Install Guide

Install OpenClaw: complete practical guide

Install OpenClaw on Windows, macOS, or Linux using the official installer script, npm, or pnpm. This page is focused on installation only: exact commands, verification, and what to do when install fails.

If you are already installed and need full configuration flow, use the OpenClaw setup guide. If installation or PATH breaks, jump to troubleshooting.

Recommended

Use the installer script first, then run openclaw onboard --install-daemon.

Method 1: installer script (recommended)

This path handles Node checks and onboarding flow with the least friction.

macOS / Linux / WSL2

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

Windows (PowerShell)

iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex

Method 2: npm / pnpm install

Use this if your environment already standardizes global package management.

Which one should you pick?

  • Choose npm if you want the default Node package manager with zero extra setup and broadest familiarity.
  • Choose pnpm if your team already uses pnpm workspaces or you want faster installs with stricter dependency layout.
  • Rule of thumb: for a one-machine quick install use npm; for teams already standardized on pnpm, stay on pnpm.

npm

npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw onboard --install-daemon

pnpm

pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
pnpm approve-builds -g
openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Method 3: from source (advanced users)

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build
pnpm link --global

Choose source builds if you need local development workflows, patching, or custom forks.

Post-install verification checklist

openclaw doctor
openclaw status
openclaw dashboard
  • doctor: no blocking config/runtime issues.
  • status: gateway service healthy.
  • dashboard: Control UI opens and connects.

Fix: openclaw: command not found

Most often this is a PATH issue with global npm binaries.

node -v
npm -v
npm prefix -g
echo "$PATH"

If the global npm bin is missing from PATH, add it:

export PATH="$(npm prefix -g)/bin:$PATH"

Then restart shell (or run hash -r in bash / rehash in zsh).

Which install method should you choose?

  • Installer script: best default for most teams.
  • npm/pnpm: best when standardizing package tooling.
  • Source: best for contributors and custom patches.

Continue with the full OpenClaw setup guide or jump to troubleshooting if anything fails.

Platform-specific guides

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