openclaw-install

OpenClaw Installation

OpenClaw is a self-hosted personal AI assistant that connects to messaging channels (WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, and more). Install it using one of the methods below based on the user's platform and preference.

System Requirements

• Node.js 22+ (the installer handles this automatically if missing)
• macOS, Linux, or Windows (WSL2 strongly recommended on Windows)
• pnpm is required only when building from source

Recommended: Installer Script

This is the fastest path. The script installs Node if needed, installs OpenClaw, and launches the onboarding wizard.

macOS / Linux / WSL2:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex

To skip the onboarding wizard and install headlessly:

# Unix
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s -- --no-onboard

# Windows
& ([scriptblock]::Create((iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1))) -NoOnboard

Alternative: npm / pnpm

Use when the installer script is not available or when the user wants manual control.

npm:

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

pnpm:

pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
pnpm approve-builds -g
openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Alternative: Build from Source

Use when the user wants the latest unreleased code or needs to modify OpenClaw.

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build
pnpm link --global
openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Other Runtimes & Platforms

• Docker / Podman / Nix — Container-based install options are available
• Bun — Supports CLI-only mode (no daemon)
• Ansible — For fleet provisioning across multiple machines

Onboarding Wizard

After installation, the onboarding wizard (openclaw onboard) walks through:

1. API key configuration for the AI model
2. Gateway port and binding settings
3. First messaging channel setup
4. Workspace and skills directory selection

Run it at any time to reconfigure:

openclaw onboard

Post-Installation Verification

After setup, confirm everything is working:

openclaw doctor     # Diagnose config issues and security warnings
openclaw status     # Check if the gateway is running
openclaw dashboard  # Open the browser-based UI

If openclaw doctor reports issues, refer to the openclaw:config skill for configuration guidance.

Environment Variables

Override default paths by setting these before running OpenClaw:

Variable	Purpose
OPENCLAW_HOME	Override the default ~/.openclaw directory
OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR	Override state/session storage location
OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH	Override the config file path

References

• Official docs: https://docs.openclaw.ai/install
• GitHub: https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw
• Getting started: https://docs.openclaw.ai/start/getting-started