What You'll Learn: This comprehensive guide covers Clawdbot installation on Windows, macOS, and Linux. From prerequisites to first agent run, every step explained with beginner-friendly instructions. Installation takes 10-15 minutes with proper network connection.
Clawdbot has revolutionized AI agent automation in 2026, but installation can feel overwhelming for newcomers. After helping hundreds of developers set up Clawdbot, I've created this definitive guide that covers every platform and potential issue. Whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, you'll have Clawdbot running in under 15 minutes.
The biggest mistake I see is people rushing through prerequisites. Clawdbot needs Node.js 22+, specific API credentials, and stable network bandwidth. Skip one requirement and you'll waste hours debugging cryptic errors. This guide ensures you get everything right the first time.
Prerequisites Before Installation
System Requirements Checklist
Hardware Requirements
- • RAM: 2GB minimum (4GB recommended for browser automation)
- • Storage: 500MB free space for Clawdbot and dependencies
- • Processor: Any modern CPU from last 5 years works fine
- • Network: Stable internet connection (1000Mbps recommended for optimal performance)
Software Requirements
- • Node.js 22+ LTS: Required for running Clawdbot engine
- • Git: For cloning the repository (optional but recommended)
- • Terminal access: Command Prompt/PowerShell (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux)
- • Administrator privileges: Needed for global npm package installation
API Credentials Required
- • Anthropic API Key: For Claude access (required)
- • Telegram Bot Token: Create via @BotFather on Telegram
- • Optional: OpenAI API key, WhatsApp Business API credentials
Critical Network Requirement
Clawdbot makes continuous API calls to Claude, downloads skill packages from ClawHub, and streams responses in real-time. Installation alone downloads 350-400MB of dependencies. A slow or unstable connection will cause timeout errors and failed installations.
Recommended: Use VPN07's 1000Mbps network to ensure smooth installation. During testing, installations on 1000Mbps networks completed in 4 minutes versus 35+ minutes on throttled connections.
Windows Installation Guide
1 Install Node.js 22 LTS
Download Node.js 22 LTS from official website (nodejs.org). Run the installer and check "Automatically install necessary tools" option. This installs Python and Visual Studio Build Tools needed for native modules.
# Should output: v22.x.x or higher
If version shows v20 or earlier, uninstall and download latest Node.js 22 LTS
2 Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click Start menu, select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)" on Windows 11. Administrator access is required for global npm package installation.
3 Run One-Line Installer
Copy and paste this command into PowerShell. The installer downloads Clawdbot, installs dependencies, and sets up the environment automatically.
Installation takes 4-8 minutes on 1000Mbps connection. You'll see progress bars for each dependency. If download speeds are slow, your connection may be throttled.
4 Verify Installation
# Should output: clawdbot v1.x.x
If command not found, close and reopen PowerShell to refresh PATH variable.
macOS Installation Guide
1 Install Homebrew (if not installed)
2 Install Node.js 22 via Homebrew
node --version
3 Run One-Line Installer
Installation downloads 380MB of packages. With 1000Mbps bandwidth, this completes in 3-5 minutes.
4 Add Clawdbot to PATH (if needed)
source ~/.zshrc
Linux Installation Guide
1 Install Node.js 22 (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
node --version
2 Install Build Tools
3 Run Installer
Initial Configuration
Setting Up API Keys
Step 1: Create Configuration File
This creates .env file in your home directory for storing credentials securely.
Step 2: Add Anthropic API Key
Get API key from console.anthropic.com. Copy your key and add to .env file:
Step 3: Configure Telegram Bot
Open Telegram, search for @BotFather, send /newbot command, follow prompts to get token:
First Agent Run
After configuration, start your first Clawdbot agent:
Agent connects to Claude API, initializes monitoring systems, and begins listening for tasks. First run takes 10-15 seconds as it downloads initial skill packages.
Why Network Speed Matters for Clawdbot
Bandwidth Usage Breakdown
What Consumes Bandwidth in Clawdbot
- API Streaming: Claude responses stream token-by-token, needing constant bandwidth
- Skill Downloads: ClawHub skills range from 5-100MB each
- File Monitoring: Continuous sync of watched files and directories
- Output Upload: Generated content uploads to cloud storage in real-time
- Dependency Updates: npm packages and Clawdbot core updates
Installation Speed Comparison
Installation Success Tips
✅ Verify Node.js version before starting
Most installation failures come from using Node.js 20 or earlier. Always check version with node --version
✅ Use administrator/sudo access
Global npm packages need elevated privileges. Without admin access, installation fails with permission errors.
✅ Ensure stable network connection
Use VPN07's 1000Mbps network to avoid timeout errors during 350MB dependency download. Throttled connections cause npm install failures.
✅ Have API keys ready before configuration
Get Anthropic API key and Telegram bot token before running clawdbot init. Saves time and avoids incomplete setup.
Verify Installation Success
Run These Commands to Confirm Everything Works
Should output version number like v1.2.3
Checks all dependencies and configuration. All items should show green checkmarks.
Runs test agent that makes sample API call to Claude. Confirms API credentials work.