Install on Windows

Prerequisites

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• Node.js 22+ — Download from nodejs.org
• PowerShell 5.1+ (included with Windows 10/11)

Verify Node.js is installed:

node --version
# Expected: v22.x.x or higher

Method 1: PowerShell Install Script (Recommended)

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

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

This script will:

1. Download the latest OpenClaw binary
2. Add it to your system PATH
3. Create the config directory at ~/.openclaw/

Method 2: npm Global Install

npm install -g openclaw@latest

Verify the installation:

openclaw --version

Initial Setup

Run the onboarding wizard:

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

The wizard guides you through:

• Selecting your AI provider (OpenAI, Claude, Ollama, etc.)
• Entering your API key
• Choosing a channel (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
• Installing the Windows service

Verify

# Check Gateway status
openclaw gateway status

# Open the dashboard
openclaw dashboard

Windows Service Management

OpenClaw installs as a Windows service. You can manage it with:

# Start the service
openclaw service start

# Stop the service
openclaw service stop

# Check service status
openclaw service status

Configuration

The configuration file is located at:

%USERPROFILE%\.openclaw\openclaw.json

Edit with any text editor or through the dashboard at http://127.0.0.1:18789/.

Troubleshooting

Node.js not found

Make sure Node.js is in your PATH. Restart PowerShell after installation.

Permission denied

Run PowerShell as Administrator for the installation step.

Port already in use

Change the Gateway port:

openclaw gateway --port 18790

Next Steps

• Quick Start — Complete setup guide
• Docker Installation — Alternative containerized setup
• AI Model Integrations — Connect your AI model