How to Install OpenClaw in 2026: Windows, macOS, Linux, and WSL2 Setup Guide

OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent platform designed to automate tasks on your computer through agents and installable skills. Because it can interact with local systems and execute workflows, installing it correctly — and securely — is important.

According to the official OpenClaw documentation, OpenClaw supports  macOS, Linux, Windows, and WSL2. The recommended requirement is Node 24, although Node 22.19+ is also supported, and the official installer can handle Node installation automatically. 

1. OpenClaw System Requirements

Before installing OpenClaw, make sure your system meets these basic requirements:

The official GitHub documentation says OpenClaw installer scripts can install Node if needed and then install OpenClaw through npm or Git, depending on the installation mode.

2. Fastest Way to Install OpenClaw

The easiest method is to use the official installer script. It detects your operating system, installs required dependencies, installs OpenClaw, and launches onboarding. 

Install OpenClaw on macOS, Linux, or WSL2

Open your terminal and run:

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

This is the recommended method for macOS, Linux, and WSL2 users.

Install OpenClaw on Windows with PowerShell

Open PowerShell and run:

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

Windows users can also use the native Windows Hub app or WSL2 Gateway, according to the official documentation. 

3. Install OpenClaw Without Onboarding

The normal installer starts the onboarding process automatically. To install OpenClaw without launching onboarding, use the no-onboard option.

macOS, Linux, or WSL2

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash -s -- --no-onboard

Windows PowerShell

& ([scriptblock]::Create((iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1))) -NoOnboard

These commands are listed in the official French OpenClaw install documentation. 

4. Verify the Installation

After installation, restart your terminal and check whether OpenClaw is available.

openclaw --version

You can also try:

openclaw

If the command is not recognized, restart your terminal or check whether the OpenClaw path was added correctly.

5. Install OpenClaw from Source

Advanced users can build OpenClaw manually from source. The official documentation notes that pnpm is only needed if you build from source, not for the standard installer method. 

A typical source-based workflow looks like this:

git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
pnpm install
pnpm build

Use this method only if you need development access, custom modifications, or want to inspect the full code before running it.

6. Important Security Tips Before Installing Skills

OpenClaw can become powerful because of skills, but skills can also introduce risk. A recent security report said researchers found malicious OpenClaw skills on ClawHub, including macOS infostealers and commission-fraud behavior; the reported malicious skills were removed, but the incident highlights the need to verify skill sources carefully.

Follow these safety practices:

1. Install OpenClaw only from the official documentation or official GitHub repository.
2. Avoid running unknown install scripts from random blogs or forums.
3. Review skills before installing them, especially if they request file, browser, wallet, or system access.
4. Do not store API keys, passwords, or private tokens inside untrusted skills.
5. Keep OpenClaw updated to receive security fixes.

7. Common Installation Problems

“Node version is too old”

Install Node 24 or let the official installer handle Node setup automatically.

“Command not found”

Close and reopen your terminal. If the issue continues, check whether OpenClaw was added to your system PATH.

PowerShell blocks the script

Run PowerShell as administrator or adjust execution permissions temporarily, then retry the official install command.

Linux permission issues

Avoid using random sudo commands unless the official documentation asks for them. The OpenClaw CLI installer can install into a local prefix such as ~/.openclaw without root access. 

Conclusion

Installing OpenClaw is straightforward on Windows, macOS, Linux, and WSL2. The official installer is the best option for most users because it detects the operating system, installs Node when needed, installs OpenClaw, and starts onboarding automatically.

For safe usage, treat OpenClaw like any powerful automation platform: install only from official sources, review every skill carefully, and avoid giving untrusted skills access to sensitive files, accounts, or API keys.