OpenClaw on Windows (Beginner-Friendly)

⚠️ Security note: test on a spare machine, VM, or separate Windows account first.
OpenClaw can run high-privilege actions, so avoid your primary work environment.

What you'll achieve

Install OpenClaw with PowerShell
Complete onboarding on Windows
Start OpenClaw, verify it responds, and learn how to restart it
Fix common Windows setup problems such as ExecutionPolicy, PATH, Defender, and firewall blocks

Before you start

Prefer an English username and simple file paths if possible
Prepare a working model API key
Confirm network access to the install script

Step 1: Run PowerShell as administrator

Start menu -> PowerShell -> right click -> Run as Administrator

Command

whoami

Step 2: Allow script execution

Command

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUserGet-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser

Step 3: Install OpenClaw

Command

iwr -useb https://openclaw.bot/install.ps1 | iex

Verify the install

Command

openclaw --versionwhere openclaw

Step 4: If the command does not work

Close PowerShell and open it again
Re-run openclaw --version
If needed, remove old packages and install again

Command

npm uninstall -g clawdbotnpm uninstall -g moltbotnpm uninstall -g openclaw

Step 5: Run onboarding

Command

openclaw onboard --flow quickstart

Use Telegram first if you want the easiest first proof that OpenClaw works.

Step 6: Start and run OpenClaw

Command

openclaw start

After config changes:

Command

openclaw gateway restart

Verify startup

Logs do not show recurring errors
Your chosen channel responds to a test message

Step 7: Windows setup pitfalls

ExecutionPolicy error

Recheck Step 2 and confirm the current user scope is set correctly.

PATH or command issues

Use where openclaw and reopen PowerShell after installation.

Firewall or Defender issues

Allow the relevant process through Windows Firewall
Add your OpenClaw data folder to Defender exclusions only if necessary

If you want a 24/7 environment, do not keep using a desktop-only workflow. Continue with Docker / VPS deployment.

If you need routing, gateway token, or skills configuration, continue with advanced configuration.