How to Run Kali Linux in the Cloud for FREE (8GB RAM) - No PC Required

Introduction: The Problem & The Solution

Are you trying to learn Ethical Hacking but your laptop gives up?

We all know the struggle: you install VirtualBox, download the heavy Kali Linux ISO, and as soon as you start it—your laptop hangs. Most students in India have laptops with 4GB or 8GB RAM. Running Windows + a Virtual Machine is almost impossible.

The Solution? Move your lab to the Cloud.

In this guide, I will teach you how to use GitHub Codespaces to create a private, high-speed Hacking Lab.

Let’s build your Hacking Lab from scratch!

Part 1: Setting Up the Cloud Environment

Step 1: Create a GitHub Account

If you already have one, skip this.

1. Go to GitHub.com.
2. Click Sign Up.
3. Enter your email and create a password.
4. Verify your email address.

Step 2: Create Your "Lab" Repository

We need a place to host our machine.

1. Log in to GitHub.
2. Click the + (Plus) icon in the top-right corner and select New repository.
3. Repository Name: Type Kali-Cloud-Lab.
4. Visibility: Select Private (Important for security).
5. Initialize: Check the box that says Add a README file.
6. Click Create repository.

Step 3: Launch the Codespace

This creates the actual computer.

1. Inside your new repository, look for the green Code button.
2. Click it and switch to the Codespaces tab.
3. Click Create codespace on main.
4. A new browser tab will open with a black terminal. Wait for it to load completely.

Part 2: Configuring the Desktop (Crucial Step)

By default, this is just a text-based terminal. We need a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to use tools like Burp Suite.

The page will reload. This adds the necessary display drivers to our cloud computer.

Part 3: Installing Kali Linux (The Error-Free Script)

Now comes the hacking part. We are going to transform this simple Ubuntu machine into a Kali Linux Beast.

Copy and paste these commands exactly as shown into your terminal.

1. Update & Install Core Utilities

First, we ensure the system can handle the display.

2. Add Kali Linux Repositories

We need to tell the system where to download hacking tools from.

3. Install the Desktop Environment (The "Force" Method)

Note: This is where most people get errors. Use this exact command to prevent the libgtk conflict.

(This will take 2-3 minutes. If it asks you to select a keyboard layout, just press Enter).

4. Fix "Stuck" Services

Sometimes, a service called rpcbind fails to install because we are in a cloud container. Run this to fix it instantly:

Part 4: Launching the Graphical Interface

Now that everything is installed, let's turn on the screen. Run these commands to start the display engine.

Part 5: Connecting to Your Kali Desktop

1. Look at the tabs above your terminal. Click on PORTS.
2. Find Port 6080.
3. Click the Globe Icon (🌐) that appears next to it.
4. A new website will open showing a directory.

• Click Connect.
• Password: vscode

BOOM! You should now see the beautiful Kali Linux Blue Desktop running inside your browser!

Part 6: Installing Bug Bounty Tools

Since cloud storage is limited (32GB), we do not install the full 20GB Kali toolset. Instead, we install the specific "Sniper" tools used by pros.

1. Set Up the Professional Terminal

The default terminal is boring. Let's switch to Tilix.

1. Open the terminal inside your VNC Desktop.
2. Run this command:

Now, whenever you right-click and "Open Terminal," you get the modern Tilix interface.

2. Install the "Must-Have" Hacking Tools

Run this command to get the best tools for Web Security:

Part 7: How to Use Your Lab

Launching Burp Suite

1. Open your Terminal.
2. Type: burpsuite &
3. Go to the Proxy tab and open the Browser. You are ready to intercept traffic!

Saving Your Work (Persistence)

Codespaces are smart. If you close the tab, your machine "sleeps."

• To Resume: Just go back to GitHub, open your repository, and click "Resume Codespace."
• Files: Any file you save in the /workspaces/ folder will be there forever.

Conclusion

You have successfully built a ₹0 Cloud Hacking Lab.

No more excuses about "Low RAM" or "Old PC." You now have the power of an 8GB RAM server at your fingertips.

Did you find this helpful?

Check out the video tutorial on my YouTube channel: [Anonymous School] where I show this entire process live!