How to Install OpenClaw on Mac, Windows & Linux: Check Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Begginers

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 - Type: 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: Open Command Prompt

Type: 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.