Can I run OpenClaw on Windows?

Yes. You can run OpenClaw on Windows using Docker Desktop (recommended), WSL with npm, or skip the install entirely and use OpenClaw Launch for managed cloud hosting.

Do I need WSL to run OpenClaw on Windows?

Not if you use Docker Desktop — it handles Linux compatibility automatically. If you want to run OpenClaw natively with npm, then yes, WSL is required since OpenClaw is a Node.js application designed for Linux/macOS.

What is the easiest way to use OpenClaw on Windows?

The easiest way is OpenClaw Launch — a managed hosting service that deploys your AI bot in 30 seconds from any browser. No Windows install, Docker, or command line needed. Plans start at $3/month.

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Guide

How to Install OpenClaw on Windows

Run OpenClaw on Windows 10 or 11 using Docker Desktop, WSL, or npm. This guide walks through every method — or you can skip the install entirely with managed hosting.

Choose Your Installation Method

There are three ways to run OpenClaw on Windows. Each has trade-offs:

Method	Best For	Difficulty
Docker Desktop	Easiest self-host option	Easy
WSL + npm	Developers who want native Node.js	Medium
OpenClaw Launch	Skip all setup, deploy in 30 seconds	None

Method 1: Docker Desktop (Recommended)

Docker Desktop is the simplest way to run OpenClaw on Windows. It handles all dependencies automatically.

Install Docker Desktop from docker.com. Enable WSL 2 backend during installation.

Open PowerShell and pull the OpenClaw image:

docker pull ghcr.io/openclaw/openclaw:latest

Create a config directory:
```
mkdir C:\openclaw
```
Create your config file at C:\openclaw\openclaw.json with your AI model and chat platform settings. See the manual for config reference.

Run the container:

docker run -d --name openclaw -v C:\openclaw:/home/node/.openclaw -p 18789:18789 ghcr.io/openclaw/openclaw:latest node openclaw.mjs gateway --allow-unconfigured

Open the web gateway at http://localhost:18789 to verify it's running.

Method 2: WSL + npm

If you prefer running OpenClaw as a native Node.js app, use Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Enable WSL: Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
```
wsl --install
```
Restart your computer when prompted.
Open Ubuntu from the Start menu and set up your Linux username/password.

Install Node.js (18 or later):

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

Install OpenClaw:
```
npm install -g openclaw
```
Start the gateway:
```
openclaw gateway --allow-unconfigured
```
Open http://localhost:18789 in your Windows browser to access the web gateway.

Common Windows Issues

Docker Desktop Won't Start

Make sure Hyper-V and WSL 2 are enabled in Windows Features.
Run wsl --update in PowerShell to ensure WSL is up to date.
Restart Docker Desktop if it gets stuck on "Starting."

Port 18789 Already in Use

Another process may be using the port. Check with netstat -ano | findstr 18789 in PowerShell. Change the port mapping in your Docker run command if needed (e.g., -p 8080:18789).

WSL Performance Issues

Store your OpenClaw files inside the WSL filesystem (e.g., ~/openclaw) rather than on the Windows filesystem (e.g., /mnt/c/). Cross-filesystem access is significantly slower.

Permission Denied Errors

The OpenClaw Docker container runs as user node (uid 1000). If using bind mounts, ensure the config directory has open permissions: chmod 777 on the directory.

Skip the Setup

Don't want to deal with Docker, WSL, or config files? OpenClaw Launch handles everything for you. Configure your AI bot visually and deploy in 30 seconds — no Windows setup required. Works from any browser.