Learn how to deploy OpenClaw AI agent locally using Ollama and Kimi K2.5 in under 10 minutes. This comprehensive guide covers installation on Mac and Windows, model configuration, and practical applications including desktop automation and messaging platform integration—completely free.
What Is OpenClaw and How Do You Deploy It Locally?
OpenClaw is an AI agent framework that runs locally using Ollama and large language models like Kimi K2.5. Deployment requires three main steps: installing OpenClaw via command line, configuring Ollama with a compatible AI model (minimum 64k context length recommended), and launching the web interface. Total setup time is approximately 10 minutes on Mac or Windows systems.
Prerequisites: Required Software Installation
Before deploying OpenClaw, install these foundational components:
- js: Download from nodejs.org/en (required for OpenClaw runtime)
- Ollama: Download from ollama.com/download (AI model management platform)
These installations are straightforward and well-documented on their respective websites. Once completed, proceed to OpenClaw deployment.
Step 1: Install OpenClaw (Mac and Windows)
OpenClaw installation varies slightly between operating systems but remains simple for both:
Mac Installation:
Open Terminal and execute:
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash
Windows Installation:
Open PowerShell as Administrator and execute:
iwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Installation Process:
- The installer prompts for configuration preferences—select ‘yes' for default settings
- Default configurations work optimally for most users; avoid unnecessary customization
- Installation completes with success confirmation message
Upon seeing the success screen, Step 1 is complete. The process typically takes 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Configure Ollama Model Service
Model selection critically impacts OpenClaw performance. OpenClaw requires AI models with minimum 64k token context length to handle complex multi-step tasks effectively.
Recommended OpenClaw Models: Comparison Table
| Model | الوصف | Best For |
| kimi-k2.5 | 1T parameters, powerful agent capabilities, top performance across benchmarks | Complex agent tasks |
| qwen3-coder | Optimized for programming tasks and code generation | Development workflows |
| glm-4.7 | Powerful general-purpose model with broad capabilities | General tasks |
| glm-4.7-flash | Balanced performance and speed for everyday use | Quick responses |
| gpt-oss:20b | Good balance between capability and performance | Resource efficiency |
| gpt-oss:120b | Enhanced capabilities and superior performance | Maximum quality |
| minimax-m2.1 | Excellent multilingual processing capabilities | International use |
Recommended: Kimi K2.5
For optimal OpenClaw performance, use Kimi K2.5. This 1-trillion-parameter model delivers exceptional agent capabilities and dominates recent AI benchmarks.
Starting Kimi K2.5 Service:
Execute this command:
ollama run kimi-k2.5:cloud
Troubleshooting 401 Error:
If you encounter ‘Error: 401 Unauthorized,' you need to authenticate with Ollama:
- Visit ollama.com and create a free account
- Log in through the web interface
- Re-run the ollama command—authentication persists automatically
Local vs Cloud Models:
Users with sufficient VRAM (16GB+ recommended) can deploy local models for faster response times. However, cloud models provide excellent performance without hardware requirements, making them ideal for most users.
Step 3: Launch OpenClaw and Configure Skills
With Ollama and Kimi K2.5 running, launch OpenClaw and configure capabilities:
Launch Command:
ollama launch openclaw –config
Configuration Steps:
- Select Kimi K2.5 as the AI model service when prompted
- Install desired skills (plugins that enable specific capabilities)
- Accept default settings unless specific customization needed
- Choose to open OpenClaw in web browser
Important Skills Note:
Installing all available skills takes considerable time. Select only skills relevant to your use cases. Core skills include document processing, web automation, and system integration. Additional skills can be installed later as needed.
Upon completion, your browser automatically opens the OpenClaw interface. Test functionality by sending a simple query. Successful response confirms proper deployment.
Practical Applications: OpenClaw Use Cases
OpenClaw excels in automation scenarios that traditional chatbots cannot handle:
- Desktop Application Control
OpenClaw directly manipulates desktop applications through system commands. Example workflow:
- Command: ‘Open WPS and create a leave request document'
- OpenClaw launches WPS Office application
- Creates new Word document with formatted leave request template
- Works cross-platform (Mac and Windows)
- Messaging Platform Integration (Feishu/Lark)
OpenClaw integrates with workplace messaging platforms, enabling:
- Document search and retrieval from company knowledge bases
- Automated message composition and sending
- Meeting summary generation from chat transcripts
- Task management and reminder creation
Users interact with OpenClaw by @mentioning the bot within Feishu conversations.
- Browser Automation and Research
OpenClaw controls web browsers for automated research tasks:
- Stock market data retrieval and analysis
- Multi-source information comparison and synthesis
- Automated form filling and submission
- Web scraping for competitive intelligence
Deployment Summary and Best Practices
OpenClaw deployment with Ollama and Kimi K2.5 delivers powerful local AI agent capabilities:
Key Advantages:
- Free deployment: No subscription costs or API fees
- Privacy-focused: Data remains local or on trusted cloud infrastructure
- Extensible: Skills system enables custom capability additions
- Cross-platform: Works on Mac and Windows without modification
Optimization Tips:
- Install only necessary skills initially; add more as needs arise
- Use cloud models for convenience; local models for maximum speed
- Monitor VRAM usage if running local models
- Leverage default configurations unless specific requirements exist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does OpenClaw deployment take?
Complete deployment typically takes 10 minutes including OpenClaw installation (2-3 minutes), Ollama model configuration (3-4 minutes), and initial skill setup (3-5 minutes depending on selections).
Is OpenClaw completely free?
Yes. OpenClaw itself is free open-source software. Ollama cloud models provide generous free tier quotas. No subscription fees or API costs are required for basic usage.
What hardware is required for local deployment?
Cloud models require minimal hardware—any Mac or Windows PC with 8GB+ RAM suffices. Local model deployment needs 16GB+ VRAM for optimal performance. Most users should start with cloud models.
Why use Kimi K2.5 over other models?
Kimi K2.5's 1-trillion parameters deliver superior agent capabilities for complex multi-step tasks. Recent benchmark performance significantly exceeds alternatives, making it ideal for OpenClaw's automation requirements.
What if I get a 401 Unauthorized error?
This indicates missing Ollama authentication. Visit ollama.com, create a free account, log in through the web interface, then re-run your command. Authentication persists automatically for future sessions.
Can OpenClaw integrate with workplace tools?
Yes. OpenClaw supports Feishu/Lark integration for workplace automation. Users can enable document search, message automation, and task management within these platforms through bot interactions.
Should I install all available skills?
No. Installing all skills takes considerable time and adds unnecessary complexity. Select only skills relevant to your immediate use cases. Additional skills can be installed later as needs develop.
Does OpenClaw work on both Mac and Windows?
Yes. OpenClaw supports both operating systems with platform-specific installation commands. Core functionality remains identical across platforms, including desktop application control and browser automation.
