Install OpenClaw on Windows

On Windows, OpenClaw runs inside WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) for full compatibility and features.

You’ll enable WSL2, install Ubuntu, then install OpenClaw inside that environment.

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure:

  • Windows 10/11, build 19041 or later
  • Virtualization enabled in BIOS (often called Intel VT-x / AMD-V)
  • At least 8 GB of RAM recommended

Step-by-step

Step 1 – Enable WSL2 & install Ubuntu

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

wsl --install

Restart your PC when prompted, then complete Ubuntu’s first-time setup (choose a username and password).

Step 2 – Install OpenClaw inside Ubuntu

Open the Ubuntu app (or Windows Terminal with Ubuntu selected), then run the official one-liner:

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

This script installs Node.js, OpenClaw, and its dependencies for you.

Step 3 – Onboard your lobster

Still inside Ubuntu, run:

openclaw onboard

You’ll be guided through choosing your model provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, or local), adding API keys, and linking chat apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.

Step 4 – (Optional) Run as a 24/7 background service

For a “always-on” assistant, you can install the OpenClaw daemon in WSL2.

First, enable systemd inside WSL:

sudo nano /etc/wsl.conf

Add the following lines to the file, then save and exit:

[boot] systemd=true

Then, from PowerShell (on Windows):

wsl --shutdown

Reopen Ubuntu, then run:

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

This installs and starts a systemd service so OpenClaw can keep working even when you close the terminal.

Having trouble? Check the Troubleshoot Center for common Windows & WSL issues.