Getting Started with OpenClaw

I hate it when I am ready to code but spend the first hour hunting for the right setup guide. You click one link, it leads to another, and soon you have twenty tabs open with no clear direction. It ruins the flow before you even start.

I want to make this easier for you. If you are looking at OpenClaw for the first time, you just need a map to the right pages so you can get your environment ready without the headache.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these pieces ready based on your environment:

• An installation method: You can use Docker, Nix, or the experimental Bun workflow.
• A supported platform: This includes macOS, Linux, Windows (WSL2), or mobile platforms like iOS and Android.

Quick Start

I recommend following this path to get everything running in about five minutes.

1. Start with the basics: Head over to the Getting Started page to understand the initial setup.
2. Run the helper: Use the Wizard or the Onboarding flow to configure your instance.
3. Launch the Dashboard: Once the gateway is active, you can access your local Dashboard to manage things.
4. Fine-tune your setup: Check the Configuration guide to adjust your settings.

Troubleshooting

If things do not go as planned, I found these specific resources in the docs to help you fix common issues:

• Gateway Issues: If your gateway is acting up, the Troubleshooting runbook has the answers.
• Linux Browser Problems: If you are on Linux and having trouble with browser control, see the Browser (Linux troubleshooting) page.

If you need a hand with a specific setup question, you can talk to the AI Setup Assistant.

What’s Next

• Architecture
• Model providers hub
• Docker installation
• CLI reference