WSL2 + Kali Linux + Win-KeX (GUI) Installation Guide (Beginner-Friendly)

What's inside (all sections included)

• 0) Prerequisites — virtualization check (Task Manager + BIOS/UEFI note), latest GPU drivers, and required Windows features.
• 1) Update WSL — PowerShell as Admin: wsl --update, wsl --version, status checks.
• 2) Install Kali Linux — wsl --list --online and wsl --install -d kali-linux.
• 3) Set Kali default — wsl --setdefault kali-linux plus first launch notes.
• 4) Update packages — sudo apt update + mirror fixes if updates fail.
• 5) Install Win-KeX — sudo apt install kali-win-kex and kex --win, with the recommended prompt answer.
• 6) (Optional) Kali toolkit — sudo apt install kali-linux-large with recommended prompt answers.
• Fixes & tips — kex not found, dpkg interrupted, stopping KeX vs stopping WSL, and more.

Recommended prompt answers (quick highlights)

• KeX view-only password? → n (so you can interact normally).
• Kismet setuid root? → Yes.
• Non-superusers capture packets? → Yes (Wireshark group).
• sslh: inetd vs standalone? → standalone.

Quick commands you will use a lot

• kex --status / kex --stop / kex --win / kex --sl
• wsl --terminate kali-linux / wsl --shutdown

Repo link

Full notebook-style guide: WSL-Installation_Guide

If anyone gets stuck at any step (WSL, mirrors, KeX, Wireshark permissions, dpkg errors), DM what you are seeing and I will help.

Educational note: This post is for learning and safe setup guidance.