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openclaw install

OpenClaw Install:
Your first step to smart automation

This guide details the primary ways to install OpenClaw. Whether you want a fully automated one-line setup or prefer using Node package managers as a developer, you will be operational with AI models in minutes.

OpenClaw InstallationSetupCLIQuickstartGuide

The core flow you need to know

Script

Recommended: Auto Script

The easiest way. No prerequisites required – the script detects your OS and handles the runtime setup for you.

Package

Developer Option: npm/pnpm

If you already have Node.js 22+ active in your environment, using a standard package manager is natively supported.

Setup

Interactive Onboarding

Once installed, the onboard command guides you through authentications, models, and initial preferences.

CLI

A straightforward CLI

Whether spinning up the Web UI or adding new agents, OpenClaw provides concise commands for your workflows.

Method 1: Script Installation (Recommended)

This is the most straightforward method. You do not need to install Node or configure anything beforehand. The script automatically fetches what it needs and initiates the onboarding process. Add the skip flag to avoid prompts during automated setups.

macOS / Linux / WSL2

Run the Bash script

Downloads the CLI, installs it globally, and automatically launches the onboarding wizard.

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

Run the PowerShell script

Answers Node detection and installs the CLI. The example command includes a flag to skip onboarding.

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

Method 2 Prerequisites

If you choose to skip the automated script and deploy using a Node package manager directly, you must make sure your environment matches these requirements:

Required

  • Node.js≥ 22.0.0
  • Package Managernpm ≥ 10.0.0 (or pnpm ≥ 8.0.0)

Recommended

  • OS SupportLinux, macOS, Windows 10/11
  • HardwareAt least 8GB RAM, 2GB free storage

Verify current environment

node --version # Should output v22.x.x or higher
npm --version  # Should output 10.x.x or higher

Package Manager Installation

If you are already familiar with frontend tooling and have Node ready, select from the package manager methods below. We recommend npm (universal) or pnpm (fastest).

Primary Choice

Install via npm

The default and most universal package manager bundled with Node.js.

npm install -g openclaw@latest
Recommended

Install via pnpm

If you work heavily with Node, pnpm is often the preferred choice for its speed.

npm install -g pnpm 
pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
Alternative

Install via bun

If you prefer using the bun runtime tooling, it is fully supported as well.

bun install -g openclaw@latest
Final Step

Verify the installation

Run this command to check if the version is printed correctly.

openclaw --version

Quickstart: The Detailed 3-Step Flow

With the CLI installed, you need to configure your AI credentials and select a messaging channel. Review the precise steps to get fully operational.

Prerequisites

  • Completed OpenClaw installation (via script or package manager)
  • Have at least one API Key ready (e.g. OpenAI, DeepSeek, Claude)
  • Have a messaging platform account (Telegram, Discord, Feishu, etc.)
Step 1

Run the Onboarding Wizard

This initializes an interactive CLI flow setting up all foundational structures.

Start Config Wizard

Execute this command in your terminal:

  • Launches the interactive wizard
  • Installs the background daemon (optional)
  • Creates necessary configuration files
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
1. Select Mode

We highly recommend "QuickStart" for an easy setup.

? Select setup mode:
  ❯ QuickStart - Fast defaults (Recommended)
    Custom - Advanced configuration
2. Choose AI Provider

Select the model provider you want to use. We suggest an accessible tier like OpenAI or DeepSeek.

? AI Provider:
    OpenAI GPT - Classic choice
    Claude - Anthropic models
  ❯ DeepSeek - Great reasoning & code
    Ollama - Fully offline local models
3. Enter API Key

Paste the key from your provider console.

  • OpenAI: Visit platform.openai.com
  • DeepSeek: Visit platform.deepseek.com
  • Claude: Visit console.anthropic.com
? Enter API Key: [Paste your token]
✓ Validating API Key...
✓ Success!
4. Skip Optionals

For the first run, skipping channels and plugins prevents a bloated setup flow.

? Configure Channels now?
  ❯ Skip for now

? Install Skills now?
  ❯ Skip for now
5. Launch Web UI

The dashboard serves as your primary visual management hub.

? Open Web Dashboard?
  ❯ Yes

✓ Dashboard URL: http://127.0.0.1:18789
Step 2

Connect a Chat Platform

Link your agent to a messaging app so you can summon it from anywhere.

Fast-track: Telegram (Recommended)

Telegram has the easiest API bridging experience.

  1. Search for @BotFather in Telegram
  2. Send /newbot to create a new bot
  3. Follow prompts to set a name and distinct username
  4. Copy the provided Bot Token

Return to terminal with the token and run:

  • Select Telegram from the CLI menu
  • Paste the @BotFather token to finish binding!
openclaw channels add
Step 3

Test Your Interaction

Time to see the fruits of your setup. Check if your AI is alive!

Method 1: Chat Platform Test
  1. Open your configured chat (e.g. Telegram)
  2. Find your bot conversation thread
  3. Say "Hello, OpenClaw!"
  4. Wait for a coherent response to verify the full stack.
Method 2: Native CLI Test

Too much hassle connecting a chat? Test it instantly through the terminal:

openclaw agent --message "Hello, please introduce yourself" --thinking high

Common Commands

We compiled the most important CLI commands you will use daily. Keep these handy for administrative tasks or rapid executions.

Service & Operations

# Open Web Dashboard
openclaw dashboard

# Check statuses and logs
openclaw status
openclaw logs

# Troubleshoot or stop
openclaw doctor
openclaw stop

Agents & Interaction

# Talk entirely via CLI
openclaw agent --message "Hello" --thinking high

# List or add specific agents
openclaw agents list
openclaw agents add <agent-name>

Skills & Updates

# Inspect and install skills
openclaw skills list
npx clawhub@latest install <skill-name>

# Update OpenClaw itself
openclaw update

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