How to install xfce on kali linux

XFCE is the default desktop environment for many Kali builds because it's lightweight, fast, and stable. If you're using Kali Linux (Minimal, Net Installer, or a non-XFCE ISO), you can install XFCE manually with just a few commands.

Step 1: Update Kali Linux

Always start with an update:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install the XFCE Desktop Environment

Install the full XFCE package with common plugins and tools:

sudo apt install -y xfce4 xfce4-goodies

This installs:

• XFCE desktop

• Panel plugins

• System utilities

• XFCE settings manager

Step 3: Install a Display Manager (If Needed)

If you installed Kali without a GUI, you need a login manager.

LightDM works best with XFCE:

sudo apt install -y lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter

If you’re prompted to choose a display manager, select:

lightdm

To reconfigure manually:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm

Step 4: Reboot the System

Reboot to start XFCE:

sudo reboot

On startup, the LightDM login screen will appear.

Step 5: Choose XFCE Session (If You Have Multiple Desktops)

Click the session icon on the login screen and choose:

XFCE Session

Optional Step: Install XFCE Themes & Icons

Make XFCE look more modern:

sudo apt install -y arc-theme papirus-icon-theme

You can then switch themes via:

Settings → Appearance → Themes / Icons

Optional Step: Set Up xRDP for Remote GUI

If you want remote desktop access:

sudo apt install -y xrdp
sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp
echo "xfce4-session" > ~/.xsession
sudo systemctl restart xrdp

XFCE is the ideal choice for penetration testing on low-resource systems, VMs, and VPS environments because it’s fast, minimal, and doesn’t drain performance like GNOME or KDE.