How to Run OpenClaw on Windows 11 — Step by Step

OpenClaw runs on Windows 11. Here is everything you need to get started.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Download the LTS version from nodejs.org and install with default settings. Verify: open Command Prompt and type node --version.

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

npm install -g openclaw

Step 3: Setup and Start

openclaw setup
openclaw start

Follow the prompts to connect your Telegram or other messaging channel.

Run on Startup

Press Win+R, type shell:startup, create a file called openclaw.bat with the line openclaw start. OpenClaw will start with Windows automatically.

Windows vs VPS

Running on Windows works well if your PC stays on. For always-on availability without your PC running, a DigitalOcean VPS at $6/month (with $200 free credit) is the better choice.