If you’re a Kali Linux user, you may have encountered an error when trying to install VirtualBox, specifically related to the package libvpx5. This issue can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to get VirtualBox up and running for your virtual environment needs. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to successfully install VirtualBox on Kali Linux and resolve the “package libvpx5 is not installed” error.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing VirtualBox, ensure that your system is up to date. Open your terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
This will refresh your package lists and upgrade any outdated packages, potentially avoiding common installation errors.
Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
To install VirtualBox without any issues, you’ll need to ensure that all required dependencies are installed. For the libvpx5 package, you can try installing it manually:
sudo apt install libvpx5
However, if the package is not available in your repositories, you might need to download it from a trusted source or replace it with an alternative.
Step 3: Add the VirtualBox Repository
To get the latest version of VirtualBox, add the official Oracle repository to your sources list:
bash
echo “deb [arch=amd64] http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -cs) contrib” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list
Next, download and add Oracle’s public key to your system:
wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -
wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -
Step 4: Install VirtualBox
Now, you can proceed with the installation of VirtualBox:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox-6.1
If you encounter the libvpx5 error at this stage, it indicates that the package is missing or incompatible with your current setup.
Step 5: Fix the ‘libvpx5’ Error
If the libvpx5 package cannot be installed, you can try the following alternatives:
Install an Older Version of VirtualBox: You might install a previous version of VirtualBox that doesn’t require libvpx5:
sudo apt install virtualbox-5.2
Use a Compatibility Package: Install a compatible version of the libvpx library, such as libvpx6:
sudo apt install libvpx6
Then, retry installing VirtualBox.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you should be able to install VirtualBox on your Kali Linux system without running into the libvpx5 error. VirtualBox is an essential tool for running virtual machines, and with this guide, you’re now equipped to overcome common installation hurdles. If you found this post helpful, check out the accompanying video on my YouTube channel, where I demonstrate these steps in real time.