OpenClaw Setup Guide — Complete Installation Methods (2026)

Learn how to install OpenClaw (Moltbot) with our complete setup guide

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Table of Contents

Prerequisites

Before installing OpenClaw, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Minimum Requirements

  • Node.js 22.x or higher
  • 2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
  • 50GB storage
  • Linux, macOS, or Windows (WSL)

Recommended for Local LLM

  • 8GB+ RAM
  • 4+ CPU cores
  • 100GB+ NVMe storage
Pro Tip: Using a VPS? Check our recommended hosting providers for optimal performance.

Method 1: NPM Installation

The npm method gives you full control over your OpenClaw installation.

Step 1: Install Node.js

# Ubuntu/Debian
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

# macOS
brew install node@22

# Verify installation
node --version

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

npm install -g openclaw

Step 3: Initial Setup

openclaw onboard

This interactive wizard will guide you through API key configuration and chat platform setup.

Step 4: Install Daemon

sudo openclaw install-daemon

Method 2: Docker Installation

Docker provides isolation and makes it easy to deploy anywhere.

Step 1: Install Docker

# Ubuntu
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Step 2: Run OpenClaw Container

docker run -d \
  --name openclaw \
  -v ~/.openclaw:/home/node/.openclaw \
  -p 3000:3000 \
  ghcr.io/openclaw/openclaw:latest

Method 3: One-Click Deploy

The fastest way to get OpenClaw running on any VPS.

curl -sSL https://get.openclaw.ai | bash

This script automatically installs Node.js, downloads OpenClaw, and sets up systemd service.

Post-Setup Configuration

AI Model Selection

openclaw config set ai.provider anthropic
openclaw config set ai.model claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022

Adding Chat Channels

openclaw channel add telegram
openclaw channel add discord
openclaw channel add whatsapp

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different ways to install OpenClaw (Moltbot)?

OpenClaw can be installed via npm (npm install -g openclaw), Docker container, or one-click scripts. Each method has pros and cons depending on your technical expertise and use case.

What are the minimum requirements for running OpenClaw?

Minimum requirements include Node.js 22+, 2GB RAM, and 50GB storage. For optimal performance with local LLM integration, we recommend 8GB+ RAM and 4+ CPU cores.

How long does it take to set up OpenClaw?

The basic installation takes 5-10 minutes using npm or Docker. The one-click script method can have you up and running in under 60 seconds on a properly configured VPS.

Can I run OpenClaw on Windows, Mac, or Linux?

Yes, OpenClaw is cross-platform and works on macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL). The Mac Mini is particularly popular for home setups due to its efficiency and native iMessage support.

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