OpenClaw Windows local deployment tutorial

This guide walks you through openclaw install and openclaw deployment on a Windows PC. Follow these steps to run openclaw locally on Windows 10 or later.

OpenClaw Windows deployment — OpenClaw Windows local deployment

1. Install Node.js

OpenClaw requires Node.js. If not already installed, download the Windows installer from nodejs.org (Node version >= 22). Run the installer and accept the defaults. Skip this step if Node is already installed.

2. Install OpenClaw

Open CMD (Command Prompt) and run:

npm install -g openclaw@latest

3. Run onboarding

Start the configuration wizard:

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Confirm the disclaimer (yes). For models choose All, then Keep current for default model. For install mode choose Quickstart. You can skip model provider, channels, and web search for a minimal setup; choose no for Skills if you want to add them later. At the end, choose to open the Web UI.

This creates a .openclaw folder under your user directory (e.g. C:\Users\YourUsername\.openclaw).

4. Configure API key

OpenClaw needs an LLM API key (e.g. Claude, GPT, MiniMax, or another supported provider). Get an API key from your chosen provider, then edit the config files so OpenClaw can use it.

openclaw.json: located at C:\Users\YourUsername\.openclaw\openclaw.json. Open it and replace the apiKey value in the auth / models sections with your own key. Save the file.

auth-profiles.json: under C:\Users\YourUsername\.openclaw\agents\main\agent\auth-profiles.json. Replace the key in the relevant profile with your API key.

models.json: in the same agents\main\agent folder. Update the apiKey in the provider config to match.

5. Restart and open Web UI

Restart the gateway:

openclaw gateway restart

CMD will show the Web UI URL (e.g. http://127.0.0.1:18789/?token=...). Copy it into your browser to open the OpenClaw control panel. To list configured models:

openclaw models list

You have completed openclaw install and openclaw deployment on Windows. For zero-config use, try a hosted OpenClaw-based service in your browser or desktop.