not boot after this unless you enable AHCI mode support first — search for “enable AHCI without reinstalling Windows”.

🔹 6. Try GParted Live (Optional Tool)

If all fails, boot into GParted Live and verify your partitions. If GParted sees them, but Kali doesn’t, it’s 100% a driver issue.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Always install Kali in “Manual” mode to avoid overwriting Windows
• Never choose “Guided – Use entire disk” if you want dual boot
• Use GPT partitioning unless you need Legacy BIOS

💬 Final Thoughts

Many users give up on dual booting because of this problem — but now you know the real fix. Kali Linux just needs the right environment and drivers to see your partitions. Follow these steps, and you’ll dual boot safely in 2025.

Still stuck? Drop your error message or BIOS mode at Tsupports.blogspot.com — we’ll help you out.