Before You Start: This tutorial covers OpenClaw installation on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You'll need basic terminal skills, an API key from your preferred AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google), and a stable internet connection. Estimated setup time: 15-30 minutes.
OpenClaw is the most powerful local-first AI agent platform in 2026. Unlike cloud-based assistants, OpenClaw runs on your own machine, giving you full control over your data while automating tasks through WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and other messaging apps you already use.
I've helped over 500 people install OpenClaw in the past month. This guide distills everything I've learned into a straightforward tutorial that anyone can follow. Whether you're a developer or just tech-curious, you'll have OpenClaw running in under 30 minutes.
System Requirements & Preparation
Minimum System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+)
- RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended for smooth operation
- Storage: 2GB free space for installation + models
- Internet: Stable broadband connection (10Mbps+ recommended)
- Node.js: Version 18.0 or higher (we'll install this first)
Network Security Recommendation
OpenClaw connects to AI services (OpenAI, Anthropic) and messaging platforms constantly. Using a VPN protects your privacy and prevents your ISP from throttling AI API traffic. A fast VPN like VPN07 (1000Mbps bandwidth) ensures zero performance impact while keeping your automation workflows secure.
Step 1: Install Node.js and Prerequisites
1 Download Node.js
Go to nodejs.org and download the LTS version for your operating system. OpenClaw requires Node.js 18 or higher.
Verify installation (all platforms):
node --version
npm --version
You should see version numbers like v20.11.0 and 10.2.4
2 Install Git (Optional but Recommended)
Git makes updating OpenClaw easier. Download from git-scm.com and install with default settings.
Step 2: Install OpenClaw
Installation via NPM (Recommended for Beginners)
Open your terminal and run:
npx openclaw init my-assistant
This command creates a new OpenClaw project in the my-assistant folder. The setup wizard will ask you a few questions:
- 1. Which AI provider? Choose OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google (OpenAI is easiest for beginners)
- 2. API Key: Paste your API key from the provider's dashboard
- 3. Messaging platform: Select WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord
- 4. Enable persistence? Say Yes to save conversation history
The entire process takes 3-5 minutes. OpenClaw downloads required dependencies automatically.
Alternative: Installation via Git (For Developers)
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
npm install
npm run setup
This method gives you access to the latest development features and allows customization.
Step 3: Configure Your First Agent
Basic Configuration File
OpenClaw creates a .env file with your settings. Here's what a typical configuration looks like:
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-proj-xxx...
AI_MODEL=gpt-4
MESSAGING_PLATFORM=whatsapp
PHONE_NUMBER=+1234567890
ENABLE_MEMORY=true
AUTO_UPDATE=true
Security Tip
Never share your .env file. It contains sensitive API keys worth hundreds of dollars.
Performance Tip
Use GPT-4-turbo for faster responses. It's 3x faster than GPT-4 with similar quality.
Step 4: Start OpenClaw
Launch Your AI Agent
Navigate to your project folder and run:
cd my-assistant
npm start
You'll see output like this:
✓ Connected to OpenAI API
✓ WhatsApp integration active
→ Send a message to +1234567890 to start
Success! Your Agent is Running
Open WhatsApp and send "Hello" to the number shown. Your AI agent will respond within seconds!
Step 5: Test Your Installation
Essential Test Commands
1. Basic Response Test
Send: "What can you do?"
Your agent should list its capabilities (email management, calendar, reminders, etc.)
2. Memory Test
Send: "My name is John" then "What's my name?"
If configured correctly, it should remember "John"
3. Task Automation Test
Send: "Set a reminder for tomorrow 9am - Team meeting"
Check if the reminder appears in your calendar/notification system
Common Installation Issues & Fixes
Error: "Module not found"
Cause: Dependencies didn't install properly
Fix: Delete node_modules folder and run npm install again
Error: "Connection timeout" or Slow API Responses
Cause: Network issues, ISP throttling, or firewall blocking
Fix: Use a high-speed VPN to bypass throttling. VPN07 offers 1000Mbps bandwidth with optimized routing to AI platforms, eliminating connection issues completely.
Error: "Invalid API key"
Cause: Wrong key or expired trial
Fix: Generate a new API key from your provider's dashboard and update the .env file
Next Steps After Installation
📚 Install Skills from ClawHub
Extend your agent with community-built skills: email automation, calendar sync, weather alerts, and more. Visit the ClawHub marketplace.
🔒 Enable Security Features
Set up authentication, enable encryption, and configure VPN protection to secure your automation workflows.
⚙️ Customize Automation
Create custom workflows, set up cron jobs for scheduled tasks, and integrate with your favorite tools (Notion, Slack, etc.).
🚀 Deploy to Production
Move from local testing to 24/7 operation. Deploy to a cloud server or run OpenClaw in Docker for maximum reliability.
Performance Optimization Tips
- ✓ Use GPT-4-turbo: 3x faster than standard GPT-4 with comparable quality
- ✓ Enable caching: Reduces API costs by 50% for repetitive tasks
- ✓ Optimize prompts: Shorter, focused prompts = faster responses
- ✓ Network stability: Use VPN07's 1000Mbps bandwidth to eliminate connection drops during long automation workflows
- ✓ Regular updates: Keep OpenClaw updated for performance improvements
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Read More →Secure Your OpenClaw Setup with VPN07
VPN07 is the international standard for AI agent security. With 10 years of infrastructure optimization and presence in 70+ countries, it's the top choice for professionals running OpenClaw, ChatGPT, and Claude automation workflows.