In this article we will be going through on How to install the Metasploit Framework on windows and as an added bonus there will be a guide on How to install the Metasploit Framework on Linux as well but before diving in on the process let’s talk about what is Metasploit?
Cybercriminals and ethical hackers can both use the sophisticated Metasploit framework to scan servers and networks for systemic weaknesses. It may be used with most operating systems and is highly customizable because it is an open-source framework. The pen testing team can employ ready-made or bespoke code with Metasploit to introduce it into a network and probe for vulnerabilities. Once faults are discovered and recorded, a different variation of threat hunting can be used to prioritize fixes and address systemic issues.
Now without wasting anytime let us go through the process on How to install the Metasploit Framework on Windows first, then we will move on to the process on How to install the Metasploit Framework on Linux.
installing the Metasploit Framework on windows
In order to install Metasploit Framework on Windows there are few prerequisites that need to be done which will ensure smooth and hassle free installation.
Prerequisites
If the requirement are not met before downloading the Metasploit Framework, you may face the issue shown in the image above. So to dodge the issue follow the following steps:
As shown in the images above we need to turn off the Windows security off as the Metasploit Framework is seen as a threat by the Windows Security System. Follow the steps below which will make sure you done face any errors during the installation.
- Go to Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Defender Firewall\Customize Settings
- Turn off
- Go to Windows Defender > Virus & Threat Protection and under manage settings turn off all the available options. Although it’s enough if we just turn off Real Time Protection but let’s just turn off all the options just to ensure smooth installation.
Installation Process
Ok now that we have all the firewall and protection turned off we can finally move on to the installation process.
Downloading the Metasploit Framework
- Go to http://windows.metasploit.com/
- Choose the version you want to install or simply download the latest release from the list.
- Wait for the download to complete, the downloaded file will be .msi which is a executable file format for the Windows OS
Installation Process
Steps for Installation
- Run the .msi file that you have downloaded. To run the file double click the file or right click on it and click run as administrator.
- You will see a Welcome Page, Click next.
- Read the license agreement and accept it then click Next.
- Then select the installation drive, we recommend leaving it C:/ as the default. Click Next
- Click Install.
- Wait for the installation to be completed then click finish.
- That’s it the installation process is completed. But wait we are not done yet.
To make sure that you don’t face error in the future we recommended adding the installation folder to the exclusions, this will exclude Microsoft Defender Antivirus from scanning the folder and marking it as a threat. That’s all there is on How to install the Metasploit Framework on Windows. To run the Metasploit Framework go to the installation folder then go to “bin” folder and type “./msfconsole.bat”. If you have followed the steps as shown open a PowerShell then type
C:\metasploit-framework\bin
./msfconsole.bat
Well now that we have finished with the installation of Metasploit Framework on Windows, as promised now we will see How to install the Metasploit Framework on Linux. So let’s just dive right in.
install the Metasploit Framework On Linux
Unlike on Windows the installation process on Linux is pretty straight forward. Here is the step by step guide.
- Open a terminal then enter the following command (Use sudo if required)
- curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-omnibus/master/config/templates/metasploit-framework-wrappers/msfupdate.erb > msfinstall
- chmod +x msfinstall
- ./msfinstall
- After installation has been completed use “msfconsole” to run the Metasploit Framework
