Clawdbot Download: Now OpenClaw, Here's Where | OpenClawHQ
Clawdbot Download: It's Now OpenClaw — Here's Where to Get It
There is no separate "Clawdbot" download anymore, because Clawdbot is now called OpenClaw. It's the same open-source AI agent, renamed on January 30, 2026, and it's still free to get. If you searched "clawdbot download" and came up empty, you were looking for a name that no longer exists.
Is a Clawdbot Download Still Available in 2026?
No, not under that name. "Clawdbot" was the original name of the project when it launched in November 2025, and it was retired within three months. The software didn't disappear. It's maintained today as OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent that works inside WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and 20+ other messaging apps.
That's the whole mystery. Old tutorials, YouTube videos, and forum threads still say "Clawdbot," so the name keeps getting searched. It still pulls about 60,500 searches a month, even though the project has used a different name for most of a year.
If you're confused, you're in good company. A tool renamed twice in four days leaves a lot of broken bookmarks behind.
Key Takeaways
- Clawdbot is the original name (November 2025) of today's OpenClaw. It's the same software, not a discontinued product.
- The project was renamed Moltbot on January 27, 2026, then OpenClaw on January 30, 2026, after trademark pressure from Anthropic.
- OpenClaw is free and open source, but installing it yourself takes Node.js 24, a server that stays on, and command-line setup.
- Skip the setup entirely with OpenClawHQ: a managed OpenClaw instance for $49/month flat, with unlimited usage.
When Did Clawdbot Become OpenClaw?
Clawdbot launched in November 2025, became Moltbot on January 27, 2026, and became OpenClaw on January 30, 2026. The whole rename chain took three days. OpenClaw has been the permanent name since, which is why every current download, guide, and community resource uses it.
Here's the full timeline in one place:
| Date | Name | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | Clawdbot | Original launch by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger |
| January 27, 2026 | Moltbot | Quick rename after trademark pressure from Anthropic |
| January 30, 2026 | OpenClaw | Final name, still in use today |
Moltbot lasted just three days, which is why almost nobody remembers it as a real product. Our Clawdbot vs Moltbot breakdown covers that short chapter in detail.
Three dates, three names, one project. Only the last one is still in use.
Why the Name Kept Changing
The first rename wasn't a branding choice. Anthropic raised trademark concerns, and the team moved quickly to a new name rather than argue about it.
Moltbot, though, never felt settled. Three days later the project picked "OpenClaw," a name that kept the claw identity (the red lobster mascot) and added the "open" that reflects its open-source license. That one stuck.
For the longer version, see what Clawdbot is now called or the side-by-side Clawdbot vs OpenClaw comparison.
Reality check: Renaming didn't reset the project. The code, the community, and the GitHub history all carried over, which is why OpenClaw reached 247,000+ GitHub stars by March 2026.
A stylized illustration, not a real screenshot: the starting point today is OpenClaw, not Clawdbot.
Where Do I Download OpenClaw Today?
OpenClaw is distributed as open-source code through its public GitHub repository, not as a one-click app from a website. You install it with Node.js 24 and npm, then run the onboarding wizard (openclaw onboard --install-daemon) to connect your messaging channels. Or you can skip all of that with a managed instance from OpenClawHQ.
Your two real options look like this:
- Self-host it. Free software, but you need a computer or server that runs around the clock, the right Node.js version, and some comfort with a terminal. Our OpenClaw install walkthrough shows what the process actually involves, and the OpenClaw GitHub guide explains how to read the repo.
- Use a managed instance. OpenClawHQ runs OpenClaw for you on dedicated infrastructure. You sign up at openclawhq.io, pick a channel, and follow a guided web setup that takes about 3–7 minutes, with no command line.
Neither option involves the word "Clawdbot." If a page offers one, keep reading the next section.
Beware of Old "Clawdbot Download" Pages
Search results for this keyword are a mix of old tutorials, community posts, and third-party listings, including app-store-style pages that use the Clawdbot name. We can't vouch for any of them, and none of them are the OpenClaw project itself.
Treat them cautiously. Software that asks for your messaging accounts and can act on your behalf deserves a trustworthy source.
A few quick checks before you install anything:
- Does the page say OpenClaw, or only the old name? Old-name-only pages are usually stale.
- Does it point to the project's public repository, or to a file hosted somewhere random?
- Is it asking you to pay for something that's supposed to be free and open source?
Our honest look at whether Clawdbot was overhyped covers what the tool can and can't do, which helps when sorting real guides from recycled ones.
What's the Difference Between Clawdbot, Moltbot, and OpenClaw?
There's no difference in the software. All three names refer to the same open-source AI agent at different points in time: Clawdbot (November 2025), Moltbot (January 27, 2026), and OpenClaw (January 30, 2026). Only "OpenClaw" is current, so any download, docs, or support request should use that name.
If you want the full story on the original name, our Clawdbot pillar page is the place to start.
Get Started with OpenClawHQ
Self-hosting is fine if you enjoy servers. If you just want OpenClaw answering messages, OpenClawHQ gives you a private instance, 100+ skills pre-installed, and unlimited usage for $49/month flat. No Node.js, no API keys, no command line. Our managed vs. self-hosted comparison lays out the trade-offs.
FAQ
Is Clawdbot the same as OpenClaw?
Yes. Clawdbot was the original November 2025 name of the project now called OpenClaw. It briefly became Moltbot on January 27, 2026, then OpenClaw on January 30, 2026. The software, developer, and community carried over unchanged. Only the name is different.
Is OpenClaw free to download?
The OpenClaw software itself is free and open source. Running it yourself still requires a server that stays online, Node.js 24, command-line setup, and your own AI model API costs. OpenClawHQ bundles all of that into one flat $49/month plan with unlimited usage.
Why can't I find a Clawdbot download link?
Because the project dropped that name in January 2026. Search for "OpenClaw" instead and look for the project's public GitHub repository. Pages that still advertise only a "Clawdbot download" are usually outdated, and we can't verify any of them.
Do I need to install OpenClaw myself?
No. You can self-install it, which means Node.js 24, an always-on machine, and a guided terminal setup. Or you can use OpenClawHQ, where a private OpenClaw instance goes live in minutes through a web dashboard, with no installation on your end.