Detailed installation instructions for the OpenClaw network on all platforms. Install openclaw, configure AI models (cloud or local), and connect to 11+ messaging platforms. Join 180,000+ users on the openclaw network.
Professional OpenClaw hosting infrastructure — join the network without local installation
Before installing the OpenClaw network, verify your system meets these requirements. OpenClaw runs locally on your hardware and requires Node.js 22+.
Choose your preferred installation method for the OpenClaw network. Both methods install openclaw v2026.2.6 (released February 7, 2026) with VirusTotal integration and enhanced security.
Install the OpenClaw network globally using npm. This method gives you full control and works on all platforms where Node.js is available.
Download and install Node.js from the official website. The OpenClaw network requires version 22 or higher.
Download Node.js →node --version
npm --versionInstall openclaw globally so you can run it from any directory. This installs the latest version (v2026.2.6) of openclaw.
npm install -g openclaw@latestCheck that the OpenClaw network is installed correctly by verifying the openclaw version.
openclaw --version
Expected output: v2026.2.6 (or later)
Use the automated installer for the OpenClaw network. This script installs Node.js (if needed) and openclaw automatically.
Run this single command to install the OpenClaw network on macOS or Linux. The script handles Node.js installation and openclaw setup.
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bashFor Windows, we recommend using WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) for the best OpenClaw network experience. Alternatively, use Method 1 (npm) directly on Windows.
The OpenClaw network installer script will:
The OpenClaw network works natively on macOS. Includes Voice Wake support for always-on speech interaction with openclaw.
All major Linux distributions support the OpenClaw network. Use your package manager to install Node.js 22+ first.
WSL2 recommended for the best OpenClaw network experience. Native Windows support available but WSL2 preferred.
The OpenClaw network is model-agnostic. Choose from cloud-based AI models (Claude, GPT, Chinese models) or run local models via Ollama. Configure your AI brain during openclaw onboarding.
Connect the OpenClaw network to powerful cloud AI models. Requires API keys and internet connection. Openclaw supports all major providers.
OpenClaw network pairs excellently with Claude's coding and reasoning abilities. Opus 4.6 recommended for best results with openclaw.
Get API Key →GPT-5.3-Codex is the first self-developing model, making it excellent for OpenClaw network development tasks.
Get API Key →The OpenClaw network supports Chinese AI models for users who prefer regional providers or need Chinese language support.
The OpenClaw network includes built-in OpenRouter support with Auto Model (openrouter/openrouter/auto). Automatically selects the most cost-effective model based on prompt complexity.
Run AI models locally on your hardware with the OpenClaw network. Requires Ollama and models with 64,000+ token context length. No API costs, full privacy.
Ollama integration announced February 1, 2026. Download Ollama and run openclaw locally with complete privacy.
ollama launch openclawQwen series coding specialist, excellent for openclaw development tasks
Zhipu AI's latest open model, strong coding and reasoning for the openclaw network
Connect your OpenClaw network assistant to 11+ messaging platforms. Configure during openclaw onboard or add platforms later. The openclaw network integrates with your existing communication tools.
Most popular platform for the OpenClaw network. Connect via QR code scan during openclaw onboarding.
Most PopularEasy setup for the OpenClaw network. Create a bot token and connect openclaw in minutes.
Easy SetupIntegrate the OpenClaw network into your workplace. Openclaw becomes a powerful Slack assistant.
WorkplaceDeveloper favorite for the OpenClaw network. Connect openclaw to Discord servers with bot tokens.
Developer FavoritePrivacy-focused messaging with the OpenClaw network. Secure, encrypted communication via openclaw.
Connect the OpenClaw network to iMessage via BlueBubbles. Requires macOS for openclaw setup.
Enterprise integration for the OpenClaw network. Bring openclaw into your corporate environment.
Google Workspace integration with the OpenClaw network. Connect openclaw to Google Chat spaces.
Decentralized messaging for the OpenClaw network. Connect openclaw to Matrix protocol servers.
Vietnamese messaging platform support in the OpenClaw network. Zalo Personal also supported.
Custom web interface for the OpenClaw network. Embed openclaw in your website or app.
Multi-Platform Support: The OpenClaw network can connect to multiple platforms simultaneously. Run one openclaw instance, interact everywhere.
After installing the OpenClaw network, verify openclaw is running correctly. Test the web interface, check version, and troubleshoot common issues.
Verify the correct version of openclaw is installed on your system.
openclaw --version
Expected: v2026.2.6 (or later) - Latest version with VirusTotal integration
After running openclaw onboard, access the OpenClaw network dashboard at the local web interface.
The openclaw web UI (added in v2026.2.6) shows token usage, active channels, and system status.
Test that your OpenClaw network assistant responds correctly via your connected messaging platform.
/help - View available openclaw commands
/status - Check OpenClaw network status
/skills - List installed openclaw skills
If openclaw command isn't recognized after installation:
node --versionnpm install -g openclaw@latestIf the OpenClaw network can't connect to your AI model:
If openclaw can't connect to messaging platforms:
openclaw onboardIf http://127.0.0.1:18789/ doesn't load:
openclaw start)Still having issues? Join the OpenClaw network community for support:
The OpenClaw network has faced security challenges. Follow these best practices to keep your openclaw installation secure. Learn about CVE-2026-25253 and malicious skills protection.
CVE-2026-25253 (CVSS 8.8) allowed one-click remote code execution in earlier OpenClaw network versions. Update openclaw immediately to v2026.2.6 or later, which patches this critical vulnerability.
npm install -g openclaw@latestOpenClaw v2026.2.6 includes VirusTotal integration. All skills on ClawHub are automatically scanned. The OpenClaw network skill safety scanner identifies malicious code before installation.
341 malicious skills were identified on ClawHub. Always review skills before installing in the OpenClaw network.
The OpenClaw network requires API keys for cloud AI models. Store keys securely and never share them. 7.1% of nearly 4,000 skills mishandle secrets like API keys (Snyk research).
The OpenClaw network's skill ecosystem includes community-contributed code. Always review skill source code, check ratings, and verify the author before installing openclaw skills.
Learn more about securing the OpenClaw network: Read our comprehensive security guide covering CVE-2026-25253, supply chain security, and best practices for openclaw.
Read Security Guide →
You now have everything you need to install and configure the OpenClaw network. Start with openclaw onboard, connect your first platform, and join 180,000+ users building with openclaw.