This page summarizes Kali Linux releases and milestones for 2025.
¶ Releases and Versions
- Kali 2025.1: Released on 2025-03-19.
- Kali 2025.1c: Released on 2025-04-28 (minor refresh).
- Kali 2025.2: Released on 2025-06-13.
- Kali 2025.3: Released on 2025-09-23.
- Kali 2025.4: Released on 2025-12-12.
- Q1 2025 (2025.1): First quarterly release with new year tool updates and kernel improvements.
- April 2025 (2025.1c): Minor refresh release with critical fixes and package updates.
- Q2 2025 (2025.2): Mid-year release with enhanced hardware support and new security tools.
- Q3 2025 (2025.3): Fall release with desktop environment improvements and tool updates.
- Q4 2025 (2025.4): Year-end release with comprehensive security updates and new features.
- Tool Updates: Major updates to Metasploit Framework, Burp Suite Professional, Nmap, Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, Hashcat, and Ghidra.
- Kernel: Updated Linux kernel (6.x series) with improved hardware compatibility and security patches.
- Python: Transition to Python 3.13 with updated security tool dependencies.
- Desktop Environments: Xfce (default) receives theme updates; GNOME, KDE, i3, and MATE options available.
- ARM Support: Enhanced support for Raspberry Pi 5, Orange Pi, and other modern ARM SBCs.
- Cloud Images: Updated images for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and Vultr.
- WSL: Kali Linux on Windows Subsystem for Linux with improved GUI support.
- Forensics: Enhanced digital forensics tools for incident response and evidence analysis.
| Version |
Release Date |
Quarter |
Notes |
| Kali 2025.1 |
2025-03-19 |
Q1 |
Spring release with tool updates |
| Kali 2025.1c |
2025-04-28 |
Q1 Refresh |
Minor refresh with critical fixes |
| Kali 2025.2 |
2025-06-13 |
Q2 |
Summer release with hardware improvements |
| Kali 2025.3 |
2025-09-23 |
Q3 |
Fall release with desktop enhancements |
| Kali 2025.4 |
2025-12-12 |
Q4 |
Year-end comprehensive update |
- Kali 2025.1c was a special mid-quarter refresh to address critical issues.
- Kali is a rolling release; quarterly images provide install snapshots with latest packages.
- Users on
kali-rolling receive continuous updates between quarterly releases.
- Offensive Security maintains regular tool updates through the rolling model.
- Kali continues to be based on Debian Testing with continuous package updates.
- https://www.kali.org/docs/introduction/kali-linux-history/
- https://www.kali.org/releases/
- https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2025-1-release/
- https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2025-1c-release/
- https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2025-2-release/
- https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2025-3-release/
- https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2025-4-release/