# Prerequisites for Running OpenClaw Windows Node: Complete System Requirements Guide

> Discover the system requirements for running OpenClaw Windows Node. Learn about necessary software like Windows 10/11, .NET SDK, and Windows SDK for a smooth installation.

- Repository: [openclaw/openclaw-windows-node](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw-windows-node)
- Tags: getting-started
- Published: 2026-06-06

---

**You need Windows 10 (20H2+) or Windows 11, .NET 10.0 SDK, Windows 10 SDK, and WebView2 Runtime to run OpenClaw Windows Node; Node.js and Git are only required when building from source.**

OpenClaw Windows Node is a native Windows companion application built on WinUI 3 that requires modern system components to operate correctly. Meeting these prerequisites ensures the tray application and CLI utilities launch without runtime errors. This guide details every requirement validated by the `build.ps1` script according to the openclaw/openclaw-windows-node source code.

## Operating System Requirements

OpenClaw Windows Node targets **WinUI 3**, which restricts compatibility to recent Windows builds. The application will not launch on older versions or non-Windows operating systems.

You must run one of the following:

- **Windows 10** version 20H2 or later
- **Windows 11** any version

In `build.ps1` lines 45-48, the script explicitly validates the operating system and aborts execution if it detects a non-Windows environment or an outdated build.

## Required Runtime Components

The following components are mandatory for both pre-built installations and source builds.

### .NET 10.0 SDK

All projects compile against **.NET 10**, and the runtime is required to execute the tray app and CLI utilities. The `build.ps1` script checks for the SDK presence in lines 52-70 and fails with a descriptive error if the correct version is not detected.

You can verify your installation by running:

```bash
dotnet --version

```

### Windows 10 SDK

WinUI 3 components require the **Windows 10 SDK** headers for compilation and certain runtime operations. The build script specifically checks for the SDK folder under `C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Include` (lines 119-127) and warns if the development kit is missing.

### WebView2 Runtime

The embedded chat window relies on the **WebView2 Runtime** to render web content. While modern Windows installations include this component by default, the script verifies its presence in lines 130-146 and directs you to the Microsoft download page if absent.

## Build-Only Prerequisites

The following tools are only necessary when compiling OpenClaw Windows Node from source. If you install using a pre-built MSI or EXE, you can skip these requirements.

### Node.js and npm

The WinUI project executes `npm ci` during the build process to restore the `@microsoft/mxc-sdk` package. The `build.ps1` script validates Node.js availability in lines 96-105, but this check is bypassed when running the compiled binary.

### Git

**Git** is required for GitVersion to read repository metadata during the .NET build process. The script checks that `git` exists on your PATH in lines 78-92.

## Verify Prerequisites with CheckOnly

Rather than checking components manually, run the helper script with the `-CheckOnly` parameter to see all missing items in one operation:

```powershell
.\build.ps1 -CheckOnly

```

This command validates the operating system, .NET SDK, Windows SDK, WebView2, Node.js, and Git without attempting a build.

## Install Components via Winget

Use the Windows Package Manager to install missing prerequisites quickly. Run the following commands in an elevated PowerShell session:

```powershell

# .NET 10 SDK (preview channel)

winget install Microsoft.DotNet.SDK.10

# Windows 10 SDK (required for WinUI development)

winget install Microsoft.WindowsSDK

# WebView2 Runtime (if not present)

winget install Microsoft.WebView2

# Node.js LTS (only for source builds)

winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS

# Git (only for source builds)

winget install Git.Git

```

## Summary

- **Operating System**: Windows 10 (20H2+) or Windows 11 is required for WinUI 3 compatibility.
- **Core Runtime**: You need .NET 10.0 SDK, Windows 10 SDK, and WebView2 Runtime to run the application.
- **Build Dependencies**: Node.js and Git are only necessary when building from source, not for running the installed application.
- **Validation**: Use `.\build.ps1 -CheckOnly` to verify all prerequisites before installation or building.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I run OpenClaw Windows Node on Windows 7 or 8?

No. The application requires WinUI 3, which only runs on Windows 10 version 20H2 or later and Windows 11. The `build.ps1` script explicitly blocks execution on older operating systems at lines 45-48.

### Is .NET 10.0 strictly required, or can I use .NET 8 or 9?

.NET 10.0 is mandatory. All projects in the solution target .NET 10, and the `build.ps1` script specifically checks for this SDK version in lines 52-70. The application will not compile or run with earlier .NET versions.

### Do I need to install Node.js if I downloaded the installer instead of building from source?

No. Node.js and npm are only required for source builds to restore the `@microsoft/mxc-sdk` package during compilation. If you use a pre-built installer, you can skip Node.js entirely.

### How can I check if WebView2 is already installed on my system?

The `build.ps1` script automatically checks for WebView2 in lines 130-146. You can also verify manually by looking for "Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime" in your installed applications list, or by running `.\build.ps1 -CheckOnly` to see a detailed status report.