OpenClaw Windows Deployment Guide

If you follow AI automation, you have probably seen OpenClaw everywhere lately.

In short, OpenClaw gives AI “hands” and “eyes,” turning chat-only agents into tools that can actually control a desktop. It is powerful, but Windows setup has enough details to discourage first-time users.

To make it “not only good, but easy to install,” here is a full configuration guide. From prerequisites to a successful run, the common pitfalls are marked. Let’s get started.

1. Prerequisites

OpenClaw depends on Node.js and Git. Install the following first.

1.1 Install Node.js (version ≥ 22)

1. Download: Visit the Node.js official website and choose “Windows Installer (64‑bit)” (.msi).
2. Install steps:
   • Double‑click the installer, accept the license, click “Next.”
   • Keep the default install path (C:\Program Files\nodejs\), click “Next.”
   • Key option: ensure “Add Node.js to PATH” is checked.
   • Keep defaults on the remaining pages and click “Install.”
3. Verify: restart PowerShell and run:

node -v

4. If the output is v22.x.x or higher, it is successful.

1.2 Install Git

Purpose: pull OpenClaw code and dependencies.

1. Download the 64‑bit Git installer from the official site.
2. Install with default options (environment variables are set automatically).
3. Verify:

git --version

4. If a version is printed, it is successful.

1.3 Allow PowerShell scripts

Windows blocks scripts by default. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

Type Y to confirm.

2. Install the OpenClaw core program

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run the official one‑line installer:

iwr -useb https://clawd.bot/install.ps1 | iex

Wait for “Clawdbot installed successfully.”

3. Run the onboarding wizard

Start the wizard:

openclaw onboard

Recommended choices:

3.1 Mode

Options: QuickStart / Advanced
Meaning:

• QuickStart: auto‑configures basic settings, best for beginners.
• Advanced: custom models/ports, for advanced users.

Recommendation: choose QuickStart.

3.2 Provider

Options: Qwen / OpenAI / Skip for now
Meaning: choose your model provider.

Recommendation: Qwen (works well in mainland China); you will authorize via browser.

3.3 Default model

Option: qwen-portal/coder-model
Meaning: the default model OpenClaw uses.

Recommendation: keep default.

3.4 Channels

Options: Telegram / WhatsApp / Skip for now
Meaning: choose chat platforms for OpenClaw.

Recommendation: Skip for now (defaults are overseas platforms).

3.5 Skills

Options: Yes / No
Meaning: enable core skills (file ops, code execution, etc.).

Recommendation: Yes.

3.6 Skill install

Options: npm / pnpm / bun
Meaning: package manager for skill dependencies.

Recommendation: npm (best compatibility, easy to mirror in China).

3.7 Skill dependencies

Options: Skip for now / choose dependencies
Meaning: some skills require overseas services.

Recommendation: Skip for now, install locally later as needed.

3.8 API keys

Options: No / Yes
Meaning: configure third‑party API keys (e.g., Google Maps).

Recommendation: No (not accessible in China).

3.9 Hooks

Options: Skip for now / Enable
Meaning: automation triggers requiring tokens.

Recommendation: Skip for now.

4. Start the gateway service

openclaw gateway start

5. Open the admin UI

Visit:

http://127.0.0.1:18789

6. China‑friendly channel: Feishu

Feishu is officially supported in China. Steps:

1. Create an “enterprise self‑built app” on the Feishu developer platform.
2. Get App ID and App Secret.
3. Edit C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\.openclaw\openclaw.json, add:

"channels": {
  "feishu": {
    "enabled": true,
    "appId": "YOUR_APP_ID",
    "appSecret": "YOUR_APP_SECRET",
    "connectionMode": "websocket"
  }
}

4. Restart the gateway:

openclaw gateway restart

5. After restart, you can interact with OpenClaw via Feishu.