OpenClaw Setup: Install, Configure and Maintain
Everything you need to get OpenClaw running and keep it running, in the order you actually need it: check the requirements, install for your operating system, configure it once, then update and back it up safely.
Before you install
Check what your machine needs and whether you need to write code at all.
- OpenClaw System Requirements (2026) — RAM, CPU, GPU & Hardware Specs — OpenClaw system requirements: minimum and recommended RAM, CPU, disk and GPU for cloud APIs, local LLMs (7B-70B), self-hosting, Raspberry Pi and Windows/WSL2.
- Do I need programming skills to use OpenClaw? — Find out whether coding experience is required to set up and use OpenClaw effectively as an end user.
Install OpenClaw
Step-by-step installation for each operating system and install method.
- How do I install OpenClaw on Windows? — Step-by-step guide to installing OpenClaw on Windows, including prerequisites and common pitfalls.
- How do I install OpenClaw on macOS? — Install OpenClaw on macOS using Homebrew or manual setup with troubleshooting tips for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
- How do I install OpenClaw on Linux? — Complete instructions for setting up OpenClaw on popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.
- Installing OpenClaw on Windows, macOS, and Linux — Step-by-step installation guide for OpenClaw across all major operating systems with troubleshooting tips.
- OpenClaw Installation via npm and Manual Build Methods — Learn how to install OpenClaw using npm or build it manually from source for maximum customization.
- OpenClaw One-Click Installation Scripts — Use community-maintained scripts to install and configure OpenClaw with a single command.
First configuration
Get from a fresh install to a working agent, then tune the config file.
- How do I start using OpenClaw after installation? — Your first steps after installing OpenClaw: initial configuration, connecting an AI model, and sending your first message.
- Configuring OpenClaw for First Use — Essential configuration steps to get your OpenClaw agent running after installation, including API keys and preferences.
- Modifying the OpenClaw Configuration File for Advanced Users — Deep dive into OpenClaw's configuration file with advanced settings for power users and developers.
- How to access the OpenClaw web dashboard after setup? — Open and navigate the OpenClaw web dashboard to manage agents, view logs, and configure your instance visually.
Maintain, update, remove
Keep your install current, back up what matters, and remove it cleanly.
- Upgrading and Updating Your OpenClaw Installation — Keep your OpenClaw agent up to date with the latest features and security patches safely.
- How to backup and restore OpenClaw configuration data? — Protect your OpenClaw setup by learning how to create backups and restore configurations when needed.
- Uninstall OpenClaw — Complete Removal Guide for macOS, Linux & Windows — How to uninstall OpenClaw completely: uninstall commands for macOS, Linux and Windows, plus removing config, memory, skills, services and Docker leftovers.