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.
Richard, great article ..
However, I follow all the steps and everything is just as you described to the tee..
My Kali is still not showing any wireless devices…
# lsusb is the same as yours…
# iwconfig
eth1 no wireless extensions
eth0 no wireless extensions
lo no wireless extension
Help would be greatly appreciated…
What is the MFG and model of your Wifi device?
I am right now installing kali will this delete my current windows 10 operating system
If you are installing this on the same machine yes it will delete it. If you are installing Kali into a VM on your Windows 10 workstation that it should not.
Why do you bother with the Extra vNIC when you end up mapping the ALFA in over Virtual USB anyway?
Is there something I’m missing or did you do all that Network Editor and such for no reason?
Great question. Since this is a virtual machine. I had one nic for Dedicated LAN Mode which could be used when testing networks and reliably download updated packages and software without issue. The second nic is for the WiFi Device. This works most of the time but every now and then the device may have issues and isn’t recognized.