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How to Install Kali Linux on VMware Workstation Pro with Alfa AWUS036ACH

Host: Windows 10 1809 x64 bit

  • VMware Workstation 15 (lower versions may also work)
  • USB 3.0 to Motherboard Slot (do not use Front USB Slots)
  • Kali Media: kali-linux-2018-W41-amd64.iso (weekly build, week 41 2018) – Latest Weekly

Part 1 – Windows 10 Host Preparation

On the Windows 10 Host Perform the following actions

Plug in the WiFi Adapter into a USB 3.0 slot on the motherboard, do not use your front USB 3.0 ports as it may not get detected properly later on. Verify using device manager that the WiFi adapter is detected.

Launch VMare Workstation and perform the following

Edit > Virtual Network Editor

Click on “Change Settings”

Within the Virtual Network Editor ensure the following settings are selected as shown in the screenshot below for “Realtek 8812AU” and click “Ok”

Part 2 – Create the Virtual Machine

Select Debian 9.x 64bit

Give the machine a name of your choosing

Create a hard drive

Choose “Customize Hardware”

Set Memory to at least 1GB

Add Another Network Adapter, click on “Add…”

Choose “Network Adapter” and click Finish.

Select “Network Adapter” and make sure “NAT” is selected. (Later steps rely on this order)

Select “Network Adapter 2” and make sure “Bridged: Replicate to physical network..” is chosen.

Select “USB Controller” and make sure “USB Compatibility is set to 3.0”.

Click “Close”

Click “Finish”

Part 3 – Power on the virtual machine

Select “Graphical Install”

Select your language, location, keyboard. (not shown)

In the previous section the order of your network adapters play an important role here.  Select “eth0” being “Network Adapter”

Choose a hostname

You can skip the domain part.  I leave this blank.

Type in a strong password.

Select your timezone (not shown)

Choose “Guided – use entire disk”

On Partition Disks click “Continue”

Select “All files in one partition”

Verify disk settings are correct and click “continue”

Select “Yes” under Write Changes to Disks and click continue.

Once installation finishes you will receive the following.  Select “Yes” to use network mirror.

I do not use a proxy, so I am skipping this.

Click “Yes” to install the GRUB Boot Loader.

Select the harddrive in which you want to install the GRUB loader to.  Generally this will be the first item listed.

Click “Continue” (Kali Linux is now installed).

(During the final phase, Kali will remove temporary installation files.  This process can take some time even on an SSD so be patience)

Part 4 – Install USB 3.0 WiFi Adapter (AWUS036ACH)

On the Kali desktop open up “Terminal”

#Update the latest package list information.

sudo apt-get update

#Install VMware Open Tools (recommended by VMware)

sudo apt-get install open-vm-tools-desktop fuse

Unplug the USB 3.0 WiFi Adapter from your computer, wait a 3 seconds and than replug it back in.  You should receive a prompt to requesting input on if you want to add the WiFi to the Host (Windows 10 Machine) or the Kali box.

Choose Kali

#This will display all the USBs connected.  It show list “Realtek RTL 8812AU” in the list.

lsusb

#Install the AWUS036ACH driver. (This process can take some time as the driver is being compiled during installation)

sudo apt-get install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkms

Unplug the WiFi Adapter and Restart the Box.  Once logged in re-insert the WiFi Adapter and you will be selected to connect to the VM.

Done.