Guiding You Through Booting Kali Linux USB on a Lenovo IdeaPad 310

Introduction

Booting Kali Linux from a USB drive on a Lenovo IdeaPad 310 can be a bit tricky but very rewarding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure a successful installation or a live session of Kali Linux. This guide is designed for users who are familiar with basic PC setup and can navigate the BIOS/UEFI interface.

Step 1: Preparing the USB Drive

Downloading Kali Linux

To start, you need to download the Kali Linux ISO file from the official Kali Linux website. Make sure you choose the version that meets your needs.

Create a Bootable USB Drive

Once you have the ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive. For this, you can use a tool like Rufus for Windows or Etcher for macOS and Linux.

Insert your USB drive into the Lenovo IdeaPad 310 laptop. Launch Rufus or Etcher, select the Kali Linux ISO file, and choose your USB drive as the target storage device. Start the process to create the bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Accessing BIOS/UEFI

Turning Off the Laptop

Ensure your Lenovo IdeaPad 310 laptop is completely powered off before you proceed.

Entering BIOS/UEFI

The procedure to access the BIOS/UEFI varies by laptop model, but for Lenovo IdeaPad 310, follow the steps below:

Power on the laptop and immediately press the F2 key repeatedly until the BIOS setup screen appears. If the F2 key doesn’t work, you can also use the Novo button, a small button usually located beside the power button. Pressing this button may navigate you to a boot menu.

Step 3: Changing the Boot Order

Navigating to the Boot Menu

In the BIOS/UEFI setup, navigate to the Boot tab using the arrow keys.

Setting USB as First Boot Device

To ensure the USB drive is the first boot device:

Locate the boot order list in the BIOS/UEFI interface. Use the keys indicated on the screen to move the USB drive to the top of the boot order list. If necessary, disable Secure Boot in the Security tab. Look for the Secure Boot option and set it to Disabled.

Step 4: Saving Changes and Exiting

Press the key indicated, often F10, to save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your laptop should now restart.

Step 5: Booting from USB

After the restart, you can proceed to boot from the USB:

Boot Menu

Some laptops may require you to press F12 or the Novo button during startup to access the boot menu. If necessary, use one of these methods to access the boot menu.

Selecting the USB Drive

Choose your USB drive from the list to boot from it. This should launch Kali Linux from the USB drive.

Step 6: Installing or Tving Kali Linux

Once the USB boots successfully, you’ll see options to either try Kali Linux or install it. Choose the option that suits your needs.

Additional Tips

Backup Data

Ensure any important data on the USB drive is backed up as the creation process will erase it.

Power Supply

Keep your laptop plugged into a power source during the installation process to avoid any sudden shutdowns.

Conclusion

This guide should help you successfully boot Kali Linux from a USB on your Lenovo IdeaPad 310. If you encounter any issues, double-check the BIOS settings and the USB creation process. Happy hacking!