How to Uninstall OpenClaw: Complete Removal Guide (2026)

Remove OpenClaw completely. Delete the binary, config, skills, plugins, and Docker images. Covers macOS, Linux, and Docker installations.

Quick Answer: Run openclaw uninstall for a guided removal. For manual removal: delete the OpenClaw directory (rm -rf ~/.openclaw), remove the binary from your PATH, and optionally remove Docker images with docker rmi openclaw/openclaw. Your project files are not affected.

How do I uninstall OpenClaw automatically?

OpenClaw includes an uninstall command:

openclaw uninstall

This removes the binary, config directory, skills, plugins, and PATH entry. It asks for confirmation before deleting anything. Your project files and code are never touched.

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How do I manually uninstall OpenClaw?

If the uninstall command does not work or you prefer manual removal:

Remove the config and skills directory

rm -rf ~/.openclaw

This deletes your configuration, installed skills, plugins, and session history. Back up your skills first if you want to keep them.

Remove the binary

If installed via the setup script:

rm -f /usr/local/bin/openclaw

If installed via git clone:

rm -rf ~/openclaw  # or wherever you cloned it

Remove from PATH

Check your shell config (~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, or ~/.profile) for any OpenClaw PATH entries and remove them.

How do I remove the OpenClaw Docker image?

Remove the Docker image:

docker rmi openclaw/openclaw:latest

Remove any Docker Compose files you created. Your mounted volumes (project files, skills) are on your host machine and are not affected.

To remove all OpenClaw containers:

docker ps -a | grep openclaw | awk '{print $1}' | xargs docker rm

What does the uninstall remove?

The uninstall removes: the OpenClaw binary, the ~/.openclaw/ directory (config, skills, plugins, logs, session history), and any PATH modifications. It does not remove: your project files, your code, Node.js, Docker, or any other system software.

Can I keep my skills after uninstalling?

If you want to keep your SKILL.md skills for use with another agent (Claude Code, Cursor, Roo Code), copy them before uninstalling:

cp -r ~/.openclaw/skills/ ~/my-skills-backup/

Skills are portable. Move them to ~/.claude/skills/ for Claude Code or the appropriate directory for your next agent. Browse more skills on Agensi.