Kali 2025.2 Install Fails on VirtualBox 7.1.10 r169112

Kali Linux Forums Kali Linux Troubleshooting
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1

I am attempting to install Kali 2025.2 in VirtualBox 7.1.10 r169112 using the installer image, not the pre-configured VM image. Host machine running an ASUS P8Z77-V PRO with 32 GB RAM and AMD Radeon RX 570 on Ubuntu 2024.04.2.

The installation fails with two error messages:

  1. An installation step failed. You can try to run the failing item again from the menu, or skip it an choose something else. The failing step is Select and install software.

After searching for a resolution, it was suggested to continue and install GRUB boot loader.

  1. GRUB boot loader installation fails. The ‘grub-pc’ package failed to install into /target/. Without he GRUB boot loader, the installed system will not boot.

I followed the Kali documentation for configuring the VM 4 GB memory, 30 GB hard drive space, 128 video, 2 CPUs, and Enable PAE/NX. Virtualization is on in the BIOS and other Windows VM’s run fine.

Below are the options selected when installing:

  1. Guided – use entire disk and setup encrypted LVM.
  2. Separate /home, /var, and /tmp partitions.
  3. Suggested software installation selected, i.e. no Gnome or KDE environment selected.

After software installation progresses the error message 1 appears. I attempt to move to install GRUB and error message 2 appears.

Yes, I could install the pre-configured VM image, but I wanted more control over the installation. Any suggestions to resolve would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

2

you say its failing at choose and install software, that’s likely the mirror its trying to use being unavailable.
Best thing for this is to not choose to update at install time, nor choose any extra packages to install, just do the default install ‘as is’

You can change repos and update and install AFTER you have an installed and working kali

3

Thanks for the response. The installation is downloading from the mirror according to the progress bar. It appears that the software installation is almost complete, then the error message appears. If I retry, it re-downloads and attempts to install and fails again.

4

Been there got the tshirt, always fails near end.

Seriously, don’t try and install other tools or updates from install, only what is on the disk by default and wait until you reboot into a working Kali environment, and THEN update and upgrade the system and add any extra tools you want.

5

Got it - thanks. Yes, you are correct. I finally got the installer to complete by not selecting encrypted LVM and separate /home, /var, and /tmp partitions. I would presume those options would work on a bare metal install. Thanks again.