# How to Install and Run OpenClaw on Windows 10 > Learn how to install OpenClaw on Windows 10 with this easy guide. Includes setup steps, troubleshooting tips, and performance fixes. **Published:** Mar 17, 2026 | **Author:** Michael Park | **Read time:** 10 min read Learn how to install and run OpenClaw on Windows 10 with easy step-by-step instructions. Includes simple setup, fixes, and game tips. --- - OpenClaw on Windows 10' subtitle="Learn how to install OpenClaw on Windows 10 with this easy guide. Includes setup steps, troubleshooting tips, and performance fixes." readTime="10 min read" publishDate="Mar 17, 2026" author="Michael Park" /> Running [OpenClaw](/blog/what-is-openclaw/) on Windows 10 is completely doable — but it requires WSL2, Docker, and a few configuration steps that can take 1–3 hours depending on your setup. If you want to skip the local setup entirely, [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh/) gets OpenClaw running in 60 seconds — no WSL2, no Docker, no configuration required. System Requirements for Running OpenClaw on Windows 10 OpenClaw runs on Windows 10 through WSL2 and Docker. Before you begin, verify your machine meets every item below — most failed installs trace back to one missing requirement: Component Requirement RAM 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended) CPU 64-bit processor, 4+ cores (Intel or AMD) OS Version Windows 10 version 1903+ (build 18362+), 64-bit Storage 10 GB free disk space (SSD recommended) Virtualization Enabled in BIOS (required for WSL2 and Docker) Internet Stable connection (needed for Docker images and npm packages) PowerShell Version 5.1+ (run as Administrator for setup steps) Dependencies WSL2, Docker Desktop, Node.js v18+ How to Install OpenClaw on Windows 10 Step 1: Enable WSL2 WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) lets you run a real Linux kernel inside Windows. Docker Desktop needs it to run containers on Windows 10. Open **PowerShell as Administrator** (right-click → Run as administrator) and run: wsl --install This installs WSL2 with Ubuntu as the default distro. **Restart your computer** when prompted. After reboot, open PowerShell again and verify WSL2 is active: # Set WSL2 as default version wsl --set-default-version 2 # Verify your distro is running version 2 wsl --list --verbose You should see `VERSION 2` next to your Linux distro. If it shows version 1, run: wsl --set-version Ubuntu 2 **Heads up:** WSL2 installation can fail on older Windows 10 builds. If `wsl --install` doesn't work, you may need to [manually enable WSL2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-manual) through Windows Features. Step 2: Install Docker Desktop Docker runs OpenClaw in an isolated container so you don't have to worry about conflicting dependencies. Download [Docker Desktop for Windows](https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/) Running [OpenClaw](/blog/what-is-openclaw/) on Windows 10 is completely doable — but it requires WSL2, Docker, and a few configuration steps that can take 1–3 hours depending on your setup. If you want to skip the local setup entirely, [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh/) gets OpenClaw running in 60 seconds — no WSL2, no Docker, no configuration required. Running [OpenClaw](/blog/what-is-openclaw/) on Windows 10 is completely doable — but it requires WSL2, Docker, and a few configuration steps that can take 1–3 hours depending on your setup. If you want to skip the local setup entirely, [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh/) gets OpenClaw running in 60 seconds — no WSL2, no Docker, no configuration required. ## System Requirements for Running OpenClaw on Windows 10 | Component | Requirement | | --- | --- | | RAM | 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended) | | CPU | 64-bit processor, 4+ cores (Intel or AMD) | | OS Version | Windows 10 version 1903+ (build 18362+), 64-bit | | Storage | 10 GB free disk space (SSD recommended) | | Virtualization | Enabled in BIOS (required for WSL2 and Docker) | | Internet | Stable connection (needed for Docker images and npm packages) | | PowerShell | Version 5.1+ (run as Administrator for setup steps) | | Dependencies | WSL2, Docker Desktop, Node.js v18+ | OpenClaw runs on Windows 10 through WSL2 and Docker. Before you begin, verify your machine meets every item below — most failed installs trace back to one missing requirement: ## How to Install OpenClaw on Windows 10 ### Step 1: Enable WSL2 WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) lets you run a real Linux kernel inside Windows. Docker Desktop needs it to run containers on Windows 10. Open **PowerShell as Administrator** (right-click → Run as administrator) and run: This installs WSL2 with Ubuntu as the default distro. **Restart your computer** when prompted. After reboot, open PowerShell again and verify WSL2 is active: You should see `VERSION 2` next to your Linux distro. If it shows version 1, run: **Heads up:** WSL2 installation can fail on older Windows 10 builds. If `wsl --install` doesn't work, you may need to [manually enable WSL2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-manual) through Windows Features. ### Step 2: Install Docker Desktop Docker runs OpenClaw in an isolated container so you don't have to worry about conflicting dependencies. - Run the installer — **enable "Use WSL2 instead of Hyper-V"** when prompted - After install, open Docker Desktop and wait until it shows **"Engine running"** in the bottom-left - Open PowerShell and verify: If `docker run hello-world` prints a success message, you're good to go. Expected output — "Hello from Docker!" confirms Docker is running correctly **Note:** Many users hit issues here — Docker not starting, WSL2 networking conflicts, or Windows Defender blocking connections. If you'd rather avoid the debugging entirely, Ampere.sh provides a pre-configured, fully managed environment. ### Step 3: Install Node.js OpenClaw requires Node.js v18 or later. Download the LTS version: - Go to [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) - Download the **LTS** installer for Windows - Run the installer with default settings - Open a **new** PowerShell window and verify: ### Step 4: Install OpenClaw With Node.js installed, you can install OpenClaw globally via npm: Installing OpenClaw globally via npm and verifying the install If you see a version number, OpenClaw is installed and ready to configure. ### Step 5: Configure & Start OpenClaw Now set up your AI provider and start the gateway: Running openclaw configure and starting the gateway The configuration wizard will ask you to connect an AI provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.) and set up your preferred messaging channels. Once the gateway is running, your OpenClaw agent is live on your Windows 10 machine. Connect it to Discord, [WhatsApp](/blog/connect-openclaw-whatsapp/), or Telegram to start chatting with it from anywhere. ## Common Errors & Fixes ### Docker Desktop Won't Start **Error:** Docker Desktop fails to launch or shows "WSL 2 installation is incomplete" **Fix:** Docker needs WSL2 to be properly configured. Run the following: ### "openclaw" Command Not Found **Error:** `openclaw : The term 'openclaw' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet` **Fix:** Node.js global bin path isn't in your system PATH. Try these options: ### Port Conflict (EADDRINUSE) **Error:** `Error: listen EADDRINUSE: address already in use :::3000` **Fix:** Another process is already using the port. Find and kill it: ### WSL2 Out of Memory **Error:** System slows down or crashes — Docker and WSL2 consuming all available RAM **Fix:** Limit WSL2 memory usage via a config file: Save the file, then restart WSL: ### Windows Defender Blocking Connections **Error:** OpenClaw or Docker can't connect to the internet or local ports are blocked by firewall **Fix:** Allow Docker and Node.js through Windows Firewall: - Open **Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall** - Make sure **Docker Desktop** and **Node.js** are allowed on both Private and Public networks - If you're still blocked, temporarily disable the firewall to test, then add the specific rules ## Faster Alternative — Deploy on Ampere.sh If you don't want to deal with WSL2, Docker networking, memory limits, or firewall issues, deploy OpenClaw on [Ampere.sh](https://www.ampere.sh/) — fully configured and ready to use, with no local setup at all: ### No Setup No WSL2, no Docker, no Node.js. Everything is pre-configured and ready to go. ### Free Credits Start for free — no credit card required. Upgrade when you're ready. ### Zero Debugging No port conflicts, no memory issues, no firewall headaches. ### Always On Your agent runs 24/7 — even when your laptop is off. ## Windows 10 Setup vs Ampere.sh | Feature | Windows 10 | Ampere.sh | | --- | --- | --- | | Setup Time | 1–3 hours | 60 seconds | | Difficulty | High | None | | Requires WSL2/Docker | Yes | No | | Common Errors | Frequent | None | | Maintenance | Manual updates | Fully managed | | Uptime | Only when PC is on | 24/7 always-on | ## Skip the Setup Hassle? Deploy OpenClaw in 60 seconds on Ampere.sh. No WSL2, no Docker, no debugging. [Deploy Now — Free Credits →](https://www.ampere.sh/setup) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does OpenClaw work on Windows 10 Home? Yes. WSL2 is supported on Windows 10 Home starting from version 1903 (build 18362). Make sure your Windows is fully updated before starting the installation. ### Do I need Hyper-V for Docker on Windows 10? No. Docker Desktop uses WSL2 as its backend on Windows 10. During installation, select "Use WSL2 instead of Hyper-V" — this works on both Home and Pro editions. ### How much RAM does OpenClaw actually use? OpenClaw itself uses around 200-400MB. However, Docker Desktop and WSL2 together can consume 2-4GB. On a machine with 8GB RAM, expect things to be tight. 16GB is recommended for a comfortable experience. ### Can I run OpenClaw without Docker on Windows 10? Docker is the recommended method for Windows. Running without it requires manual dependency management and is not officially supported. If you want to skip Docker entirely, consider deploying on Ampere.sh instead. ### Is Ampere.sh free? Ampere.sh offers free credits to get started — no credit card required. You can deploy OpenClaw instantly and upgrade later if you need more resources. ### Will OpenClaw work on Windows 11? Yes. Windows 11 has native WSL2 support and the installation process is nearly identical. This guide works for both Windows 10 and 11.