Background & Autostart
nextclaw start starts NextClaw, but it is not the same as host-level long-running management.
This page explains when you need background runtime and autostart, and how the NPM install path enables it explicitly.
When you need it
Consider autostart when:
- you use NextClaw every day
- you want it available after login
- you do not want to restart it manually after reboot
- you have connected channels or automations
NPM install does not register autostart
bash
npm i -g nextclawThis only installs the CLI. It does not silently modify system startup entries.
If you want autostart, install the host-managed entry explicitly.
Enable by platform
Linux user service:
bash
nextclaw service install-systemd --userLinux system service:
bash
sudo nextclaw service install-systemd --systemmacOS:
bash
nextclaw service install-launch-agentWindows:
bash
nextclaw service install-taskCheck status
bash
nextclaw service autostart status
nextclaw service autostart doctorWhen you do not need it
If you are only trying NextClaw or using the local UI occasionally, nextclaw start is enough.