NOTE: If you are here for a penetration testing install guide of Kali Linux, this guide is NOT for you. The default install of Kali Linux contains many tools which can only run with root privilege. You should instead follow Kali’s default install method for root install and understand the risks.

This guide will walk you through the non-root install of Kali Linux (rolling) without the penetration testing tools. This is suited for users who are looking to use Kali Linux daily. Similar to Debian Testing but managed and maintained by the Kali Linux team. A rolling release of Debian via a single Kali repo. On first boot you will login with your_username. I’ve found Kali’s rolling Linux distro a most stable distro and with endless packages available making it very convenient. I’ll post some screenshots at the very end of my lightly customized Kali Linux + Gnome desktop.

My reasons for installing Kali rolling Linux non-root (replaced Ubuntu 14.04 LTS)

How to install Kali Linux non-root

Like Debian, Kali can be net-installed using their mini.iso. Download the mini.iso here. Once downloaded, image Kali Linux Live to a USB or other medium, boot, then: select ‘Advanced options’ from menu > select the ‘Expert install’ option. Then continue from the guided screenshots below.

If you needed some guidance with what options to select during the install screens… follow the screenshots here for Debian mini.iso install, the process is near identical.

Screenshots from my local Kali Linux + Gnome install