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openclaw - 💡(How to fix) Fix [Bug]: 2026.4.26 release breaks installs with --prefix=~/.local [1 comments, 2 participants]

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openclaw/openclaw#72571•Fetched 2026-04-28 06:34:23
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In prior releases, you could install openclaw with npm install -g --prefix=~/.local openclaw@latest and then run openclaw doctor --fix and within 5 minutes have all node dependencies installed and a working system.

Now, openclaw doctor --fix takes 20 minutes to run and then installs dependencies in the wrong location. It does not honoring the openclaw --prefix=~/.local and assumes a different install location.

Openclaw refuses to run and even running openclaw status starts another 20 minute hopeless dependency install loop again.

Root Cause

In prior releases, you could install openclaw with npm install -g --prefix=~/.local openclaw@latest and then run openclaw doctor --fix and within 5 minutes have all node dependencies installed and a working system.

Now, openclaw doctor --fix takes 20 minutes to run and then installs dependencies in the wrong location. It does not honoring the openclaw --prefix=~/.local and assumes a different install location.

Openclaw refuses to run and even running openclaw status starts another 20 minute hopeless dependency install loop again.

RAW_BUFFERClick to expand / collapse

Bug type

Regression (worked before, now fails)

Beta release blocker

No

Summary

In prior releases, you could install openclaw with npm install -g --prefix=~/.local openclaw@latest and then run openclaw doctor --fix and within 5 minutes have all node dependencies installed and a working system.

Now, openclaw doctor --fix takes 20 minutes to run and then installs dependencies in the wrong location. It does not honoring the openclaw --prefix=~/.local and assumes a different install location.

Openclaw refuses to run and even running openclaw status starts another 20 minute hopeless dependency install loop again.

Steps to reproduce

npm install -g --prefix=~/.local openclaw@latest openclaw doctor --fix openclaw status

Expected behavior

Functioning working openclaw system with node dependencies installed

Actual behavior

Constant failed attempts install dependencies, broken openclaw

OpenClaw version

2026.04.24

Operating system

Linux rhel virtual machine

Install method

Npm -g --prefix=~/.local openclaw@latest

Model

Grok 4.20

Provider / routing chain

Openclaw -> xai

Additional provider/model setup details

No response

Logs, screenshots, and evidence

Impact and severity

Completely breaks system for anyone installing via npm with custom prefix, critical failure

Additional information

No response

extent analysis

TL;DR

The issue can likely be fixed by ensuring that the --prefix option is properly respected by the openclaw doctor --fix command, potentially by modifying the installation or configuration process.

Guidance

  • Verify that the --prefix option is correctly set and respected by checking the installation directory and configuration files.
  • Check the openclaw documentation to see if there are any changes or updates to the --prefix option or the installation process.
  • Consider setting environment variables or configuration files to explicitly specify the installation directory.
  • Test the installation process with a different prefix or installation method to isolate the issue.

Example

No code snippet is provided as the issue is related to the installation process and configuration rather than code.

Notes

The issue seems to be specific to the openclaw version 2026.04.24 and the installation method using npm with a custom prefix. The root cause of the issue is unclear, but it appears to be related to the openclaw doctor --fix command not respecting the --prefix option.

Recommendation

Apply workaround: Modify the installation or configuration process to ensure that the --prefix option is properly respected, as the issue is critical and breaks the system for anyone installing via npm with a custom prefix.

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FAQ

Expected behavior

Functioning working openclaw system with node dependencies installed

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openclaw - 💡(How to fix) Fix [Bug]: 2026.4.26 release breaks installs with --prefix=~/.local [1 comments, 2 participants]