# How to Set Up OpenClaw on Windows with WSL2 (Complete Guide)

*The easiest way to run OpenClaw on Windows is through WSL2. This step-by-step guide will have you up and running in under 30 minutes.*

## Why WSL2?

OpenClaw runs best on Linux/macOS, but Windows users aren’t left out. WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux 2) gives you a full Linux environment inside Windows — no dual-booting required. It’s Microsoft’s official solution, and it works beautifully with OpenClaw.

## Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you have:
– Windows 10 (version 2004 or higher) or Windows 11
– At least 8GB RAM (16GB recommended)
– Administrator access to your PC

## Step 1: Enable WSL2

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

“`powershell
wsl –install
“`

This single command:
– Enables the WSL feature
– Enables the Virtual Machine Platform
– Downloads and installs Ubuntu (default)
– Sets WSL2 as your default version

**Restart your computer** when prompted.

## Step 2: Set Up Ubuntu

After restarting, Ubuntu will launch automatically. You’ll be asked to:
1. Create a username (lowercase, no spaces)
2. Create a password (you’ll need this for sudo commands)

Once done, update your system:

“`bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
“`

## Step 3: Install Node.js

OpenClaw requires Node.js 18 or higher. Install it using NodeSource:

“`bash
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash –
sudo apt install -y nodejs
“`

Verify the installation:

“`bash
node –version # Should show v20.x.x
npm –version # Should show 10.x.x
“`

## Step 4: Install OpenClaw

Now for the main event:

“`bash
npm install -g openclaw
“`

Verify it’s installed:

“`bash
openclaw –version
“`

## Step 5: Configure OpenClaw

Run the setup wizard:

“`bash
openclaw setup
“`

This will walk you through:
– Adding your Anthropic API key
– Configuring your default model
– Setting up any integrations (Discord, Telegram, etc.)

## Step 6: Start OpenClaw

Launch OpenClaw:

“`bash
openclaw
“`

Or start the gateway for always-on operation:

“`bash
openclaw gateway start
“`

## Pro Tips for Windows Users

### Access Windows Files from WSL

Your Windows drives are mounted under `/mnt/`:
– C: drive → `/mnt/c/`
– D: drive → `/mnt/d/`

Example:
“`bash
cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/Documents
“`

### Use Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is way better than the default console. Install it from the Microsoft Store for:
– Multiple tabs
– Better fonts and colors
– Easy switching between PowerShell, CMD, and WSL

### Set WSL as Default in VS Code

If you use VS Code, install the “WSL” extension. Then you can:
1. Open VS Code
2. Press `Ctrl+Shift+P`
3. Type “WSL: New Window”
4. Work directly in your Linux environment

### Increase WSL Memory (If Needed)

By default, WSL2 can use up to 50% of your RAM. To adjust this, create a file at `C:\Users\YourName\.wslconfig`:

“`ini
[wsl2]
memory=8GB
processors=4
“`

Then restart WSL:
“`powershell
wsl –shutdown
“`

## Troubleshooting

### “WSL 2 requires an update to its kernel component”

Download and install the WSL2 kernel update from Microsoft:
https://aka.ms/wsl2kernel

### “The virtual machine could not be started”

Enable virtualization in your BIOS:
1. Restart and enter BIOS (usually F2, F12, or Del)
2. Find “Virtualization Technology” or “Intel VT-x” / “AMD-V”
3. Enable it and save

### Permission Denied Errors

Make sure you’re not running OpenClaw from a Windows directory. Stay in your Linux home folder:
“`bash
cd ~
openclaw
“`

## What’s Next?

Now that OpenClaw is running, check out:
– [How to Connect OpenClaw to Discord](/discord-setup)
– [Setting Up Voice with ElevenLabs](/voice-setup)
– [Your First OpenClaw Automation](/first-automation)

—

*Need more help? Grab our complete ebook “How to Open Claw for Dummies” — it covers everything from basic setup to advanced automations.*

**[Get the Ebook →](https://howtoopenclawfordummies.com)**