🧠 How to Install Parrot OS as a Virtual Machine (VM) – Complete Guide for 2025

Figure 1: Installation of Parrot OS

Parrot OS is one of the most powerful Linux distributions built for ethical hacking, forensics, and privacy. If you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey, setting it up inside a virtual machine is the safest and smartest way to explore its tools — without risking your main system.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you step-by-step how to install Parrot Security Edition on VMware Workstation Pro.

✅ What You'll Need

• VMware Workstation Pro (already installed – see our VMware guide)
• Parrot OS Security Edition ISO:
  👉 https://deb.parrot.sh/parrot/iso/6.3.2/Parrot-security-6.3.2_amd64.iso
• At least 6 GB RAM, 45 GB disk space, and Intel VT-x/AMD-V enabled

🔽 Step 1: Download Parrot OS ISO

1. Go to the official website: https://deb.parrot.sh/parrot/iso/6.3.2/Parrot-security-6.3.2_amd64.iso
2. Select Security Edition (64-bit ISO)
3. Choose a mirror and download the ISO

🧱 Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VMware

1. Open VMware Workstation Pro.
2. Click "Create a New Virtual Machine".
3. Choose Typical (recommended) and click Next.
4. Select Installer disk image file (ISO) and browse to your Parrot ISO.
5. Click Next.

⚙️ Step 3: Configure the VM

1. Set Guest OS to Linux and Version to Other Linux 5.x kernel 64-bit.
   
   
   

   
   Figure 2: Selecting Guest Operating System and Version 

   2. Name your VM: "Parrot".
   3. Allocate at least 60 GB of disk space (split into multiple files is fine).
   4. Click Customize Hardware and set:

• Memory: 6144 MB (or more)
• Processors: 2 with 2 cores each
• Network: NAT
  
• Add USB and sound (optional)

🚀 Step 4: Start the Virtual Machine

1. Click Finish and start your VM.
2. Parrot OS boot menu will appear. Choose:

• Install with GTK GUI (recommended for beginners)

🔧 Step 5: Install Parrot OS

1. Choose your language, location, and keyboard.
2. Set up a new user and password.
3. Choose Guided - use entire disk for partitioning (inside VM only).
4. Click Install and wait for the process to finish.
5. Once done, restart the VM and remove the ISO from virtual drive.

🎉 You’re In!

After reboot, log in with the user credentials you created, and welcome to your Parrot OS hacking lab! You can now:

• Start testing hacking tools like Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit
• Learn Linux and scripting in a safe sandbox
• Build ethical hacking skills without harming your host OS

📌 Coming Up Next

We'll show you how to:

• Set up Guest Additions / VMware Tools
• Customize Parrot OS for daily use
• Install popular hacking scripts and toolkits

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