Kali Linux 2026.1, the first release of the year, introduces eight new tools, a kernel upgrade to 6.18, and an annual theme refresh with updated wallpapers and installer tweaks. The update also adds a BackTrack mode for Kali-Undercover, NetHunter fixes, and is available as live/installable ISOs or via an in-place apt upgrade. #KaliLinux #BackTrack
Keypoints
- Kali Linux 2026.1 adds eight new tools, including AdaptixC2, Atomic-Operator, Fluxion, GEF, MetasploitMCP, SSTImap, WPProbe, and XSStrike.
- The release includes 25 new packages, 183 updated packages, and upgrades the kernel to version 6.18.
- An annual theme refresh updates wallpapers, the graphical installer, and the boot and login experience.
- A new BackTrack mode for Kali-Undercover recreates the BackTrack 5 look and can be toggled from the menu or with kali-undercover –backtrack.
- Kali NetHunter received HID permission checks and bug fixes, and users can upgrade via the provided apt commands or download ISO images, with WSL 2 recommended for WSL users.