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High priorityTested by MilanVerified fix
Node.js Version Error on Start
OpenClaw refuses to start with an error like: 'engine node: wanted >=18.0.0, got 16.x.x' or a similar version mismatch.
Likely Cause
OpenClaw requires a newer Node.js runtime than the system package manager installed by default.
Tags
InstallNode.js
Recovery Steps
- 1Run node --version to confirm your current runtime.
- 2Install nvm from the official install script.
- 3Run nvm install 20 && nvm use 20.
- 4Set your shell profile to use the right version automatically.
- 5Retry openclaw start after reopening the terminal.
Still blocked?
If the steps above do not clear it, review the full fixes index or book direct troubleshooting help.