Before You Start

The checklist

Before we install anything, let's make sure you've got what you need:

✅ Node.js (version 22 or newer)

Node.js is what runs OpenClaw. Think of it as the engine under the hood.

**Check if you have it:**

node --version

If you see `v22.x.x` or higher, you're good. If you see nothing or a lower version, you'll need to install or update it.

**Install Node.js:**

• —Go to [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org)
• —Download the LTS version (should be 22+)
• —Run the installer
• —Open a new terminal and check again

✅ A terminal

• —**Mac:** Open Spotlight (Cmd+Space), type "Terminal", hit Enter
• —**Windows:** Open PowerShell (search for it in the Start menu)
• —**Linux:** You already know where your terminal is

✅ An AI provider API key

OpenClaw needs to talk to an AI model. The recommended provider is **Anthropic** (the company behind Claude).

1. Go to [console.anthropic.com](https://console.anthropic.com)

2. Create an account

3. Go to API Keys

4. Create a new key

5. Copy it somewhere safe — you'll need it during setup

**This is the only thing that costs money.** Anthropic charges per message (usually fractions of a cent). For normal use, expect $5-15/month.

✅ (Optional) A messaging app

If you want to chat with your AI from your phone, you'll need one of:

• —WhatsApp
• —Telegram
• —Discord
• —Slack

But this is optional — you can start with just the web browser interface.

What you DON'T need

• —❌ A powerful computer (a laptop is fine)
• —❌ Linux knowledge
• —❌ A computer science degree
• —❌ Docker, Kubernetes, or any DevOps tools
• —❌ Money (OpenClaw itself is free)