Part 2 - OpenClaw Installation Route Design
Why planning is essential before installing OpenClaw. Involves Node.js environment, Gateway service, Plugin system, messaging channels, and AI Model Providers.
Why You Must Plan Before Installing OpenClaw
Many people’s first reaction when seeing OpenClaw is:
curl -fsSL https://install.openclaw.ai | bashAnd then directly execute the installation.
However, installing OpenClaw is not “just one command and done”.
Because OpenClaw involves:
- Node.js Runtime Environment
- Gateway Service
- Plugin / Tools System
- Messaging Channel Integration
- AI Model Provider
At the same time, different users have vastly different environments:
For example:
Therefore, before installing OpenClaw, you need to clarify three questions first.
Three Key Questions for Installing OpenClaw
Before starting the installation, please confirm three things.
Your Operating System
OpenClaw supports three types of systems:
Among them:
- Linux is the most recommended runtime environment
- Windows is more suitable for running via virtual machines
- macOS is more suitable for development experience
Your Network Environment
The network environment will directly affect the installation method.
It can usually be divided into three types:
External Network Environment
Can access:
- GitHub
- npm
- Docker Hub
This environment is the simplest to install.
Just execute the official installation script.
Domestic Network Environment (China)
Can access the internet, but some foreign websites are unstable.
For example:
- GitHub speed is slow
- npm downloads are slow
- Docker Hub pulls are slow
In this case, you need to:
- Use mirror sources
- Use proxies
- Use domestic npm registry
Pure Intranet Environment
Cannot access the external network at all.
For example:
- Corporate Intranet
- Data Centers
- Security Isolated Environments
In this case, you need:
- Offline Node Installation Packages
- Offline npm Packages
- Docker Offline Images
Installation complexity is the highest.
Your Usage Goal
Different goals require different installation methods.
Overview of OpenClaw Installation Methods
OpenClaw currently has four installation methods.
Method 1: Official Installation Script (Recommended)
This is the officially recommended method.
Installation command:
curl -fsSL https://install.openclaw.ai | bashThe installation script will automatically complete:
- Node.js Installation
- OpenClaw CLI Installation
- Gateway Service Installation
- Basic Configuration
Advantages:
- Simplest
- Official Support
- Automatic Configuration
Suitable for:
- External Network Environment
- Linux / macOS
Method 2: Manual Node Installation
If the official script cannot run, you can install manually.
Steps are usually:
-
Install Node.js
-
Install OpenClaw CLI
-
Initialize Configuration
Suitable for:
- Domestic Network Environment
- Custom Environments
Method 3: Docker Installation
Docker method is suitable for:
- Server Environments
- Isolated Runtime Environments
- Rapid Deployment
Advantages:
- Environment Isolation
- Easy to Migrate
- Easy to Upgrade
Method 4: Offline Installation
Offline installation is suitable for:
- Corporate Intranet
- No External Network Environment
Usually requires:
- Node Offline Installation Packages
- npm Offline Dependencies
- Docker Offline Images
This is the most difficult installation method.
Recommended Solutions for Three Operating Systems
Based on different systems, I have compiled a recommended route.
Windows Users
Windows is not recommended to run OpenClaw directly.
Recommended solution:
VMware Workstation
+
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
+
OpenClawReasons:
- Linux environment is more stable
- systemd support is better
- Plugin compatibility is better
Therefore, it is recommended:
Use VMware + Ubuntu on Windows.
Linux Users
Linux is the most recommended runtime environment.
Recommended systems:
Ubuntu 22.04
Ubuntu 24.04
Debian 12Installation method:
Official Installation ScriptIf it is a server environment, you can consider:
Docker DeploymentmacOS Users
Installing OpenClaw on macOS is very simple.
Steps:
-
Install Node.js
-
Run Official Installation Script
Suitable for:
- Developers
- Local Testing
Installation Strategies for Different Network Environments
This is the most critical part below.
External Network Environment
Simplest.
Installation steps:
curl -fsSL https://install.openclaw.ai | bashThen execute:
openclaw onboardInitialization is complete.
Domestic Network Environment (China)
Need to solve three problems:
npm Downloads are Slow
Solution:
Use domestic npm mirror.
For example:
npmmirrorGitHub Downloads are Slow
Can use:
- GitHub Acceleration
- Proxy
- Mirrors
Docker Hub is Slow
Can use:
- Domestic Docker Mirrors
- Private Repositories
Pure Intranet Environment
Pure intranet installation steps are usually:
- Download dependencies on external machine.
For example:
- Node Installation Packages
- OpenClaw CLI
- npm Packages
-
Copy to intranet server.
-
Manual installation.
If using Docker:
Can transfer images via the following commands:
docker save
docker loadFinal Recommended Installation Matrix
Below is an installation matrix I have summarized.
Preparation Before Installing OpenClaw
Before starting the installation in the next article, it is recommended to prepare the following environment.
Recommended Hardware Configuration
Minimum Configuration:
CPU: 2 Core
Memory: 4GB
Disk: 20GBRecommended Configuration:
CPU: 4 Core
Memory: 8GB
Disk: 50GBRecommended System
Recommended:
Ubuntu 22.04 LTSReasons:
- Stable
- Most Documentation
- Good Community Support
Recommended Node Version
OpenClaw requires:
Node.js 22+Recommend using:
Node.js 24 LTSNext Article
In the next article, we will officially start the installation.
Content includes:
- VMware Installation of Ubuntu
- Linux Installation of OpenClaw
- macOS Installation of OpenClaw
And:
- Domestic Network Environment Configuration
- Common Installation Problems