If you have a 64-bit system and want to install Kali permanently, the standard 64-bit ISO is recommended. For temporary use or testing, the live version allows you to run Kali without installation. Virtual machine images are ideal for users who prefer to run Kali in a controlled environment, and Arm images are available for devices like the Raspberry Pi. For Android-based penetration testing, Kali NetHunter is the appropriate version. If you're using Windows 10 or 11, Kali Linux can also run through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Kali Linux is highly portable. It can be installed directly onto a hard drive for regular use, or it can be run in live mode from a USB or CD without installation. It also supports virtualized environments such as VirtualBox and VMware, allowing users to run it within other operating systems. In addition, Kali Linux can be used on Arm-based devices like the Raspberry Pi, through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), or in cloud environments such as AWS and Azure.

Kali Linux is developed with a strong emphasis on security and integrity. Only a small group of trusted developers can commit packages, and each package is signed to ensure authenticity. The distribution also uses a custom kernel that is patched for features such as packet injection, which is essential for wireless network assessments.