Install overview

Install

Already followed Getting Started? You’re all set — this page is for alternative install methods, platform-specific instructions, and maintenance.

System requirements

  • Node 22+ (the installer script will install it if missing)
  • macOS, Linux, or Windows
  • pnpm only if you build from source

ℹ️ On Windows, we strongly recommend running OpenClaw under WSL2.

Install methods

💡 The installer script is the recommended way to install OpenClaw. It handles Node detection, installation, and onboarding in one step.

⚠️ For VPS/cloud hosts, avoid third-party “1-click” marketplace images when possible. Prefer a clean base OS image (for example Ubuntu LTS), then install OpenClaw yourself with the installer script.

Other install methods

Docker

Containerized or headless deployments.

Podman

Rootless container: run setup-podman.sh once, then the launch script.

Nix

Declarative install via Nix.

Ansible

Automated fleet provisioning.

Bun

CLI-only usage via the Bun runtime.

After install

Verify everything is working:

openclaw doctor         # check for config issues
openclaw status         # gateway status
openclaw dashboard      # open the browser UI

If you need custom runtime paths, use:

  • OPENCLAW_HOME for home-directory based internal paths
  • OPENCLAW_STATE_DIR for mutable state location
  • OPENCLAW_CONFIG_PATH for config file location

See Environment vars for precedence and full details.

Troubleshooting: openclaw not found

Update / uninstall

Updating

Keep OpenClaw up to date.

Migrating

Move to a new machine.

Uninstall

Remove OpenClaw completely.

Installer Internals