Commando VM: The Windows-Based Alternative to Kali Linux for Penetration Testing 🛡️

When it comes to penetration testing, most cybersecurity professionals think of Kali Linux 🐧, the go-to Linux-based distribution packed with security tools. However, what if you need a Windows-based alternative? Enter Commando VM 💻, a powerful virtual machine developed by Mandiant, designed specifically for red teaming and penetration testing on Windows environments.

(Why do Linux users love dark mode? Because the light attracts too many bugs! 🪲😆)

🔍 What is Commando VM?

Commando VM is a Windows-based penetration testing platform that transforms a standard Windows machine into a full-fledged security testing environment. It is particularly useful for Active Directory exploitation, post-exploitation scenarios, and red team operations, where Windows compatibility is essential. The tool comes preloaded with penetration testing utilities, PowerShell scripts, and reverse engineering tools, making it a versatile choice for security professionals.

🆚 Key Differences: Commando VM vs. Kali Linux

✅ Why Choose Commando VM?

✔ Windows Native Environment – Perfect for security testing in corporate networks where Windows reigns supreme.

✔ Active Directory Exploitation – Loaded with BloodHound and CrackMapExec for AD-focused attacks.

✔ Powerful Windows Exploitation Tools – Comes equipped with Windows-specific pentesting tools that can be tricky to configure on Linux.

✔ Chocolatey for Easy Installations – The Chocolatey and Boxstarter package managers streamline software management.

✔ Smooth GUI Support – GUI-based tools like Burp Suite and Wireshark work seamlessly in the Windows environment.

❌ Drawbacks of Commando VM

❗ Resource Hog – Windows is inherently heavier on system resources than Kali Linux.

❗ Slower Performance – Windows can be sluggish compared to the lean efficiency of Kali.

❗ Limited Wi-Fi Hacking Tools – Unlike Kali, Commando VM doesn’t natively support wireless network attacks.

❗ Longer Setup Process – Installing Commando VM takes patience—it’s not a quick one-and-done like Kali.

🛠️ Installation Prerequisites

System Requirements

• Windows 10 or 11 (Professional, Enterprise, or Education) – Home editions are not supported.
• Virtualization Software (Optional) – VMware Workstation or VirtualBox.
• Admin Privileges – Required for installing tools and modifying system settings.
• Chocolatey Package Manager – Used to install most of the tools automatically.

Hardware Recommendations

• CPU: 4+ Cores (Intel i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7)
• RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended for smooth operation)
• Storage: At least 80GB of free disk space
• GPU (Optional): Recommended for tools that leverage GPU acceleration

🚀 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Windows System

✅ Ensure you have a fresh install of Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise. £
✅ Install all necessary Windows updates.
✅ Disable Windows Defender and Tamper Protection:

• Open Windows Security.
• Navigate to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
• Turn Tamper Protection off.
• Reboot your system.

Disable Real-Time Protection via Group Policy:

gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Enable **Turn off real-time protection**.

Step 2: Download and Install Commando VM

✅ Complete the pre-install procedures by disabling Defender.
✅ Download and extract the Commando VM repo -> https://github.com/mandiant/commando-vm
✅ Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -force
cd ~/Downloads/commando-vm
Get-ChildItem .\ -Recurse | Unblock-File
.\install.ps1

✅ The script will install Chocolatey, Boxstarter, and all necessary pentesting tools.
✅ The installation process may take several hours, so grab some coffee! ☕

Step 3: Explore the Installed Tools

✅ Commando VM ships with an arsenal of tools, including:

• BloodHound 🐺 – Visualize AD attack paths.
• PowerShell Empire ⚡ – Post-exploitation framework.
• Mimikatz 🦊 – Steal credentials like a pro.
• Burp Suite – Web security scanner.
• Metasploit – The ultimate exploit development framework.
• Wireshark – Dive into network packet analysis.

Step 4: Reboot and Start Testing

✅ Once installation is complete, reboot your system.
✅ You’re now equipped with a powerful Windows penetration testing environment! 🎉

🏁 Wrapping Up

Commando VM is a killer alternative for penetration testers working in Windows environments, especially for red teaming, Active Directory exploitation, and malware analysis. While it doesn’t have everything Kali does, it excels where Windows compatibility is key.

🤡 To end things up, here are some jokes

• Why do Linux users hate horror movies?
  Because nothing is scarier than updating dependencies and breaking everything. 💀🐧
• Why don’t Linux users play video games?
  Because first, they have to compile the kernel, install 15 libraries, and sacrifice a goat to the dependency gods. 🎮🔥
• Why did the Linux user refuse to help their friend install software?
  Because they already wrote a 500-page Arch wiki about it—RTFM! 📖😆
• Why is Linux like an abusive relationship?
  Because you have to do everything manually, it keeps breaking things randomly, and yet you keep coming back for more. 😭💔
• Why did the Linux admin never get promoted?
  Because every time they were about to reach the top, they switched to a different distro. 🔄🤣
• What’s a Linux user’s worst nightmare?
  Realizing their entire file system was mounted as read-only after an update. 💀🖥️
• Why don’t Linux users have social lives?
  Because they’re too busy customizing their terminal themes and arguing about systemd. 🎨🔥
• Why did the Linux user fail the driving test?
  Because they insisted on using manual transmission when the examiner clearly said “automatic.” 🚗😆
• What do you call a Linux user who finally switches to Windows?
  A survivor. 🏆😂
• Why do Linux users love Vim?
  Because once they enter, they can never leave. 😈⌨️