Installation Guide: Choose Your Platform

Choose Your Installation Method

LaunchDock has prepared illustrated tutorials for all three platforms — pick your environment and get started.

Based on your environment, choose the best option to begin:

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Not Sure Which One to Choose?

Scenario	Recommendation
First time, just want to try it out	☁️ Cloud Deployment (fastest)
Want a free experience without applying for an API Key	🦙 Ollama Quick Start (ollama launch openclaw — one command to launch)
Want long-term use and deeper learning	🍎 macOS or 🪟 Windows + WSL local installation
Have Linux development experience	🪟 Windows WSL 2 or follow the macOS tutorial
Computer is struggling	☁️ Cloud Deployment

💡 Windows users, heads up: OpenClaw relies heavily on CLI tools, and CLI works best in a Linux environment. We strongly recommend Windows users install via WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). For details, see Why Not Install on Native Windows?

Duck Editor says: Cloud deployment is like ordering takeout — no cooking required, food arrives fast. Local installation is like learning to cook — takes time, but you can make whatever you want anytime. Both are valid — it depends on how hungry you are right now.

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System Requirements

Regardless of platform, the minimum requirements are:

• Python 3.11 or above
• Node.js 18 or above
• RAM 8GB (16GB recommended)
• Disk space 5GB or more
• Network Stable internet connection (needed to call the AI API)
• API Key At least one: OpenAI / Google / Anthropic

Don’t have an API Key yet? Check out AI Model API Key Guide first — Google AI Studio has a free tier and is the best option for beginners.

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After Installation

All set? Continue learning:

• 📖 Why You Need OpenClaw
• ⚙️ Configure Models & API Keys
• 💰 Understanding Token Billing
• 🧩 Build Your First Skill
• 🤖 Create an Automated Agent
• 👻 Design AI’s Personality: Soul