| name | openclaw-install |
| description | Guides the user through installing OpenClaw, the self-hosted personal AI assistant. Activate when the user says: "install OpenClaw", "set up OpenClaw", "how do I get OpenClaw running", "OpenClaw onboarding", "install openclaw on Windows/macOS/Linux", "openclaw setup wizard".
|
| version | 1.0.0 |
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:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s -- --no-onboard
& ([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:
- API key configuration for the AI model
- Gateway port and binding settings
- First messaging channel setup
- 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
openclaw status
openclaw dashboard
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
