OpenClaw App Falls Short of Promising Future for Windows

Microsoft's OpenClaw companion app for Windows has been touted as a key feature of the OS's future, but testing shows it still has a long way to go.

The app is designed to work with the experimental, open-source AI tool OpenClaw, which allows users to interact with their PC using natural language. However, the setup process quickly becomes technical and requires users to connect an API key and pay per token for most options.

Despite its ease of use during installation, the app's underlying software is still Linux-based and runs via the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), making it clear that OpenClaw is primarily designed for AI enthusiasts and developers familiar with API endpoints and model choices.

The sandbox protection in OpenClaw uses Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) technology to prevent agents from misbehaving, but this comes at the cost of restrictive default settings. Users must manually adjust these settings to allow their agent to access specific folders or tools, making it a complex process for non-technical users.

Testing with the OpenClaw Windows Companion app revealed that even basic tasks, such as deleting files, can be difficult and unpredictable due to the agent's lack of understanding of how OpenClaw works. In contrast, Apple's macOS Golden Gate integrates AI in practical and user-friendly ways, making it a more accessible option for regular users.