OpenClaw
Installation Guide
OpenClaw is the most popular open-source AI Agent framework in 2026 with 238K+ GitHub stars. This guide walks you through 4 simple steps to install, configure models, and connect chat platforms on macOS, Linux, or Windows.
Prefer zero setup? Cloud one-click deploy
Skip manual setup entirely — pick a cloud provider and start using OpenClaw in 5 minutes.
Function Compute / ECS one-click deploy, no manual setup
Lighthouse official image with OpenClaw pre-installed
HECS L instance with dedicated image, zero-config setup
One-click deploy with built-in ERNIE Bot integration
Amazon Lightsail private AI Agent hosting solution
Complete Local Deployment Guide
For full control over your AI Agent, local deployment is the way to go. Unlike cloud one-click options, local installation keeps all conversation data and configurations on your own machine — ideal for privacy-conscious users and enterprises.
The process has 4 steps: install OpenClaw, configure an LLM, connect a chat interface (Web UI works instantly, or connect QQ, WeChat, Telegram, etc.), and install Skills to extend capabilities. On this page, GLM-5 and MiniMax 2.5 are the first-choice recommendations, followed by Qwen, GPT, and Claude.
Step 1: Install OpenClaw
Three installation methods — the one-liner script is recommended for beginners.
One-liner Script (Recommended)
EasiestThe recommended method, especially for first-time users. The script auto-detects your OS, installs Node.js 22 if needed, and sets up the latest OpenClaw — typically done in 30 seconds.
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
After install, run the onboarding wizard. The --install-daemon flag registers the Gateway as a background service (launchd on macOS, systemd on Linux).
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
npm Global Install (Developers)
For developers with Node.js 22+ already installed — install globally via npm or pnpm.
npm install -g openclaw@latest
pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
Docker
Docker deployment is ideal for server environments or users who prefer not to install Node.js locally.
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw cd openclaw docker compose up -d
Important for Windows Users
OpenClaw doesn't support native Windows — WSL2 is required. Open PowerShell as admin and run the command below to install Ubuntu 24.04.
wsl --install
Performance tip: Keep project files under /home/ inside WSL, NOT /mnt/c/ — cross-filesystem access is 10-20x slower.
Verify Installation
Run the command below — if it outputs a version number, OpenClaw is installed correctly.
openclaw --version
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about OpenClaw installation
🦞 Ready to raise your Claw?
After setup, browse use cases for inspiration or explore the Skills store to supercharge your agent.