How to Install OpenClaw — Complete Installation Guide for Windows, Mac & Linux

Installing OpenClaw takes about 5 minutes. You'll need Node.js 22+, Git, and 8GB of RAM. The quickest way is a single npm install -g openclaw@latest command followed by the onboarding wizard. Alternatively, skip installation entirely with MyClaw.ai managed hosting.

What You'll Need Before Installing OpenClaw

Before you install OpenClaw on your machine, gather these requirements:

| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended | |-------------|---------|-------------| | RAM | 8GB | 16GB | | Storage | 10GB | 20GB | | Node.js | v22 | v22+ (latest LTS) | | OS | Win 10 (WSL2) / macOS 12 / Ubuntu 20.04 | Latest stable |

Option 1: Skip Installation with Managed Hosting

Don't want to deal with installation? MyClaw.ai offers fully managed OpenClaw hosting — your instance is ready in seconds with zero setup:

• Instant setup — No installing, no configuring, no terminal commands
• Always running — 24/7 uptime without keeping your computer on
• Automatic updates — Always running the latest OpenClaw version

Get started with MyClaw.ai →

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Option 2: Self-Host OpenClaw

There are two ways to self-host: the recommended global install (easiest) or building from source (for developers).

Recommended: Global Install

This is the fastest way to get OpenClaw running on any platform:

npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The onboarding wizard walks you through configuring your gateway, workspace, channels, and skills. The --install-daemon flag sets up a background service (launchd on macOS, systemd on Linux) so OpenClaw runs persistently.

After onboarding, verify your setup:

openclaw doctor

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Alternative: Build from Source

If you prefer full control or want to contribute to OpenClaw, you can build from source. Follow the platform-specific guides below.

Install OpenClaw on Windows

WSL2 is strongly recommended for running OpenClaw on Windows. Install WSL2 first, then follow the Linux instructions below.

If you still want to run natively on Windows:

Step 1: Install Prerequisites

1. Download Node.js v22+ (LTS version)
2. Download Git for Windows
3. Install pnpm — OpenClaw's preferred package manager
4. Restart your terminal after installation

Verify the installations:

node --version   # Should be v22 or later
git --version
pnpm --version

Step 2: Clone OpenClaw Repository

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

Step 3: Install and Build

pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build

This downloads all required packages and builds the project.

Step 4: Run the Onboarding Wizard

pnpm openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The wizard guides you through configuring OpenClaw, including setting up your AI model, channels, and workspace.

Install OpenClaw on macOS

Step 1: Install Prerequisites

The easiest way is using Homebrew:

# Install Homebrew if needed
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Node.js and Git
brew install node git

# Install pnpm
brew install pnpm

Step 2: Clone and Build

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build

Step 3: Run the Onboarding Wizard

pnpm openclaw onboard --install-daemon

This sets up a launchd service so OpenClaw runs in the background automatically.

macOS Permissions

OpenClaw may request accessibility permissions for screen recording and voice features. When prompted, go to:

System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility

Add your terminal application to the allowed list.

Install OpenClaw on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Step 1: Install Prerequisites

# Update package manager
sudo apt update

# Install Node.js 22 via NodeSource
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs

# Install Git
sudo apt install -y git

# Install pnpm
npm install -g pnpm

Step 2: Clone and Build

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build

Step 3: Run the Onboarding Wizard

pnpm openclaw onboard --install-daemon

This sets up a systemd user service so OpenClaw runs persistently in the background.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

"pnpm install" fails with permission errors

On Linux/macOS, avoid using sudo with pnpm or npm. Instead, fix permissions:

mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH

"Node version not supported" error

OpenClaw requires Node.js 22 or later:

node --version

If your version is older, download the latest from nodejs.org or use nvm to manage versions:

nvm install 22
nvm use 22

Port already in use

Another application is using the same port. Either:

• Stop the conflicting application
• Specify a different port: openclaw gateway --port 18790

Missing native dependencies

On Linux, you may need additional build tools:

sudo apt install build-essential

Run the diagnostic tool

OpenClaw includes a built-in diagnostic command that checks your configuration:

openclaw doctor

Verify Your Installation

After installing OpenClaw, run the diagnostic tool to confirm everything is working:

openclaw doctor

Then test with a simple agent command:

openclaw agent --message "Hello, are you working?"

If OpenClaw responds, your installation is complete.

Updating OpenClaw

To update your OpenClaw installation to the latest version:

If installed globally:

openclaw update --channel stable

If built from source:

cd openclaw
git pull origin main
pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build

Next Steps

Now that OpenClaw is installed:

• Read the Getting Started Guide to learn basic usage
• Learn more about What is OpenClaw
• Explore OpenClaw hosting options for running 24/7