npm Guide

npm install OpenClaw

This page targets npm command intent: how to run npm install -g openclaw@latest correctly, verify the install, and continue onboarding.

If you want all install methods (script + npm + pnpm + source), use install OpenClaw. If npm install succeeds but runtime fails, jump to troubleshooting.

Quick answer

Run npm install -g openclaw@latest, then run openclaw onboard --install-daemon to complete setup.

npm vs pnpm: which should you use?

  • Use npm if you want the default Node package manager with no extra setup and the most familiar workflow.
  • Use pnpm if your team already uses pnpm/workspaces or you want faster installs with stricter dependency layout.
  • Simple rule: quick single-machine setup -> npm; existing pnpm-based team environment -> pnpm.

Prerequisites

  • Node 22+ installed.
  • npm 10+ or pnpm 9+.
  • LLM provider credentials (OpenAI/Anthropic/Gemini).

Check your versions:

node -v
npm -v

Install via npm

npm install -g openclaw@latest

Verify installation:

openclaw --version

Install via pnpm

pnpm add -g openclaw@latest

Approve builds if prompted:

pnpm approve-builds -g

Verify installation:

openclaw --version

Post-install: run onboarding

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

This wizard will:

  • Configure your LLM provider credentials.
  • Set up workspace defaults.
  • Configure gateway settings.
  • Optionally add Telegram or Slack channels.

Verify your installation

openclaw doctor
openclaw status
openclaw gateway status

Open the dashboard:

openclaw dashboard

This opens the Control UI at http://127.0.0.1:18789/.

Common errors and quick fixes

"openclaw: command not found"

This is almost always a PATH issue. Check where npm installs global binaries:

npm prefix -g

Add this to your shell profile (~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, or PowerShell profile):

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

Then reload your shell:

source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc

Permission denied (EACCES)

Avoid using sudo npm install -g. Instead, fix your npm prefix:

mkdir -p ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
export PATH="$HOME/.npm-global/bin:$PATH"

Node version too old

Update Node.js:

nvm install 22
nvm use 22

Or download from nodejs.org.

Module not found after install

Clear npm cache and reinstall:

npm cache clean --force
npm install -g openclaw@latest

Next steps

OpenClaw setup guide

Full setup from install to first message.

 Windows install

Install on Windows with WSL2 or PowerShell.

 Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions.
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