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@xErik
Last active June 20, 2023 20:11
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Configuring Headless (no X, GUI) Kali, Running In VirtualBox

Kali Headless Mode Configuration

Disabling the GUI/X/Head

systemctl set-default multi-user.target
systemctl get-default # shows new default mode
reboot

In headless mode, start the graphical user interface with this command: gmd3. The automatic ScreenLock will through you back to the console. This can be avoided by setting Settings > Privacy > ScreenLock to off.

Console Keyboard Configuration

The console uses a default keyboard configuration. Configure it:

dpkg-reconfigure keyboard-configuration
service keyboard-setup restart

Size of Console Screen

The console window is probably too small. Configure it:

vi /etc/default/grub

Then add this line: GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="splash vga=792"

Kali GUI Mode Configuration

Resetting from headless mode to GUI mode:

systemctl set-default graphical.target
systemctl get-default # shows new default mode
reboot

Shared-Folder and USB 2.0

Shared-Folder and USB 2.0 requires the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack to be installed via VirtualBox. Installations starts by double clicking the download.

Installing Node

https://ariejan.net/2011/10/24/installing-node-js-and-npm-on-ubuntu-debian/

@takeabyte
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I think you might have a typo..
... to start from headless mode to gui the cmd should be >>> gdm3

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