Installation Guide

Get OpenClaw Running

Choose your preferred installation method. All roads lead to the same powerful CLI.

checklist System Requirements

javascript Node.js

Node.js 22 or higher (LTS recommended)

computer OS

Windows 10+, macOS 12+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+)

memory RAM

2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended

hard_drive Disk

~500 MB disk space for installation and dependencies

extension Optional

Optional: Python 3.10+ (for some skills), Git (for source builds)

wifi Network

Internet connection required for AI API calls. Local models via Ollama work offline.

One-liner scripts that handle everything. Recommended for most users. Full guide in docs arrow_forward

Windows (PowerShell)

Run in PowerShell as Administrator for best results.

PS> curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd --tag beta && del install.cmd

macOS / Linux

Works on macOS and most Linux distributions.

$ curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s -- --install-method git

verified Verify Your Installation

Run these commands to confirm OpenClaw is installed correctly.

1
$ openclaw --version

Should print the installed version number (e.g., v2026.3.12).

2
$ openclaw doctor

Runs a diagnostic check on your environment: Node.js version, dependencies, config files, and connectivity.

3
$ openclaw onboard

Interactive setup wizard that walks you through API keys, chat platform connections, and initial configuration.

settings Initial Configuration

After installation, the onboard wizard guides you through setup. Here's what each step does.

1

Choose Your AI Provider

Select Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), Google (Gemini), or a local model via Ollama. You can switch providers anytime in your config.

2

Add Your API Key

Paste your API key from the provider's dashboard. Keys are stored locally in your .env file — never sent anywhere except the AI provider.

3

Connect a Chat Platform

Link WhatsApp (scan QR code), Telegram (paste bot token from @BotFather), Discord (paste bot token), or any other supported platform.

4

Send a Test Message

Send a message to OpenClaw through your connected chat app. If it responds, you're all set. Try: 'What can you do?'

.env — All configuration is stored in ~/.openclaw/.env. You can edit this file directly to change providers, add API keys, or adjust settings. See docs.openclaw.ai/configuration for the full reference.

system_update_alt Upgrading OpenClaw

Keep OpenClaw up to date to get the latest features, integrations, and security patches. Upgrade & migration guide arrow_forward

npm
$ npm update -g openclaw@latest
pnpm
$ pnpm update -g openclaw@latest
Git
$ cd openclaw && git pull && pnpm install && pnpm run build
Docker
$ docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest && docker restart openclaw

Check the changelog at github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases for what's new in each version.

delete_forever Uninstalling OpenClaw

If you need to remove OpenClaw from your system, follow the steps for your installation method. Detailed uninstall steps arrow_forward

npm
$ npm uninstall -g openclaw
pnpm
$ pnpm remove -g openclaw
Git (Source)
$ rm -rf ~/openclaw
Docker
$ docker stop openclaw && docker rm openclaw && docker rmi openclaw/openclaw:latest

Remove user data (optional)

This deletes all your conversations, skills, configuration, and API keys. Back up anything you need first.

macOS/Linux $ rm -rf ~/.openclaw
Windows PS> rmdir /s /q %USERPROFILE%\.openclaw

build Troubleshooting

Common issues and how to fix them. More troubleshooting tips arrow_forward

Need Help?

Join our Discord for installation support and troubleshooting.

forum Join Discord menu_book Full Install Docs
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