OpenClaw is gaining attention as a self-hosted AI agent that connects your messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to powerful AI models. Instead of using AI only inside a browser, OpenClaw runs directly on your computer.
Many users now want to know how to install OpenClaw on Mac, Windows, or Linux. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes if you follow the correct steps.
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI gateway that runs on your own computer or server. It connects messaging apps to AI models so you can chat with AI directly from WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, or Slack.
Unlike normal chatbots, OpenClaw runs locally. This means:
- You control your data
- You host it yourself
- It works as a background service
- It connects directly to your apps
Earlier, it was known as Clawdbot or Moltbot. Now it operates under the name OpenClaw.
How to Install OpenClaw in Mac? Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Requirements
You need:
- macOS (recent version)
- Internet connection
- Node.js version 22 or higher
To check Node version:
- Open Terminal –Â Type:Â node -v
If you see v22 or higher, you’re ready. If not, the installer will handle it.
Step 2: Install OpenClaw (Recommended Method)
Open Terminal and run:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Press Enter.
The script will:
- Install Node (if needed)
- Install OpenClaw
- Start the setup wizard
Step 3: Run Setup Wizard
If it doesn’t start automatically, run:
openclaw setup
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Check If It’s Running
openclaw status
If it shows running, installation is complete.
How to Install OpenClaw in Windows? Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Install Node.js
- Go to the official Node.js website
- Download Node.js version 22 or newer
- Install it
Check version:Â Open Command Prompt
Type:Â node -v
Step 2: Install OpenClaw
Open Command Prompt and run:
npm install -g openclaw
Wait for the installation to complete.
Step 3: Start Setup Wizard
Run:
openclaw setup
Follow the instructions to:
- Add API key
- Configure gateway
- Connect messaging apps
Step 4: Verify the Installation
openclaw status
If it shows active, OpenClaw is running.
How to Install OpenClaw in Linux? Step-by-Step Guide
The steps are similar to Mac.
Step 1: Check Node Version
Open Terminal and type:
node -v
Install Node.js 22+ if needed.
Step 2: Install OpenClaw
Run:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
OR install manually:
npm install -g openclaw
Step 3: Run Setup
openclaw setup
Follow the configuration steps.
Step 4: Confirm It’s Running
openclaw status
Why This Matters?
Installing OpenClaw on Mac, Windows, or Linux may seem technical at first, but the process is fairly simple when broken down step by step. Most installation issues have clear fixes, and users can get the system running within minutes.
Once set up, OpenClaw operates quietly in the background, linking your messaging apps to powerful AI models while keeping control in your hands. Unlike many cloud-based AI services, it allows you to manage your own data and infrastructure.
As self-hosted AI tools gain momentum, OpenClaw represents a broader shift toward user-controlled automation, where individuals and developers decide how and where their AI systems operate.
