/// INSTALLATION GUIDE
How to Install
OpenClaw
Get your personal AI assistant running in 15 minutes. OpenClaw runs on your machine and connects to WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord and more.
Quick Start (One-Liner)
The fastest way to install. This handles Node.js and all dependencies automatically.
// macOS / Linux / WSL2
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash// Windows PowerShell
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iexPrerequisites
Node.js 22+
One-liner handles this
pnpm (optional)
For building from source
WSL2 for Windows
Ubuntu recommended
Brave Search API Key
Optional, for web search
Installation Steps
Install the CLI
Use the one-liner above, or install via npm/pnpm:
npm install -g openclaw@latestor: pnpm add -g openclaw@latest
Run the Onboarding Wizard
openclaw onboard --install-daemonThe wizard configures:
- → Local vs Remote gateway
- → Authentication (API keys or Claude OAuth)
- → Chat providers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord)
- → Background service (launchd/systemd)
Start the Gateway
If installed as daemon, it starts automatically. Check status:
openclaw gateway statusManual: openclaw gateway --port 18789 --verbose
Dashboard: http://127.0.0.1:18789/
Connect a Chat App
WhatsApp (QR Login)
openclaw channels loginScan via WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices
Telegram / Discord
Configure bot tokens during the onboarding wizard, or manually in config. Looking for an enterprise setup? Read our OpenClaw Discord Bot Integration Guide.
Pairing: Unknown DMs require approval. If no reply, run:openclaw pairing list whatsapp then openclaw pairing approve whatsapp <code>
Verify Installation
openclaw status
openclaw health
openclaw security audit --deep🎉 Done! Start chatting with your AI via your connected chat app or the web dashboard!
Building from Source (Developers)
If you want to hack on OpenClaw itself:
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm ui:build
pnpm build
openclaw onboard --install-daemonFrequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for OpenClaw?
OpenClaw requires Node.js 22+ and runs on macOS, Windows (via WSL2), or Linux. You also need an API key from Anthropic or OpenAI.
Is OpenClaw free to install?
Yes, OpenClaw is open source and free. You only pay for AI model API usage (Anthropic Claude or OpenAI) based on consumption.
Can I install OpenClaw on Windows?
Yes, but WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) with Ubuntu is strongly recommended. Native Windows is untested.
Which chat apps does OpenClaw support?
WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, iMessage, and Mattermost. You can connect multiple apps simultaneously.
How long does installation take?
About 5-15 minutes. The one-liner handles Node.js and dependencies automatically.
Ready to Get Started?
Join thousands of users running their personal AI assistants with OpenClaw.