OpenClaw Basics: A Beginner's Guide

Check the runtime

The current getting-started documentation lists Node.js 24.16+ or 26.1+ and recommends Node 26. Check the runtime before changing an existing installation.

node --version
npx openclaw@latest

Open the first session

Use the installer or npm path documented for your host. A persistent Gateway can be installed and checked with:

openclaw gateway install
openclaw gateway status
openclaw dashboard

If setup stops, run openclaw doctor and read the output before reconnecting channels. A detected provider login is a convenience; it does not answer where prompts are processed or what tools the session may use.

Run a bounded first task

1. Create a folder containing non-sensitive text.
2. Ask for a short summary and compare it with the source.
3. Record the provider, model, Gateway host, and expected output.
4. Only then connect a channel or enable a tool.

Keep the getting-started guide, provider reference, and security guide next to your setup notes. They are the current source for commands and access decisions.