Installation step failed: Select and install software - Work around

What exactly went wrong? (In simple words)

The error says:

“Installation step failed: Select and install software”

This step downloads Kali software packages from the internet.
The failure usually happens due to one of these reasons:

1. ❌ No internet connection inside the VM

2. ❌ Wrong network adapter setting in VirtualBox

3. ❌ Mirror (repository) not reachable

4. ❌ Low RAM / CPU allocated

5. ❌ ISO corruption or incomplete download

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MOST COMMON CAUSE (90% cases): Internet not working inside VM 🌐

Kali installer needs active internet at this step.

✅ Fix 1: Check VirtualBox Network Settings (Very Important)

1. Power OFF the Kali VM

2. Go to VirtualBox → Settings → Network

3. Adapter 1:

   • ✔ Enable Network Adapter

   • Attached to: NAT

   • ✔ Cable Connected

4. Click OK

5. Start the VM again

6. Resume installation → click Continue

🔑 NAT works best for beginners and students

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If it still fails → Use this SAFE OPTION

✅ Fix 2: Skip software selection and finish installation

This is perfectly OK for learning labs.

1. Click Continue

2. When asked again, choose:

   • ❌ Do NOT select Desktop Environment

   • ❌ Do NOT select Graphical Desktop

3. Finish installation

4. System will boot into command line

After login, run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install kali-linux-default
sudo reboot

This installs everything after login, more reliable than installer phase.

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If you see only blinking cursor after install (related issue)

This happens when GUI is not installed.

Fix it easily:

Login using your username and password, then:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install kali-desktop-xfce
sudo reboot

XFCE is lightweight and best for VirtualBox.

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Check VM Resource Allocation (Recommended for students)

Before reinstalling:

Resource	Minimum	Recommended
RAM	2 GB	4 GB
CPU	1	2 cores
Video Memory	16 MB	128 MB
Graphics	VMSVGA	✔

VirtualBox → Settings → Display → Graphics Controller → VMSVGA

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BEST PRACTICE FOR TEACHING STUDENTS 🎓

Instead of Installer ISO:

⭐ Use Pre-built Kali VirtualBox Image

• Faster

• No installation errors

• Ideal for labs & classrooms

Workflow:

1. Download Kali VirtualBox image

2. Import .ova

3. Start VM → Ready to use