Categories: Kali Linux

Offensive Security released Win-KeX Version 2.0 that Brings Kali Desktop Experience in Windows

Win-Kex was first introduced with Kali Linux 2020.3, it provides a Kali Desktop Experience for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2). Version 2.0 was released with several new features and fix for the issues with the previous versions.

Win-KeX Version 2.0

To install and use Win-KeX it is required to have WSL v2 on x64 and it is not compatible with WSL v1, or arm64 and it requires Windows 10 version 2004 or higher.

The following are the new features with Win-KeX v2.0;

  • Win-KeX SL (Seamless Edition) – bye bye borders
  • Sound support
  • Multi-session support
  • KeX sessions can be run as root
  • Able to launch “kex” from anywhere – no more cd-ing into the Kali filesystem required
  • Shared clipboard – cut and paste content between Kali and Windows apps

Prerequisites

  • Running Windows 10 version 2004 or higher
  • Using Windows Terminal

To install Win-KeX in a kali WSL installation

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt install -y kali-win-kex

With the new version Win-KeX it supports for two modes;

Window Mode

Win-KeX Window mode is the classic Win-KeX look and feels with one dedicated window for the Kali Linux desktop. Window mode helps to keep the Windows and Kali environments visually apart.

To launch Win-KeX in Window mode with sound support, type:

kex --win -s

Seamless Mode

Win-KeX SL mode provides seamless integration of Kali Linux into the Windows desktop with the Windows Start menu at the bottom and the Kali panel at the top of the screen.

All applications are launched in their windows sharing the same desktop as Windows applications.

Seamless mode removes the visual segregation between linux and window apps and offers a great platform to run a penetration test in Kali Linux and copy the results straight into a Windows app for the final report.

To launch Win-KeX in seamless mode with sound support, type:

kex --sl --s

You are also recommended reviewing our Kali Linux Tutorials page which covers dozens of Kali Linux Tools. Also, Learn The Complete Kali Tools in Kali Linux Operating System.

You can follow us on LinkedinTwitterFacebook for daily Cybersecurity and hacking news updates.

Gurubaran

Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Recent Posts

Operation HollowQuill – Weaponized PDFs Deliver a Cobalt Strike Malware Into Gov & Military Networks

In a recent revelation by SEQRITE Labs, a highly sophisticated cyber-espionage campaign, dubbed Operation HollowQuill,…

26 minutes ago

Earth Alux Hackers Use VARGIET Malware to Target Organizations

A new wave of cyberattacks orchestrated by the advanced persistent threat (APT) group Earth Alux…

27 minutes ago

“Lazarus Hackers Group” No Longer Refer to a Single APT Group But a Collection of Many Sub-Groups

The term "Lazarus Group," once used to describe a singular Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor,…

30 minutes ago

DarkCloud: An Advanced Stealer Malware Sold on Telegram to Target Windows Data

DarkCloud, a highly advanced stealer malware, has emerged as a significant threat to Windows systems…

38 minutes ago

Triton RAT Uses Telegram for Remote System Access and Control

Cado Security Labs has uncovered a new Python-based Remote Access Tool (RAT) named Triton RAT,…

40 minutes ago

Russian Hackers Leverage Bulletproof Hosting to Shift Network Infrastructure

Russian-aligned cyber threat groups, UAC-0050 and UAC-0006, have significantly escalated their operations in 2025, targeting…

46 minutes ago