OpenClaw Installation Guide: macOS, Linux, and Docker (2026)

Three ways to install OpenClaw: the setup script, git clone, and Docker. This guide covers all platforms and helps you pick the right method.

Quick Answer: The fastest path is the setup script: curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash. This installs OpenClaw, creates the config directory, and sets up the skills folder. For more control, clone from GitHub. For servers, use Docker. All three methods support SKILL.md skills from Agensi.

Which installation method should I use?

The setup script is the fastest. It handles dependencies, creates directories, and gets you running in under 2 minutes. Use it for personal machines.

Git clone gives you the full source code. Use it if you want to contribute, customize, or understand the internals. Takes 5-10 minutes.

Docker is the cleanest. No system modifications. Use it for servers, CI/CD, and team environments. Takes 3 minutes.

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How do I install OpenClaw on macOS?

Setup script (recommended)

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

The script installs Node.js via Homebrew if needed, clones the repo, installs dependencies, and adds openclaw to your PATH.

Git clone

git clone https://github.com/openclaw-ai/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
./setup.sh

After installation

Configure your model:

openclaw config set model claude-sonnet
openclaw config set api-key your_anthropic_key

Start a session:

openclaw

How do I install OpenClaw on Linux?

Setup script

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

Works on Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, Fedora 36+, and Arch. The script detects your distribution and uses the appropriate package manager.

Git clone

sudo apt install nodejs npm git  # Ubuntu/Debian
git clone https://github.com/openclaw-ai/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
./setup.sh

Does OpenClaw work on Windows?

OpenClaw does not run natively on Windows. Install WSL2 with Ubuntu, then follow the Linux instructions inside WSL.

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

After WSL is running, use the setup script or git clone method inside the Ubuntu terminal.

How do I install OpenClaw with Docker?

docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest
docker run -it -v $(pwd):/workspace -e ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_key openclaw/openclaw:latest

Full Docker setup guide: OpenClaw Docker Setup.

How do I install my first skills?

After installation, add skills from Agensi:

~/.openclaw/skills/
├── code-reviewer/
│   └── SKILL.md
├── git-commit-writer/
│   └── SKILL.md

code-reviewer (764 installs) is the most popular starting point. Free.

Browse all skills for OpenClaw on Agensi.

How do I verify my installation?

Run openclaw --version to confirm installation. Run openclaw doctor to check that your model config, API key, and skills directory are set up correctly.