Parrot Security OS Explained + Full Installation Guide

When individuals first venture into the realm of cybersecurity, the name that is frequently mentioned is Kali Linux. It serves as the apparent starting point — and indeed, it is a powerful tool. However, it can also feel cumbersome, particularly on older laptops. This is where Parrot Security OS quietly emerges as a more suitable option for many learners. Parrot is based on Debian, ensuring its stability. Unlike Kali, it does not significantly burden your machine. It comes equipped with hacking tools, forensic utilities, and privacy features such as Tor and AnonSurf, all pre-installed. There is no need for extensive searching or setup — it is ready to use as soon as you boot it up. Furthermore, this is not merely another article listing features. I will guide you through the process of installing Parrot step by step, as if we were sitting together. We will download it, configure it, and even execute a few commands together. By the conclusion of this guide, you will not only understand what Parrot is — you will have it operational. What is Parrot Security OS? So, what precisely is Parrot Security OS? Consider it a Linux distribution specifically tailored for one primary purpose — security and privacy. Being open source, it is available for anyone to use at no cost, and it has gained popularity among individuals learning ethical hacking, conducting investigations, or simply seeking greater control over their digital existence. Now, here’s the important part: Parrot does not aim to reinvent the wheel. It remains fundamentally Debian-based, yet it comes pre-equipped with numerous tools that would typically require hours to install. For instance, penetration testing tools are readily available. Do you want to scan a network or verify open ports? Completed. Need to analyze logs or recover a deleted file? Indeed, it includes forensic tools at your disposal. And if your primary concern is privacy, Tor and AnonSurf are immediately accessible upon logging in. In summary, it conserves your time. Rather than spending half a day installing additional packages, Parrot provides you with a fully functional workspace right out of the box. It feels lighter than Kali, yet it remains sufficiently robust for serious tasks. Frankly, it resembles a toolbox that does not burden you. Quick checklist before we start Backup any important data (if you’re installing on a real machine).
A USB stick (8 GB or larger). A stable internet connection for downloading and updates.
Know whether your PC uses UEFI or legacy BIOS (most modern PCs are UEFI). If dual-booting with Windows: disable Fast Startup in Windows and shrink Windows partition from Windows Disk Management first. 1) Download and verify the ISO Download the Parrot Security Edition ISO from the official site. Save it somewhere obvious (Downloads/ParrotOS.iso).
After download, verify checksum so you don’t waste time on a corrupt ISO. On ***Linux* / macOS:** sha256sum ParrotOS.iso compare the printed hash with the one on the Parrot download page
If they match, good. If not — re-download. Corrupt ISOs cause installers to fail mid-install. Verifying saves headaches. Let us be candid — not every laptop available is equipped to handle resource-intensive Linux distributions. The advantage of Parrot is its relatively low demand. You do not require a high-end gaming computer to experiment with it. Even a mid-range or older laptop can successfully boot it up. However, if you desire a setup that allows for a smooth experience — such as running Nmap, a web browser, and a terminal simultaneously without lagging — it is advisable to opt for slightly better specifications. An Intel i3 or i5 (or an equivalent AMD processor), a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, at least 40 GB of storage, and a standard modern display (1024×768 or higher) will provide a more pleasant experience. A small tip: if you are installing Parrot within a virtual machine like VirtualBox or VMware, allocate at least 2 CPU cores and 4 GB of RAM. Otherwise, you may find the performance to be sluggish. In summary, Parrot is adaptable. You can experiment with it on a low-end machine to familiarize yourself, but if you intend to utilize the tools effectively, it is wise to provide it with adequate resources. Press enter or click to view image in full size Step-by-Step: Install Parrot Security OS (practical guide)
Quick checklist before we begin Backup any essential data (if you are installing on a physical machine).
A USB drive (8 GB or larger).
A reliable internet connection for downloads and updates.
Determine whether your PC operates on UEFI or legacy BIOS (most contemporary PCs utilize UEFI). If you are dual-booting with Windows: disable Fast Startup in Windows and reduce the Windows partition using Windows Disk Management first.
1) Download and verify the ISO Obtain the Parrot Security Edition ISO from the official website. Save it in a location that is easy to find (Downloads/ParrotOS.iso).
After downloading, verify the checksum to ensure you do not waste time with a corrupted ISO. sha256sum ParrotOS.iso Press enter or click to view image in full size compare the printed hash with the one on the Parrot download page
If they match, good. If not — re-download. Why this step? Corrupt ISOs cause installers to fail mid-install. Verifying saves headaches. Press enter or click to view image in full size 2) Create a bootable USB (safe methods) On Windows — use Rufus (easy) Download and open Rufus. Select your USB device. Under Boot selection choose the Parrot ISO.
Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI systems, MBR for legacy BIOS. If you’re not sure, pick GPT for modern machines.
File system: FAT32 (default). Click Start and wait.
On macOS / Linux — use dd (careful) Find the USB device name (run before and after plugging the USB to compare): or
diskutil list # macOS Assume USB is /dev/sdb (verify yours!). Then: sudo dd if=ParrotOS.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync Replace /dev/sdX with your USB device (on macOS use /dev/rdiskN sometimes). Double-check device name — dd will wipe the chosen device.
3) Boot from the USB Reboot your system and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (commonly by pressing F2, F12, Esc, or Del).
Select USB as the primary boot device or opt for the temporary boot menu (often F12 on various laptops). Become a member
In the event of a boot failure, verify the Secure Boot settings: if your computer enforces Secure Boot and the USB fails to boot, you may need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS (some distributions are compatible with Secure Boot, but if it obstructs the boot process, it should be disabled). You will arrive at Parrot’s boot menu (with Live / Install options). Select Install Parrot (or the graphical installer). 4) Installer: language, keyboard, timezone The installer will prompt you to: Choose a language (English is acceptable).
Select your keyboard layout (pick the one you utilize).
Generated image
Choose your timezone or region.
Assign a hostname (for example, parrot-lab). Keep it straightforward.
There’s nothing elaborate here — select what suits you best. 5) Create user & root passwords The installer will request: A standard user account (for your everyday use).
A root password (for administrative access).
Ensure both are secure and memorable. You will execute administrative commands using sudo from the standard user account (or switch to root using su, depending on the distribution’s behavior). A brief note: Avoid using simple passwords during your learning process — it fosters a poor habit. Press enter or click to view image in full size 6) Disk partitioning — choose guided or manual This is a crucial step. The installer typically presents options: A. Guided (recommended for beginners) Select Guided — utilize the entire disk (this action will erase all data on the disk).
The installer will handle partition creation and formatting.
Accept the terms and proceed. This is the quickest and safest choice if you do not require dual-booting or a custom layout. B. Manual (for advanced users / dual-boot) If you wish to retain Windows or create custom partitions, select Manual and adhere to the guidelines provided below.
7) Filesystems & encryption (optional) If you want disk encryption (LUKS), many installers provide an option during partitioning — choose encrypt the new installation. It will ask for a passphrase. Encryption is good for security but more advanced — keep a backup of the passphrase. 8) Install the base system The installer will copy files and install packages. This usually takes 10–30 minutes depending on medium and drive speed.
Let it finish. Don’t remove the USB while copying is underway. 9) Install GRUB bootloader When asked to install GRUB, choose Yes.
Install GRUB to your main drive (example /dev/sda) — not to a partition number like /dev/sda1. This will make Parrot bootable. 10) First reboot — remove USB When install finishes, reboot. Remove USB when prompted.
Boot into your new Parrot system. If you see a menu with multiple OSes, pick Parrot. If it fails to boot: go back to BIOS and check boot order / secure boot settings. 11) First commands after login (do this immediately) Open a terminal and run: update package lists and upgrade installed packages
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y remove unused packages and clean cache
sudo apt autoremove -y && sudo apt autoclean reboot if kernel updated
sudo reboot This brings your system fully up to date. 13) Dual-boot troubleshooting (quick tips) If Windows overwrote GRUB or you can’t boot Parrot, boot the USB in Try Live mode, open a terminal and run: find the root partition, e.g. /dev/sda2
lsblk mount it
sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt sudo mount –bind /dev /mnt/dev sudo mount –bind /proc /mnt/proc sudo mount –bind /sys /mnt/sys chroot
sudo chroot /mnt reinstall grub (example for BIOS systems)
grub-install /dev/sda exit chroot and reboot
exit (Replace /dev/sdaX with actual root partition.) For UEFI, you may need efibootmgr or reinstall GRUB-EFI packages. 14) Common mistakes & fixes (so you don’t panic) USB won’t boot → recreate the USB, try Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (multiplatform). Check BIOS USB boot order and Secure Boot.
Installer fails during copy → verify ISO checksum and recreate USB.
“No bootable device” after install → check BIOS boot order or reinstall GRUB to the right disk. Press enter or click to view image in full size 15) Short checklist for a smooth install (copy/paste) Backup files.
Download ISO and verify checksum.
Create bootable USB (Rufus / Etcher / dd).
Disable Windows Fast Startup (if dual-booting).
Boot from USB and choose installer.
For beginners: choose Guided partition.
Install GRUB to main drive.
After first boot: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y.
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