Kali Linux 2025.1a It is now available and comes with a series of improvements designed to optimize the user experience. This update introduces visual changes, improvements to the desktop environments, and new features for Raspberry Pi devices and Kali NetHunter. If you're a regular Kali Linux user or are simply interested in the latest developments in this cybersecurity-focused distribution, here's everything new in this version.
Following the tradition of the initial releases of each year, Kali Linux incorporates a renewed graphic look. This includes an improved design for the boot menu, a more polished login screen and new Wallpapers in both the standard edition and Kali Purple. Additionally, community backgrounds have received new additions. To access them, you only need to install the package. kali-community-wallpapers, which includes a variety of community-contributed images.
And what happened to dot-one? This version is numbered 2025.1a because they found a bug in 2025.1 that needed fixing. Simple as that. They fixed it, and dot-one-a is the result.
Updated desktop environments in Kali Linux 2025.1a
KDE Plasma 6.2
After a long wait, KDE Plasma 6.2 finally makes its debut in Kali Linux. This change is significant, as the previous version, Plasma 5.27, had been around for quite some time. The update introduces a cleaner, more modern interface, with improvements like floating panels, which offer a more dynamic desktop experience.
Xfce 4.20
The default environment of Kali, Xfce has also evolved with version 4.20. Tweaks have been added to improve stability and performance, along with a number of new keyboard shortcuts that make navigation more intuitive:
- File management:
Ctrl + Alt + F,Super + E,Super + F - Command execution:
Super + R(in addition toAlt + F2) - Terminal Opening:
Super + T - Opening a browser:
Super + W - Show desktop:
Super + D(in addition toCtrl + Alt + D)
Improvements in Raspberry Pi
This version adopts the package raspi-firmware directly from Raspberry PiOS, which guarantees greater compatibility. In addition, it includes a new kernel 6.6.74 based on Raspberry Pi OS, offering full compatibility with Raspberry Pi 5. Due to changes in internal architecture, it is recommended to perform a clean install on Raspberry Pi devices rather than attempting to upgrade from a previous version.
Also, it is important to mention that the community continues to contribute to its development, so if you want to know more about other previous versions, you can check out the update Kali Linux 2024.4.
Updates in Kali NetHunter
For those who use Kali NetHunter, the version focused on mobile pentesting, there are some exciting new features. A new tab called “CAN Arsenal”, designed to facilitate vehicle safety testing. There is also new kernels for mobile devices:
- Samsung Galaxy S9 (Exynos9810 – LineageOS 20/Android 13)
- Samsung Galaxy S10 (Exynos9820 – LineageOS 21 & 22.1)
- Redmire Xiaomi Note Pro 6 (Android 11)
With these improvements, Kali NetHunter is positioned as a fundamental tool for cybersecurity professionals, just like the latest version of Kali Linux. If you're interested in learning more about the comparisons between different distributions, you can check out Kali Linux vs Parrot OS.
How to update or download Kali Linux 2025.1a
If you already have Kali Linux installed, you can update your system with the following commands:
echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.listsudo apt update && sudo apt -y full-upgradecp -vrbi /etc/skel/. ~/[ -f /var/run/reboot-required ] && sudo reboot -f
For new installations, it is possible download ISO images from the Official websiteVersions for WSL, virtual machines, and cloud platforms are also available. If you'd like to learn more about installing WSL, be sure to check out our guide on how to install it. How to install Kali Linux.
This new iteration of Kali Linux comes with multiple improvements both visually and functionally, consolidating its position as one of the most popular distributions for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hacking enthusiasts.
