# update

# `openclaw update`

Manage OpenClaw updates across stable, beta, and development channels.

## Overview

The `openclaw update` command manages OpenClaw updates across stable, beta, and development channels. This tool handles version switching while maintaining configuration integrity.

## Key Capabilities

The update system supports multiple installation methods. When switching channels explicitly, OpenClaw also keeps the install method aligned with your chosen channel - dev uses git checkouts, while stable/beta use npm distribution tags.

## Primary Commands

```bash
openclaw update
openclaw update status
openclaw update wizard
openclaw update --channel beta
openclaw update --channel dev
```

## Important Safeguards

The update process includes verification steps:

* For git-based installations, the system requires a clean worktree (no uncommitted changes) before proceeding.
* Downgrades require confirmation because older versions can break configuration.

## Update Workflow Details

For dev channel users, the system performs preflight checks in a temporary workspace and can walk back up to 10 commits to find the newest clean build if the latest version has issues. All update paths conclude with running `openclaw doctor` as a validation step.

## Additional Options

* `--no-restart`: Skip Gateway service restart
* `--json`: Output machine-readable results for automation purposes
