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How OpenClaw Updates Work

Understanding how and when updates are applied to your hosted OpenClaw environment on Molten.Bot.

OpenClaw updates are applied automatically to ensure you always have the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. This article explains how the update process works and what to expect.

OpenClaw update settings showing the reboot-based update flow in Molten.Bot.
OpenClaw updates are delivered through a controlled reboot process.

How Updates Are Applied

When a new OpenClaw version is released, we don't push it to your environment immediately. Instead, updates are applied through a controlled reboot process in our secure, isolated environment.

This means:

  • Each update requires a restart — Your environment is rebuilt with the new version when updates are applied.
  • Thorough testing happens first — We validate new versions in our staging environment before they reach production.
  • You get stable, verified releases — By waiting for testing completion, we ensure you receive reliable versions.

Why Updates Through Reboot?

Reboot-based updates provide several key benefits:

  1. Clean state — A fresh environment eliminates potential conflicts from old code or cached state.
  2. Reliability verification — The reboot process confirms all components start correctly with the new version.
  3. Rollback capability — If issues are detected, we can quickly revert to the previous version.
  4. Security isolation — Each environment runs in its own secure container, protecting your data during the update.

Update Timing

Our automated update process typically keeps your environment within 8 hours of the latest OpenClaw release. This means:

  • Minor updates (bug fixes, small improvements) usually arrive within a few hours.
  • Major feature releases may take closer to 8 hours to ensure thorough validation.
  • Critical security patches are prioritized and can be pushed faster when needed.

What Happens During an Update

When your environment updates:

  1. Notification — You'll see a brief indication that the environment is restarting.
  2. Reboot — The container is stopped and restarted with the new OpenClaw version.
  3. Initialization — Your agent wakes up with the new version, maintaining its memory and state.
  4. Ready — Your assistant continues operating as normal, now with the latest improvements.

Your agent's memory and state are preserved across the reboot — you won't lose any context or learned information.

Staying Informed

To stay up to date with OpenClaw releases:

Summary

  • Updates are applied through automated reboots in a secure, isolated environment
  • Your environment typically receives updates within 8 hours of a new release
  • Testing happens before updates reach your environment, ensuring stability
  • Memory and state are preserved across updates
  • The process is fully automated — no action required from you

Need more details? Check out our other knowledge base articles or ask in the OpenClaw community.