How to Install the Kali Linux Shell on Debian & Ubuntu

Zsh (Z Shell) is a powerful and highly configurable shell, often preferred over the classic Bash for its advanced features such as enhanced autocomplete, advanced command history management, and support for themes and plugins. On Kali Linux, Zsh became the default shell starting from version 2020.4, replacing Bash to offer users a more modern and productive experience.

• Install Zsh
• Set Zsh as Default Shell
• Install Oh My Zsh
• Install Kali Linux Theme (Optional)
• Install Powerlevel10k (Recommended Alternative)
• Change Background Color

Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install zsh -y

Verify the installation with:

zsh --version

To make Zsh the default shell, run:

chsh -s $(which zsh)

Restart the terminal or manually start it with:

zsh

Install the Oh My Zsh framework for advanced management:

sudo apt install curl git -y

sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"

Download the Kali theme and apply it:

git clone https://gitlab.com/kalilinux/packages/kali-defaults.git

cp kali-defaults/etc/skel/.zshrc ~/.zshrc

source ~/.zshrc

Install the Powerlevel10k theme for a more advanced look:

git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k

Edit the configuration file:

nano ~/.zshrc

Change this line:

ZSH_THEME="powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k"

Apply the changes with:

source ~/.zshrc

To change the terminal background color, follow these steps:

• Open the terminal and access the settings.
• Go to the "Profiles" section and select the active profile.
• Find the "Background color" option and choose the desired color.
• Save the changes and restart the terminal.

Alternatively, if you're using Tilix or Alacritty, you can modify the configuration file to change the colors.