- name
- openclaw-updater
- description
- Automatically check for and install OpenClaw updates. Use when the user wants to update OpenClaw to the latest version, schedule automatic updates, or check the current version. Triggers on phrases like "update openclaw", "upgrade openclaw", "check for updates", "auto-update openclaw".
OpenClaw Updater
Automatically check for and install OpenClaw updates with backup and rollback support.
Overview
This skill provides automated OpenClaw update capabilities:
- Check current vs latest version
- Perform safe updates with automatic backups
- Schedule periodic auto-updates via cron
- Dry-run mode to preview updates
Quick Start
Check Current Version
openclaw --versionCheck for Updates (Dry Run)
bash ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/openclaw-updater/scripts/update-openclaw.sh --dry-runPerform Update
bash ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/openclaw-updater/scripts/update-openclaw.shForce Reinstall
bash ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/openclaw-updater/scripts/update-openclaw.sh --forceSetting Up Auto-Updates
Daily Auto-Update via Cron
Add to crontab for daily update checks at 3 AM:
0 3 * * * /bin/bash ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/openclaw-updater/scripts/update-openclaw.sh >> ~/.openclaw/logs/cron-update.log 2>&1Or use OpenClaw's built-in cron:
{
"name": "openclaw-auto-update",
"schedule": { "kind": "cron", "expr": "0 3 * * *" },
"payload": {
"kind": "systemEvent",
"text": "Run OpenClaw auto-updater: bash ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/openclaw-updater/scripts/update-openclaw.sh"
},
"sessionTarget": "main"
}How It Works
- Version Check: Compares installed version against npm registry
- Backup: Creates timestamped backup of config and workspace
- Update: Runs
npm install -g @openclaw/core@latest - Verify: Confirms new version is installed
- Cleanup: Maintains only last 5 backups
Logs and Backups
- Logs:
~/.openclaw/logs/auto-update.log - Backups:
~/.openclaw/backups/openclaw-backup-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.tar.gz
Troubleshooting
Node.js Version Issues
OpenClaw requires Node.js >= 22.16.0. If you see version warnings:
# Check current Node version
node --version
# Update Node.js (using n or nvm)
n install 22.16.0
# or
nvm install 22.16.0 && nvm use 22.16.0Update Fails
- Check logs:
cat ~/.openclaw/logs/auto-update.log - Verify npm permissions:
npm config get prefix - Try with sudo if needed:
sudo npm install -g @openclaw/core@latest
Rollback
If update causes issues, restore from backup:
cd ~
tar -xzf ~/.openclaw/backups/openclaw-backup-YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS.tar.gzScript Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
--dry-run | Check for updates without installing |
--force | Force update even if versions match |
--help | Show usage information |
Resources
scripts/
update-openclaw.sh- Main update script with backup/restore capabilities