1. Check the runtime
For the reviewed 2026.9.6 release, use Node.js 24.16+ within the 24.x line, or 26.1+; Node 26 is recommended by its getting-started documentation. Node 18 is not supported. Check the linked install guide again when installing a newer release.
node --version
npm --versionIf Node is missing or too old, follow the official Node setup for your operating system. Resolve npm permissions through that setup rather than blindly adding administrator privileges.
2. Install the CLI
With a supported Node/npm installation, the npm route is:
npm install -g openclaw@latest
openclaw --versionThe official installation page also provides platform installers and container options. Choose one installation method; do not mix several while troubleshooting.
3. Complete onboarding
openclaw onboardUse Quick start to reuse detected AI access when available, or Custom setup to configure it yourself. Complete authentication through the offered secure flow. If onboarding starts a foreground Gateway, it runs in that terminal until stopped.
4. Optional background service
To move from a foreground Gateway to a background service, stop the foreground process with Ctrl+C first, then run:
openclaw gateway install
openclaw gateway status
openclaw dashboardIf you already installed the service during setup, just check its status. The host still needs to remain awake. A dashboard loading is only a UI check: send a small chat message and confirm an actual model reply before considering setup complete.
5. Verify before adding more
openclaw status
openclaw doctorIf a command is not found, check installation and PATH. If the Gateway does not start, inspect the reported error before reinstalling or resetting anything.