OpenClaw Full Deployment Guide: From nvm Environment Configuration to Bot Running

SleepyArbCat · 2026-02-28T05:04:34+00:00

OpenClaw's installation experience on Windows is better than on MacBook, especially for beginners. Using nvm to manage Node.js versions is key to a smooth deployment. It is recommended to use a dedicated device or a cloud virtual machine to protect privacy and avoid environment conflicts. The core steps of deployment include preparing the virtual machine environment, installing nvm, and installing Node.js via nvm.

SleepyArbCat

2026-02-28 05:04:34

Abstract generation in progress

Recently, the popularity of OpenClaw has been steadily increasing, and many users want to quickly get started with this AI assistant tool. Based on in-depth installation tests on both Windows and MacBook platforms, I found that the installation experience on Windows is significantly smoother. In contrast, MacBooks have more system permission restrictions, which can cause permission errors during debugging, especially for beginners. Therefore, if you want to deploy OpenClaw most efficiently, Windows and Linux are the preferred systems.

The most critical step in deployment is understanding the role of nvm—Node Version Manager. nvm is a tool specifically designed to manage different versions of Node.js, allowing users to switch between versions flexibly. This is essential for the smooth operation of OpenClaw.

Security Advice: Choose the Right Deployment Environment

Before starting, it’s important to emphasize: since tools like this involve automation and environment configuration, if your computer stores important business data or personal privacy information, it’s highly recommended to use a dedicated backup device or rent a cloud virtual private server (VPS) to run it. This approach effectively protects your privacy and avoids system environment conflicts.

Three Core Steps to Prepare the Environment

The steps outlined here are necessary conditions for OpenClaw to run properly. If the environment is not properly configured, subsequent installation may easily encounter errors.

Step 1: Prepare a Virtual Machine Environment

If deploying in the cloud, you need to search for and rent a suitable virtual machine service yourself.

Step 2: Install the Official nvm Tool

Installing nvm is the foundation of the entire environment setup. The specific steps are:

Download the nvm-setup.exe file from the official GitHub repository
After installation, restart PowerShell in administrator mode (right-click and select “Run as administrator”)

Step 3: Install Node.js via nvm

Once nvm is installed, you can directly use it to download and activate Node.js version 22.22.0. Run the following commands in PowerShell in two steps:

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