How to Fix Kali Linux Boot Login Loop: A Step-by-Step Guide

By /
Struggling with the boot login loop in Kali Linux? Learn the step-by-step solution to fix it through the terminal and regain access to your system.

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever encountered the dreaded login loop issue in Kali Linux? You enter your username and password, but the system stubbornly sends you back to the login screen. Frustrating, isn’t it? This common error often stems from misconfigurations or permission issues in the desktop environment.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a simple and effective fix using terminal commands. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced Linux user, this step-by-step guide will help you resolve the issue quickly.

Common Causes of the Login Loop in Kali Linux

Before diving into the solution, it’s essential to understand what might be causing the issue:

  1. Incorrect File Permissions: Misconfigured permissions in your home directory.
  2. Corrupted Display Manager Settings: Issues with LightDM, GDM, or other display managers.
  3. Driver Issues: Problems with graphic drivers after updates.
  4. Insufficient Disk Space: Running out of space can prevent the desktop environment from loading.

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix the Login Loop
Follow these steps to fix the issue:

Step 1: Access the Terminal

  • At the login screen, press Ctrl + Alt + F2 to open a terminal interface.
  • Log in with your username and password.

Step 2: Check Available Disk Space

  • Run the following command to check if you’ve run out of disk space:

       Command: df -h

  • If your root partition is full, consider deleting unnecessary files or moving them to an external drive.

Step 3: Reset File Permissions

  • Sometimes, incorrect permissions in your home directory cause the issue. Fix them by running: 
  • Command: chmod -R 755 /home/your-username                                                      

           

  • Replace your-username with your actual username.

Step 4: Reconfigure the Display Manager

  • Reset the display manager settings by running:
  • Command: sudo dpkg-reconfigure lightdm                                                                                                 
  • You can choose a different display manager during the reconfiguration process if needed.

Step 5: Install Missing or Update Drivers

  • If the issue is due to graphic drivers, try:
  • Command: 

           1.  sudo apt-get update
           2.  sudo apt-get install –reinstall xserver-xorg

Step 6: Restart the System

  • Finally, restart your system to check if the issue is resolved:
  • Command: reboot

Preventing Future Login Loop Issues

To avoid encountering this issue in the future, follow these tips:

  • Regularly update your system and drivers using sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
  • Avoid force shutdowns, which can corrupt files.
  • Monitor disk usage to prevent your root partition from filling up.

Step: Free Up Disk Space Using Autoclean

Sometimes, insufficient disk space can prevent your system from booting properly. You can free up space by removing unnecessary package files.

Run the following command:

  • sudo apt autoclean

         This will clean up old, no longer needed package files in /var/cache/apt/archives/, saving valuable disk space. After this, you can also run:

  • sudo apt autoremove

    This command will remove any unnecessary dependencies that were installed with packages you no longer need.

Conclusion

Fixing the login loop in Kali Linux might seem intimidating at first, but with these simple steps, you can get your system back up and running. Linux is a powerful tool for cybersecurity enthusiasts and ethical hackers, and overcoming challenges like these only enhances your expertise.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow Linux enthusiasts and subscribe to our updates for more tech solutions.

Scroll to Top