OpenClaw .23 Update Causing Agent Issues and Data Loss
OpenClaw .23 Update Problems
The OpenClaw .23 update is causing significant issues for users, with reports of agents becoming completely unusable after installation.
Specific Issues Reported
- Agents stop executing tasks and commands despite claiming to have reviewed documentation files
- Agents get stuck in loops asking for previously configured keywords, even after removal
- Chrome browser relay extension fails to connect
- Running
openclaw doctor ---repairto fix a simple JSON syntax error (a missing "}") can strip the entire .json configuration file - Users report needing to restore from full system backups to recover functionality
Workaround and Warning
The user who reported these issues had backed up their entire Linux system the night before the update and was able to restore from that image. They strongly advise against updating to .23 until these issues are resolved, noting that while some users report web UI problems, their issues were with core agent functionality.
📖 Read the full source: r/openclaw
👀 See Also
OpenClaw 5.4 Adds /steer and /side Commands: Redirect Agent Mid-Task Without Losing Context
OpenClaw 5.4 introduces /steer and /side commands that let you redirect an agent's current task direction or start a side conversation without losing session context.
Anthropic blocks third-party harnesses from Claude subscription limits, workaround available
Anthropic has restricted third-party harnesses from accessing Claude subscription limits, potentially disrupting workflows that rely on these tools. A Reddit user reports developing an open-source workaround after nearly losing months of training data.
Claude Code v2.1.37 Released
Anthropic releases a new version of Claude Code with improvements and bug fixes.
Reddit discussion highlights shift from chatbots to autonomous agents with local execution
A Reddit post distinguishes chatbots from autonomous agents using concrete examples and notes the trend toward local execution with models like LLaMA running on private workstations.