How to Install OpenClaw on Windows

OpenClaw runs natively on Windows 10 and 11, on both x64 and ARM64 PCs. This guide covers the three ways to install it: the Windows Hub app, the PowerShell installer and WSL2. It also explains how to keep OpenClaw running in the background and fix common Windows errors.

Quick answer

Open PowerShell and run iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex, then follow the setup wizard. Or download the Windows Hub app for a tray icon, built-in chat and a guided setup.

Choose a method

Three ways to install OpenClaw on Windows

All three are official. Most people should start with Windows Hub or PowerShell.

Recommended

Windows Hub app

A native Windows app with a tray icon, chat window, setup wizard and diagnostics. Can also run the gateway for you.

  • Best for most people
  • No terminal needed
  • Adds screen, camera and notification features
Jump to steps → Fastest

PowerShell installer

One command installs the native OpenClaw CLI and gateway, and starts it in the background.

  • Best for command-line users
  • Takes about 5 minutes
  • Runs as a Scheduled Task
Jump to steps → Linux runtime

WSL2

Runs the gateway in a Linux environment inside Windows, for Linux-only tools or scripts.

  • Best for developers
  • Same commands as Linux
  • Hub can set it up for you
Jump to steps →
Before you start

Windows requirements for OpenClaw

Windows
Windows 10 version 20H2 or later, or Windows 11
Processor
x64 (Intel or AMD) or ARM64 (for example, Snapdragon)
AI model
An API key from a model provider, or a local model
Optional
WSL2, only if you choose Method 3
Which installer do I need?

Press Win + Pause, or go to Settings › System › About, and check System type. "x64-based processor" means x64. "ARM-based processor" means ARM64.

1
Method 1 · Recommended

Install with the Windows Hub app

Windows Hub is OpenClaw's native Windows companion. It sits in your system tray, starts at login, gives you a chat window and the Control UI, and includes a Command Center for sessions, channels, devices and pairing.

  1. Download the installer for your processor from the official releases page.
    x64 installer ARM64 installer
    Files: OpenClawCompanion-Setup-x64.exe or OpenClawCompanion-Setup-arm64.exe from github.com/openclaw/openclaw-windows-node
  2. Run the installer. If Windows SmartScreen shows a warning, stop and check the file came from the official openclaw GitHub organization before you continue.
  3. Follow the first-run wizard. Choose a local gateway to run OpenClaw on this PC, or remote to connect to one on another machine or a VPS.
  4. Add your AI model and a chat app when the wizard asks. Telegram is the quickest to set up.
  5. Look for the lobster in your system tray. Right-click it for status, chat and settings. Turn on launch at login so OpenClaw is always ready.
Prefer Linux under the hood?

During setup, Windows Hub can create its own WSL2 environment called OpenClawGateway and run the gateway there automatically.

2
Method 2

Install with PowerShell

  1. Open PowerShell. Press Win + X and choose Terminal. You don't need to run it as administrator.
  2. Run the official installer:
    PowerShell
    iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex
  3. Complete onboarding. The installer starts a wizard that asks for your model provider, API key and first chat app. To skip it and run it later, add -NoOnboard.
  4. Done. The gateway now runs in the background using a Windows Scheduled Task, with no console window left open.
Want to read the script before running it?
PowerShell
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 -OutFile openclaw-install.ps1
notepad openclaw-install.ps1
.\openclaw-install.ps1
3
Method 3

Install OpenClaw in WSL2

Use WSL2 if your workflows depend on Linux tools. The easiest route is letting Windows Hub create its OpenClawGateway environment. To set it up yourself:

  1. Install WSL2 with Ubuntu in PowerShell, then restart your PC:
    PowerShell
    wsl --install
  2. Open Ubuntu from the Start menu and create your Linux username and password.
  3. Run the Linux installer inside Ubuntu:
    Ubuntu (WSL2)
    curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
openclaw onboard --install-daemon
  4. Open the Control UI in your Windows browser at http://127.0.0.1:18789.

From here, WSL2 behaves like any Linux machine. See our Linux install guide for more.

Check it works

Verify your Windows install

Open a new PowerShell window and run:

PowerShell
openclaw --version
openclaw doctor
openclaw gateway status --json

Then open http://127.0.0.1:18789 in your browser, or the chat window in Windows Hub, and send your first message. Next, build something useful with our first workflow tutorial.

Windows-only extras

What OpenClaw can do on your Windows PC

With Windows Hub's node mode turned on, your PC becomes an OpenClaw "node" and the assistant can use these Windows features. Each one needs your approval.

FeatureWhat it lets OpenClaw do
ScreenTake screenshots. Screen recording is opt-in.
CameraList cameras and take photos or short clips, opt-in only
SystemShow Windows notifications and run approved commands
DeviceRead location, device info and battery or status
TalkPush-to-talk voice conversations

Approve the device and its commands from the gateway:

PowerShell
openclaw devices list
openclaw devices approve <deviceRequestId>
openclaw nodes pending
openclaw nodes approve <nodeRequestId>

Windows Hub also has a local MCP server mode (in Settings, developer section) that lets other AI apps use these Windows features without running the gateway.

Troubleshooting

Fix common Windows install problems

running scripts is disabled on this system

PowerShell's execution policy is blocking scripts. Allow them for this window only, then run the installer again: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass

'openclaw' is not recognized

Close PowerShell and open a new window so it picks up the updated PATH. If it still fails, sign out and back in.

Gateway doesn't start after reboot

If the Scheduled Task couldn't be created, OpenClaw falls back to a Startup folder item that runs when you sign in. Run openclaw doctor to check.

Pairing required

Windows Hub needs approval as a device and as a node, separately. Use openclaw devices approve and openclaw nodes approve.

Screen recording or camera blocked

These are off by default. Allow them in the gateway policy with gateway.nodes.commands.allow.

Chat can't connect to a remote gateway

Check the gateway URL and token in Windows Hub. Remote gateways should be reached through an SSH tunnel or Tailscale.

More fixes: troubleshooting guide.

Maintenance

Update or uninstall OpenClaw on Windows

Update

PowerShell
openclaw update

Windows Hub users can install the newest release over the old one.

Uninstall

PowerShell
openclaw uninstall

It asks what to remove, including the background service. Uninstall Windows Hub from Settings › Apps.

Back up your OpenClaw folder first. See the update and backup guide.

FAQ

OpenClaw on Windows: questions

Does OpenClaw work on Windows?

Yes. OpenClaw runs natively on Windows 10 version 20H2 or later and Windows 11, on both x64 and ARM64 processors. You can also run it inside WSL2.

Do I need WSL to install OpenClaw on Windows?

No. The PowerShell installer and the Windows Hub app install a native Windows version. WSL2 is optional, for people who want a Linux environment.

What is OpenClaw Windows Hub?

Windows Hub is the official native Windows companion app. It adds a system tray icon, launch at login, a chat window, the Control UI, a Command Center for diagnostics and Windows features like screen, camera and notifications.

How do I keep OpenClaw running on Windows?

The installer sets up a Windows Scheduled Task that runs the gateway in the background. Windows Hub can also launch at login. Your PC must be awake for scheduled jobs to run, so consider a VPS for 24/7 use.

Does OpenClaw work on Windows ARM laptops?

Yes. There is a native ARM64 installer for Windows on ARM devices such as Snapdragon laptops.

Can I use iMessage with OpenClaw on Windows?

No. iMessage requires a Mac. On Windows, use WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Slack, Discord or another supported channel.

Other install guides

All install optionsCompare every method MacmacOS 15 and later LinuxDesktop and server DownloadOfficial sources