A new version of OpenClaw, the open-source AI agent, is available now. OpenClaw 2.0 was released over the weekend, promising a "simpler setup" and a new browser app. On its website, OpenClaw calls it "by far the largest update in the history of OpenClaw."
The OpenClaw Foundation says that OpenClaw 2.0 was completely crowdsourced with 933 contributors. Of those 933 contributors, 569 of them contributed to the project for the first time.
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Here's what we know about OpenClaw 2.0, including how you can try it for yourself.
What's new with OpenClaw 2.0 #
The new release acknowledges that the original OpenClaw (the AI agent formerly known as Clawdbot, then Moltbot) was more complicated than it needed to be for a first-time users. The update notes say that configurations were moved out of the installation process, simplified, or completely removed in order to make the installation process quick and easy.
The update also includes a completely rebuilt browser in order to simplify OpenClaw. The browser is where users interact with OpenClaw, assign tasks to agents, and track ongoing work and processes.
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OpenClaw 2.0 also introduces Shared Cloud Sessions, a feature labeled as a "multiplayer experience." Shared Cloud Sessions allow a user to bring in team members onto ongoing work, allowing multiple people to come in and take over existing tasks with all of the context still attached.
Other new features in OpenClaw 2.0 include a new search function for previous conversations, live session cards that display task progress in real-time, and an assortment of additional new widgets and dashboard features.
There are a number of major security updates in OpenClaw 2.0 as well, including a new private credential request feature, which allows users to securely share credentials with an agent without exposing them in a chat.
OpenClaw quickly went viral when it was released late last year. The self-hosted, open-source agentic AI platform developed such a cult following that founder Peter Steinberger was quickly hired by OpenAI. OpenClaw is now managed by a nonprofit that's supported by OpenAI.
However, OpenClaw has struggled to maintain its position as other AI platforms rolled out similar agentic AI features that were more easily accessible to non-technical users. Perhaps a simplified setup process in this newest version will help OpenClaw retain its positioning among AI users.
How to try OpenClaw 2.0 #
Since OpenClaw is open-source, developers should have no problem getting it up and running. For less technically-inclined users, you can download OpenClaw 2.0 for Mac or Windows at the OpenClaw website. Simply download the installer and follow the instructions to get started. You can also read all about OpenClaw v2026.8.1 (aka OpenClaw 2.0) in the official release notes.
Be warned — you should understand the cybersecurity risks
of handing your device over to an AI agent before installing or using OpenClaw.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.