Running OpenClaw locally means the Gateway and its state live on your computer. Your chosen model may still run at a cloud provider. Local hosting gives you control over the assistant runtime; it does not automatically keep every prompt or tool result off the internet.

This guide focuses on operating a personal assistant on a computer you control. Use the installation guide if the CLI is missing, or the server guide for a machine that should stay online when your laptop is asleep.

Independent guide. Workflow checked against official documentation on October 2, 2026. It is a documentation review rather than a hardware benchmark.

1. Check the runtime and installation

node --version
openclaw --version

Match Node to the current official requirements. The quickstart currently lists Node.js 24.16+ or 26.1+. On Windows, follow the official Windows guide to choose native Windows or WSL2; use the same environment throughout setup.

You do not need PostgreSQL, Redis, a mock API server, or a source-code development environment for an ordinary first run. Add external services only when a documented integration requires them.

2. Complete onboarding

openclaw onboard

Select working model access and follow the guided Gateway setup. A provider error at this stage is easier to resolve before adding channels, plugins, or automation.

OpenClaw's quickstart explains the current flow. Keep your credentials private and record the provider and model selected, so a later account or quota change is easier to diagnose.

3. Choose foreground or background operation

A foreground Gateway is useful for a temporary session and stops when its process exits. For a background installation, stop any foreground Gateway left by onboarding and install the managed service:

openclaw gateway install
openclaw gateway status
openclaw gateway health

Use one owner for the process. Running a manual Gateway alongside a managed service can lead to port conflicts and confusing status output. For foreground options, use openclaw gateway run --help and the Gateway reference.

A background service does not keep a sleeping laptop online. If availability matters, adjust the computer's power settings or choose a server suited to unattended operation.

4. Open the local Control UI

openclaw dashboard

The default address is http://127.0.0.1:18789/, unless you configured another port. Authenticate using your Gateway credentials and send a brief message. Keep the first check simple: an ordinary text reply gives you a baseline before file tools or browser tasks enter the picture.

If the UI opens but the reply fails, look at model access and logs. If the UI does not open, inspect Gateway status and the listener. Those symptoms point to different parts of the system.

5. Confirm the workspace and config

openclaw config file
openclaw config get agents.defaults.workspace
openclaw config validate

The usual runtime file is ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json in JSON5 format. Workspace instructions and memory files are described in the agent workspace docs. Avoid treating an invented openclaw.yaml or a Python client example as the configuration for this Gateway.

Read the configuration guide before editing policies. Keep the first workspace free of personal credentials and production files while you explore tool access.

6. Test one small task

Create a disposable folder and choose a task with an easily checked result, such as drafting a short note. Confirm both the assistant response and the actual file outcome if you allow a write. A model's statement that it created a file is not a substitute for checking that file.

If the agent uses cloud inference, assume relevant task content can be sent to that provider according to the integration. For local inference, follow the official local-model guidance and confirm which endpoint is actually selected.

7. Add channels and automation gradually

Once local chat works, connect one channel and check pairing or allowlists. Our Telegram setup guide and WhatsApp guide cover the operator workflow.

Before leaving recurring work active, review provider spending controls and the OpenClaw cost guide. A task frequency change can matter more than the price of hosting the Gateway.

Local troubleshooting

openclaw status
openclaw doctor
openclaw logs --follow

Check errors while repeating the failing action. Compare the installed version with the documentation, and redact logs before sharing them. See OpenClaw not working for a symptom-based route.

FAQ

Does local OpenClaw require a GPU?

The Gateway can use a cloud model, so local model hardware is a separate choice. A model you host yourself may require substantially more resources than the Gateway.

Can I close the terminal?

Yes, after the managed service is installed and healthy. A foreground process stops when that process or session is terminated.

Does local mean offline?

No. A cloud model, web tool, or messaging channel needs network access. Decide which parts of your task can use external services before sending private data.