OpenClaw Free Download: Install on Mac, Linux, Windows, Pi

Last Updated: February 2026

OpenClaw is free to download. It's open source (MIT license) — no purchase, no subscription, no paywall.

Here's how to download and install it on any platform.

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Download OpenClaw

Fastest: npm (Mac, Linux, Windows)

npm install -g openclaw

Requires Node.js 18+. That's it. After install, run openclaw setup to configure.

Docker

docker pull openclaw/openclaw
docker run -it openclaw/openclaw

Good for servers, NAS devices, or if you prefer containerized installs.

Homebrew (Mac)

brew install openclaw

Easiest option if you're on a Mac and already use Homebrew.

Direct from GitHub

Download the latest release from github.com/openclaw/openclaw.

Pre-built binaries available for:

• macOS (Apple Silicon + Intel)
• Linux (x86_64, arm64)
• Windows (x86_64)

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What You're Downloading

OpenClaw is an AI agent framework — not a standalone app with a GUI. What you get:

• The OpenClaw CLI (openclaw command)
• Config system for connecting AI providers
• Messaging integrations (Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Skills system for extending capabilities
• Cron scheduler for automations

You connect your own AI API key (Anthropic, OpenAI, Groq, Mistral, or local models) and a messaging app to interact with it.

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System Requirements

For always-on 24/7 use, most people run it on a Mac Mini, VPS, or Raspberry Pi 4+.

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Is It Actually Free?

OpenClaw itself: completely free. MIT licensed.

What you might pay for:

• AI API keys — OpenClaw calls AI providers on your behalf. Anthropic Claude costs ~$3/MTok input. OpenAI GPT-4 is similar. For typical personal use: $5–30/month.
• Hosting — If you don't have a machine to run it on, a VPS costs $5–10/month. Or run it on a Mac Mini or laptop you already own.

Zero cost option: Use Groq's free API tier or run a local model via Ollama. Total monthly cost: $0.

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After Download: Quick Setup

# 1. Install
npm install -g openclaw

# 2. Run setup wizard
openclaw setup

# 3. Connect Telegram (easiest interface)
# Create a bot at t.me/BotFather, paste token in setup

# 4. Start your agent
openclaw start

Full step-by-step: Getting Started Guide

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Download for Specific Devices

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Verify Your Download

After install, confirm everything is working:

openclaw --version
openclaw status

If you see a version number and status output, you're good.

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Problems Downloading?

Common issues:

• Node.js version too old — OpenClaw requires Node 18+. Run node --version to check, update if needed.
• Permission errors on Linux/Mac — Run with sudo or fix npm permissions.
• Windows native issues — Use WSL2 for the smoothest experience.

Need help? OpenClaw Community or Discord.

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Related Articles

• OpenClaw Free Trial: Start for $0, No Credit Card Required
• How to Use OpenClaw Completely for Free
• Is OpenClaw Free? Complete Pricing Breakdown
• Getting Started with OpenClaw