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Install OpenClaw on Windows: Complete Installation Guide

This comprehensive guide shows you how to install OpenClaw on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Learn to set up your AI assistant using PowerShell, Command Prompt, or nvm-windows with detailed step-by-step instructions.

🪟 Windows 10/11 ⏱️ 15 minutes 💻 PowerShell & CMD

✓ Requirements for OpenClaw Install on Windows

🪟

Operating System

  • Windows 10 (64-bit, version 1903+)
  • Windows 11 (all versions)
  • Administrator access (for installation)
📦

Node.js 22+

  • Node.js version 22 or newer
  • npm package manager (included with Node.js)
  • Download from nodejs.org
💾

System Resources

  • 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)
  • 1GB disk space for OpenClaw
  • Internet connection for installation
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AI Model Access

  • API key for Claude Opus 4.6 or Claude 4.5 series
  • Or API key for GPT-5 / GPT-5.3-Codex
  • Or Ollama for local models (free)

# OpenClaw Install Methods for Windows

Choose the installation method that works best for you. We recommend Method 1 for most users.

Recommended

Method 1: Node.js Installer + npm

The easiest way to install OpenClaw on Windows. Download the official Node.js installer and use npm.

Method 2: nvm-windows

For developers who need to manage multiple Node.js versions. Provides flexibility to switch between versions.

Method 3: Official Install Script

Automated installation using PowerShell script. Downloads and configures everything automatically.

1 Install OpenClaw on Windows with Node.js Installer

Step 1

Download Node.js 22+

Visit the official Node.js website and download the Windows installer:

Download Link: https://nodejs.org/

Select Node.js 22.x LTS or newer for Windows (64-bit)

Step 2

Run Node.js Installer

Double-click the downloaded .msi file and follow the installation wizard:

  • Accept the license agreement
  • Keep the default installation path
  • Make sure "Add to PATH" is checked
  • Click Install (requires admin rights)
Step 3

Verify Node.js Installation

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and verify the installation:

powershell 
node --version
npm --version

You should see Node.js 22.x.x or newer and npm 10.x.x or newer.

Step 4

Install OpenClaw via npm

Now install OpenClaw globally using npm:

powershell 
npm install -g openclaw@latest

This installs the latest version of OpenClaw (v2026.2.6) globally on your system.

Step 5

Run OpenClaw Onboarding

Start the interactive setup wizard:

powershell 
openclaw onboard

The wizard will guide you through:

  • Choosing your AI model (Claude, GPT, or local via Ollama)
  • Entering your API keys
  • Selecting messaging platforms (Discord, Telegram, etc.)
  • Configuring SOUL.md personality (optional)
Step 6

Start OpenClaw

Launch OpenClaw and access the web interface:

powershell 
openclaw start

OpenClaw will start and display:

✓ OpenClaw is running!

Web Interface: http://127.0.0.1:18789/

2 Install OpenClaw on Windows with nvm-windows

nvm-windows allows you to install and manage multiple Node.js versions. Ideal for developers.

Step 1

Download nvm-windows

Download the nvm-windows installer from GitHub:

https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/releases

Download nvm-setup.exe and run the installer

Step 2

Install Node.js 22 with nvm

Open PowerShell as Administrator and install Node.js 22:

powershell 
nvm install 22
nvm use 22
Step 3

Install OpenClaw

Now install OpenClaw globally:

powershell 
npm install -g openclaw@latest
Step 4

Configure and Start

Run the onboarding wizard and start OpenClaw:

powershell 
openclaw onboard
openclaw start

! Windows-Specific OpenClaw Install Troubleshooting

PowerShell Execution Policy Error

cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system

Solution:

Run PowerShell as Administrator and execute:

powershell 
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

npm Permission Errors

EPERM: operation not permitted

Solution:

Run PowerShell or CMD as Administrator, then install:

powershell 
npm install -g openclaw@latest

Windows Build Tools Missing

node-gyp rebuild failed

Solution:

Install Windows Build Tools:

powershell 
npm install -g windows-build-tools

Port 18789 Already in Use

Error: listen EADDRINUSE :::18789

Solution:

Find and kill the process using port 18789:

powershell 
netstat -ano | findstr :18789
taskkill /PID <PID> /F

Replace <PID> with the process ID from the netstat output.

Node.js Not Found After Install

'node' is not recognized as an internal or external command

Solution:

Add Node.js to PATH manually:

  1. Open System Properties → Environment Variables
  2. Edit PATH variable
  3. Add: C:\Program Files\nodejs\
  4. Restart PowerShell/CMD

Antivirus Blocking Installation

Installation failed or files quarantined

Solution:

Temporarily disable Windows Defender or add npm to exclusions:

  1. Open Windows Security
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection
  3. Add exclusion for npm cache folder
  4. Retry installation

→ Next Steps After OpenClaw Install on Windows

⚙️

Configure OpenClaw

Set up AI models, messaging platforms, and customize your SOUL.md personality file.

Configuration Guide →
🔧

Install Skills & Plugins

Browse 5,705 community skills on ClawHub marketplace and extend OpenClaw's capabilities.

Explore Skills →
💡

Best Practices

Learn security best practices, performance optimization, and Windows-specific tips.

Best Practices →
📚

Official Documentation

Read the complete OpenClaw documentation for advanced features and API references.

Read Docs →

# Install OpenClaw on Other Platforms

🍎

macOS Install Guide

Install OpenClaw on macOS with Homebrew and npm
🐧

Linux Install Guide

Install OpenClaw on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch
📋

System Requirements

Check all requirements before installing OpenClaw