OpenClaw Quick Start is the official, step-by-step path to install AI OpenClaw, run onboarding, and verify the dashboard. It focuses on exact commands and trusted defaults so you can launch quickly and safely.
This flow follows the official install docs. Pick an installer, run onboarding, then open the dashboard (Control UI) locally before you go remote.
The fastest path to a running assistant on macOS, Linux, or WSL2.
OpenClaw Quick Start requires Node.js 22 or newer. The installer sets it up for you.
OpenClaw Quick Start supports macOS, Linux, and Windows via WSL2.
pnpm is required only if you build OpenClaw from source.
Run the installer that matches your OS and let it set up the CLI.
Complete the onboarding wizard, or run it manually if you skipped it.
Use the Control UI on localhost before you expose anything remotely.
These commands are lifted from the official install docs. Use the recommended script for macOS, Linux, or WSL2, and use PowerShell on Windows.
Recommended for macOS, Linux, and WSL2. Installs the CLI and runs onboarding by default.
PowerShell installer for Windows. WSL2 is recommended for best compatibility.
If you skipped onboarding, run the command below to install the daemon and finish setup.
After onboarding, the CLI opens the tokenized dashboard link automatically. Use the commands below to reopen it and confirm localhost access.
Run the command to open the dashboard and copy the tokenized link when needed.
The Control UI is served on localhost by default. If you see "unauthorized," open the tokenized link from the command above.
Keep the dashboard on loopback and expose it with Tailscale Serve, or tunnel it over SSH if you need a quick fallback.
The gateway stays on loopback while Tailscale provides HTTPS and identity headers.
Forward the dashboard port from your remote host to localhost.
Watch a full OpenClaw Quick Start walkthrough to see the install and onboarding flow end to end.
OpenClaw Quick Start mirrors the official install path while keeping everything local and testable before you go live.
These answers align with the official docs so OpenClaw Quick Start stays accurate.
Node.js 22 or newer. The installer sets it up automatically, and pnpm is only needed for source builds.
macOS, Linux, or Windows via WSL2.
The CLI auto-opens the tokenized link after onboarding. You can re-open it any time with openclaw dashboard.
Use openclaw gateway --tailscale serve to keep the gateway on loopback, or forward port 18789 through an SSH tunnel.