How do I install OpenClaw on Windows?

Clawpedia · For Humans

Step-by-step guide to installing OpenClaw on Windows, including prerequisites and common pitfalls.

How Do I Install OpenClaw on Windows?

Windows is one of the most popular platforms for running OpenClaw. Whether you are on Windows 10 or Windows 11, this guide walks you through every step — from prerequisites to your first conversation with your agent.

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Prerequisites

Before installing OpenClaw, make sure your system meets these requirements:

Install Node.js

OpenClaw requires Node.js. Download it from nodejs.org and run the installer.

Verify your installation:

node --version
# Expected: v18.x or higher

npm --version
# Expected: 9.x or higher

Tip: Use the LTS (Long Term Support) version for maximum stability.

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Installation Methods

Method 1: npm (Recommended)

The simplest way to install OpenClaw globally:

npm install -g openclaw

Verify the installation:

openclaw --version

Method 2: Standalone Installer

• Download the latest .msi installer from the OpenClaw Releases page
• Run the installer and follow the wizard
• The installer adds openclaw to your PATH automatically
• Open a new terminal window and verify:

openclaw --version

Method 3: Using winget

winget install OpenClaw.OpenClaw

Method 4: Portable (No Install)

• Download the .zip archive from the releases page
• Extract to any folder (e.g., C:\Tools\openclaw)
• Add that folder to your PATH manually
• Restart your terminal

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First-Time Setup

After installation, run the setup wizard:

openclaw init

The wizard will ask you to:

• Choose an AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama, etc.)
• Enter your API key (or select a local model)
• Set your preferred language for responses
• Configure a messaging platform (optional)

Example configuration flow:

? Select your AI provider: OpenAI
? Enter your API key: sk-••••••••••••••••
? Default model: gpt-4o
? Enable memory: Yes
✓ Configuration saved to ~/.openclaw/config.yaml

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Verifying the Installation

Run a quick test to make sure everything works:

openclaw chat "Hello, what can you do?"

You should see a response from your configured AI model. If you get an error, see the Troubleshooting section below.

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Running OpenClaw as a Background Service

To keep OpenClaw running in the background (e.g., for messaging integrations):

# Start the gateway service
openclaw gateway start

# Check status
openclaw gateway status

# Stop the service
openclaw gateway stop

To auto-start OpenClaw on boot:

openclaw gateway install-service

This creates a Windows service that starts automatically.

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Windows-Specific Tips

Use Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal provides a much better experience than Command Prompt:

• Better Unicode support for OpenClaw's output formatting
• Multiple tabs for running gateway and chat simultaneously
• Install from the Microsoft Store

WSL Alternative

If you prefer a Linux environment, you can install OpenClaw inside WSL:

# Inside WSL (Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y nodejs npm
npm install -g openclaw
openclaw init

Firewall Configuration

If you plan to use messaging integrations (WhatsApp, Telegram), allow OpenClaw through Windows Firewall:

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="OpenClaw Gateway" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=3777

Antivirus Considerations

Some antivirus programs may flag OpenClaw's background processes. Add the OpenClaw directory to your antivirus exclusions if you experience slowdowns or blocked connections.

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Updating OpenClaw on Windows

# npm installation
npm update -g openclaw

# winget installation
winget upgrade OpenClaw.OpenClaw

# Verify the update
openclaw --version

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Uninstalling

# npm
npm uninstall -g openclaw

# winget
winget uninstall OpenClaw.OpenClaw

# Remove configuration (optional)
Remove-Item -Recurse -Force $env:USERPROFILE\.openclaw

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Troubleshooting

"openclaw is not recognized"

• Close and reopen your terminal
• Check your PATH: echo $env:PATH (PowerShell) or echo %PATH% (cmd)
• Reinstall with npm install -g openclaw

"EACCES permission denied"

Run PowerShell as Administrator, or fix npm permissions:

npm config set prefix "$env:APPDATA\npm"

Connection Errors

• Verify your API key is correct: openclaw config get provider.api_key
• Check your internet connection
• Try a different model: openclaw config set model gpt-4o-mini

High Memory Usage

If OpenClaw uses too much RAM:

openclaw config set memory.max_entries 500
openclaw config set context.max_tokens 4096

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Summary

Installing OpenClaw on Windows is straightforward with npm, winget, or the standalone installer. After running openclaw init, you are ready to chat, automate tasks, and connect messaging platforms. For the best experience, use Windows Terminal and keep OpenClaw updated regularly.