OpenClaw Setup Guide Zero to Running
From nothing to a working agent in under 30 minutes. Prerequisites, installation, and your first automation.
We'll cover Docker, local install, and cloud VPS. Pick the path that fits your setup.
Prerequisites
A computer running macOS, Windows, or Linux
Any modern machine works. You'll need admin access to install software. If you're on Windows, we recommend using WSL2 for the smoothest experience.
An API key from OpenAI or Anthropic
OpenClaw needs an LLM to think. Grab an API key from OpenAI (starts with sk-) or Anthropic (starts with sk-ant-). Local models via Ollama work too if you want to skip API costs entirely.
Basic comfort with a terminal
You'll only need 3-4 commands total. If you can type 'cd' and hit enter, you're good. The workshop includes video walkthroughs if terminals feel unfamiliar.
Docker (recommended) or Python 3.10+
Docker gives you a one-command install with zero dependency headaches. Local Python works if you prefer managing environments yourself. Docker Desktop is free for personal use.
Setup Process (The Exact Order)
Pick your runtime: local or VPS
2 minLocal is best for testing and learning. VPS is best for always-on automations that run while you sleep. Not sure? Start local. You can move to a VPS later without losing anything.
Clone the repo or pull the Docker image
2-5 minRun 'docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest' or 'git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw'. If Docker fails, make sure Docker Desktop is running first. If git fails, install git from git-scm.com.
Set your environment variables
3-10 minCopy .env.example to .env and add your API key. The key format matters: OpenAI keys start with 'sk-', Anthropic keys start with 'sk-ant-'. Wrong format = auth errors that look confusing.
Boot OpenClaw and confirm it runs
2-5 minRun 'docker compose up' or 'python main.py'. You should see the UI at localhost:3000. If the port is blocked, another app is using it. Try stopping other services or change the port in your .env file.
Run a safe first skill
5-10 minPick something non-destructive like web research or text extraction. Don't let your first test touch your CRM or email. Confirm the agent can read inputs and produce outputs before going further.
Add approvals and logging
10 minBefore OpenClaw touches anything important, enable manual approval mode and turn on logging. This lets you review every action before it happens. Relax these guardrails later once you trust the workflow.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
These break 90% of first-time setups.
Docker isn't running
Symptoms: 'Cannot connect to Docker daemon' or 'docker: command not found'. Fix: Open Docker Desktop and wait for it to fully start. The whale icon should stop animating.
Wrong API key format
Symptoms: 401 errors, 'Invalid API key', or empty responses. Fix: OpenAI keys start with 'sk-'. Anthropic keys start with 'sk-ant-'. Check for extra spaces or missing characters when you paste.
Port 3000 already in use
Symptoms: 'Port 3000 is already allocated' or blank page. Fix: Stop other apps using the port (React dev servers, other Docker containers) or change PORT in your .env file to 3001.
Forgetting to save the .env file
Symptoms: OpenClaw starts but can't authenticate. Fix: After editing .env, save the file and restart OpenClaw. Environment variables only load at startup.
Your Next Step (After Setup)
Don't stop at 'it runs'. Build something useful.
Choose Your Setup Path
Setup FAQ
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The course walks you through every step with video. 100% free, lifetime access. Or let us build and deploy it for you.
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The full OpenClaw course covers multi-agent setup, automation, skills, and making money with AI agents.