How I Fixed My Kali Linux Installation Loop on UTM (Mac M1/M2)

Installing Kali Linux on a Mac using UTM should be simple until it loops back to the installer after a seemingly successful setup. That’s exactly what happened to me. And after a lot of head-scratching, I finally figured it out.

If you’re stuck in the same loop, this post is for you.

My Setup

• MacBook with Apple Silicon (M1)
• UTM for macOS
• Kali Linux ARM64 ISO

The Problem

After installing Kali via UTM, I expected to boot into the OS but instead, it kept taking me back to the installer screen. No matter how many times I installed it, the result was the same.

The issue was that UTM was still booting from the ISO, not the installed system.

Here’s exactly how I fixed it.

1. Power Off the VM

Make sure Kali is shut down completely not suspended. Then right click to edit.

2. VM Settings > Drives

Here’s what I saw:

• USB Drive
• Path: linux-installer.arm64.iso
• Image Type: CD/DVD (ISO)
• Interface: USB
• Read-only: checked
• VirtIO Drive
• This is your Kali virtual hard disk.

3. Clear the ISO from the USB Drive

In the USB Drive section:

• I clicked the “Clear” button beside the Path field.
• This detached the Kali ISO from the virtual machine

This is the key step. If you leave the ISO attached, UTM will always boot into it not your installed system.

4. Make Sure Your Disk is Still Attached

Ensure your VirtIO drive (your virtual hard disk) is still there. This is where Kali was installed. Then save

5. Start the VM

After this, I booted the VM and it finally launched straight into Kali Linux, and not the installer.