Resolving Parallels Tools Installation Failure on Kali Linux - libfuse2 No Longer Available

As of April 20, 2026, the libfuse2 package is no longer available in the kali-rolling repository. Parallels Tools for Linux requires this library, so a new installation of Parallels Tools does not complete in Kali Linux 2026.1 and later. This article explains why the installation fails and describes three workarounds.

E: Unable to locate package libfuse2
E: Package 'libfuse2' has no installation candidate
dpkg: dependency problems prevent configuration of parallels-tools

Note: The kali-last-snapshot branch still provides libfuse2 at the time of writing, but this is expected to change as the branch is refreshed. If you manage several virtual machines or automated deployments, plan for a longer-term solution rather than relying on this branch.

Before you begin

The steps below are a workaround. Parallels is aware of the issue, and a permanent fix is being worked on.

1. Take a snapshot of the virtual machine before you modify packages or repository sources, so that you can revert the guest if necessary. In the Mac menu bar, click Actions > Take Snapshot.
2. Make sure you have administrator rights in the guest operating system. All commands below require sudo.

Apply one of the three workarounds below. The first is recommended for most users.

Option 1: Install libfuse2 manually from the Debian package pool

Download and install the package from a Debian release that still provides it, and then run the Parallels Tools installation as usual. Perform all of the following steps inside the Kali Linux virtual machine as per the below instructions:

1. Download the package that matches the architecture of the guest. You can confirm the current file name by browsing the Debian pool directory at deb.debian.org/debian/pool/main/f/fuse/.

   # Apple silicon (arm64) guests
   wget http://ftp.debian.org/debian/pool/main/f/fuse/libfuse2t64_2.9.9-9_arm64.deb
   

2. Install the downloaded package and resolve any outstanding dependencies. Adjust the file name to match the package you downloaded.

   sudo dpkg -i libfuse2t64_2.9.9-9_arm64.deb
   sudo apt --fix-broken install

3. Verify that the library is installed:

   dpkg -l libfuse2

   The output lists the package with the status.
    
4. Install Parallels Tools. In the Mac menu bar, click Actions > Install Parallels Tools, then follow the on-screen instructions. For detailed steps, see KB 129740.

Option 2: Temporarily switch to the kali-last-snapshot branch

The kali-last-snapshot branch still carries libfuse2, which allows the package manager to resolve the dependency without manual intervention.

1. Open the repository sources file in the guest:

   sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

2. Find the line that references kali-rolling and change it to kali-last-snapshot:

   # Before
   deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
   
   # After
   deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-last-snapshot main contrib non-free non-free-firmware

   Save the file and close the editor. In nano, press Ctrl+O, then Ctrl+X.
    
3. Refresh the package lists and install the library:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install libfuse2

4. Install Parallels Tools as described in step 4 of Option 1.
5. Once Parallels Tools is installed, change the sources file back to kali-rolling and run sudo apt update again.

Note: This is a temporary measure. The kali-last-snapshot branch will eventually drop libfuse2 as well. Return to kali-rolling once the installation is complete. Remaining on the snapshot branch delays security and system updates.

Option 3: Add a temporary third-party repository

Add a repository that still provides libfuse2 or libfuse2t64, install the package, and then remove the repository to avoid long-term dependency conflicts.

1. Add the repository as a separate file in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/.
2. Run sudo apt update and install libfuse2.
3. Install Parallels Tools as described in step 4 of Option 1.
4. Delete the repository file from /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ and run sudo apt update to restore the standard configuration.

This option is intended for users who are comfortable managing package repositories. Parallels does not endorse or support any specific third-party repository. Verify the trustworthiness of any source before you add it to the system, as mixing repositories can destabilise the guest operating system.

Note: Once Parallels Tools for Linux migrates its AppImage dependency from libfuse2 to libfuse3, these workarounds will no longer be required. Subscribe to the Parallels Desktop for Mac release notes for updates.